What is a "primary source"?

A primary source is defined as an original document or firsthand account that provides direct evidence about a particular time, event, or individual. This can include diaries, letters, photographs, official records, interviews, or artifacts created during the period in question. Because primary sources are created by individuals who experienced or witnessed an event firsthand, they offer invaluable insights into historical contexts, personal experiences, and the societal conditions of the time.

In contrast, summaries or descriptions of historical accounts, analyses, and textbooks represent secondary sources. These works interpret or analyze events or information gathered from primary sources and can provide useful context and scholarly insights but do not offer the direct experiences or original content that primary sources do. Thus, identifying a primary source is essential for understanding the first-hand perspectives that shape the narrative of history.