Written Documents as Primary Sources
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Written Documents as Primary Sources
Primary source documents can encompass all formats of the written word. They can include letters, diaries, newspapers, speeches, interviews, memoirs, and government documents. They can be in the original form (usually located in the library's special collections departments) or in printed form. What binds them together is that they were created at or near the event discussed or by someone with direct personal knowledge of the events concerned. |
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Letters are often used as a primary resource by researchers because they offer intimate accounts of historical events by participants. Prior to the widespread use of email, letters were a principal means of communication. Scholars interested in examining the historical background of the early U.S. government have used the published collections of letters by significant historical figures, such as Thomas Jefferson. The letters of lesser known people, such as collected letters of civil war veterans, have been used by social historians as a way to attempt to understand how national issues affect people in a personal way. |
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Diaries have a function similar to letters. They are often cited to demonstrate the non-public opinions of people and assist in giving added insight to historical figures and historical events. |
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Newspaper articles, often referred to as the first rough draft of history, can be used to examine how events were immediately translated to the public since they are usually based on a combination of interviews and first hand accounts. |
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Speeches are also an important source of primary information. Periodicals such as Vital Speeches of the Day can help explain how national and international issues are articulated to the public. In the nineteenth century, and to a lesser extent today, newspapers would regularly publish the full text of speeches by prominent national leaders. |
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Interviews, often contained in periodicals, newspapers, and monographs, are another important primary source. They offer the interviewee the opportunity to directly address his/her opinions on events and ideas. For example, after the event interviews with diplomats and statesmen can provide revealing insights into international affairs. |
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Memoirs are another important primary source. Many people, especially those who are well known and/or are involved in national and international events write their memoirs after their active participation is complete. Thus, memoirs provide an important source for detailed background information concerning past events. |
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Finally, government resources are an important source of primary material. The sources can include government statistics, survey, congressional debates and testimony, in addition to national laws and international treaties. |
