A primary source is first hand evidence. It was there at the time of an event. It is contemporary to the period being studied. Examples of primary sources are: • Speeches • Letters • Songs • Legislation • Court decisions • Journals/diaries • Interviews • Artifacts • Autobiographies • Photographs • Paintings
Gather the information you have about your topic and consider what you still need to know before you start researching, including:
• Dates • Places • Names of persons involved • Names of organizations, government agencies, societies, etc.