Types of Historical Sources

Primary historical sources are firsthand accounts or records created during the time period being studied. In this case, a letter written by a soldier during the American Revolution would be considered a primary source.

Government documents, such as laws and treaties, are considered primary sources because they were created during the time period being studied and provide firsthand information about historical events.

Secondary historical sources are works that interpret or analyze primary sources. In this case, a book written in the 19th century about the American Revolution would be considered a secondary source because it is based on primary sources and provides an interpretation of those sources.

Personal accounts, such as diaries and memoirs, are considered primary sources because they provide firsthand information about the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of individuals who lived during the time period being studied.

Tertiary historical sources are works that summarize or synthesize information from primary and secondary sources. In this case, a textbook written in the 21st century about the American Revolution would be considered a tertiary source because it is based on both primary and secondary sources and provides a general overview of the topic.

Physical objects, such as tools, weapons, and pieces of clothing, are considered artifacts. Artifacts can provide valuable information about the culture and technology of the time period being studied.

Oral historical sources are recordings of interviews with people who have firsthand knowledge of historical events. In this case, an interview with a person who lived during the American Revolution would be considered an oral historical source.

Visual representations, such as paintings, photographs, and maps, can be considered primary sources if they were created during the time period being studied and provide firsthand information about historical events.

Statistical historical sources are records that contain numerical data. In this case, a census record from the 18th century would be considered a statistical historical source because it provides numerical information about the population of a particular area at a specific point in time.

Written records, such as letters, diaries, and newspaper articles, can be considered primary sources if they were created during the time period being studied and provide firsthand information about historical events.

Archaeological historical sources are the physical remains of past human activity. In this case, remains of a building from the 18th century would be considered an archaeological historical source because they provide information about the culture and technology of the time period being studied.

Recordings of speeches or events can be considered primary sources if they were created during the time period being studied and provide firsthand information about historical events.

Numismatic historical sources are coins, tokens, and medals. In this case, a coin from the 18th century would be considered a numismatic historical source because it provides information about the economy and culture of the time period being studied.

Collections of laws or regulations can be considered primary sources if they were created during the time period being studied and provide firsthand information about the legal system and governance of the time.

Epigraphic historical sources are inscriptions on stone or metal objects. In this case, an inscription on a stone or metal object from the 18th century would be considered an epigraphic historical source because it provides information about the culture and history of the time period being studied.