Primary vs. Secondary Sources

Summary

This educational video script introduces primary and secondary sources in historical research. Primary sources are firsthand materials, such as notes, letters, and photos, created during or by participants of an event. Secondary sources are created later, often based on primary sources. Examples illustrate the difference, emphasizing the importance of originality and firsthand experience in primary sources, and the role of secondary sources in providing later analysis and interpretation.

Takeaways

• 📚 Primary sources are firsthand materials connected to a historical event, created during the time or by someone who participated firsthand.
• 👤 Examples of primary sources include notes, letters, and photos documenting an individual's firsthand experiences with historical events, such as Matthew Little's experiences at the March on Washington.
• 🗣️ Oral history interviews, like the one with Nellie Stone Johnson, are considered primary sources even if recorded after the event, due to the participant's firsthand involvement.
• 📰 Primary sources can be original items or copies; both are considered primary as long as they document firsthand experiences or are from the time of the event.
• 📚 Secondary sources are materials created after a historical event, such as articles or books written about the event or individuals involved at a later time.
• 🔍 Secondary sources often rely on primary sources for their information, which can be identified through footnotes or bibliographies.
• 📰 A photocopy of a newspaper from the time of a historical event, like the Minneapolis Spokesman from April 1968, is a primary source despite being a reproduction.
• 📚 A book about the civil rights movement written by a history professor after the event, such as one published in 1990, is a secondary source.
• 🏢 A book of letters by a firsthand participant, like Jackie Robinson, even if published years later, contains primary sources due to the content being original writings from the individual.
• 📚 The distinction between primary and secondary sources is based on their origin relative to the event and the firsthand experience of the creator, not the publication date.
• 👩‍🏫 For assistance in researching and understanding primary and secondary sources, librarians can be a valuable resource, with contact information available at www.mnhs.org/library.

Q & A

What are primary sources in the context of historical research?

Primary sources are materials that are firsthand, created during the time of a historical event or by someone who participated firsthand. They document the direct experiences of individuals involved in the event.

Can you provide an example of a primary source related to the civil rights movement in Minnesota?

An example of a primary source is the notes, letters, and photos written and taken by Matthew Little, a Minneapolis civil rights activist who attended the March on Washington in 1963 and heard Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' speech.

What makes an oral history interview a primary source, even if recorded after the event?

An oral history interview is considered a primary source if the interviewee was directly involved in the historical event, as their account provides firsthand experience and perspective.

Why does it not matter if you are looking at the original primary source or a copy?

Both the original and copies of primary sources are considered primary sources because they document firsthand experiences, regardless of the format in which they are viewed.

What is the definition of secondary sources in historical research?

Secondary sources are materials created after a historical event, often by individuals who did not directly participate in the event, and they analyze or interpret primary sources.

How can one identify secondary sources in their research?

Secondary sources can be identified by checking the date of creation, which is typically after the event being researched, and by looking at the footnotes or bibliography to see what primary sources were used.

What is the significance of understanding the difference between primary and secondary sources?

Understanding the difference helps researchers to evaluate the reliability and perspective of the information, as primary sources provide direct evidence while secondary sources offer analysis and interpretation.

How can a photocopy of a historical newspaper be considered a primary source?

A photocopy of a historical newspaper is a primary source if it is from the time of the event being researched, as it provides documentation of the contemporary perspective on the event.

Is a book written about the civil rights movement by a history professor and published after the movement considered a primary or secondary source?

It is considered a secondary source because it was written after the event by someone who was not a firsthand participant.

Can a book of letters written by a participant in a historical event, published long after the event, still be a primary source?

Yes, a book of letters written by a participant and published later can still be a primary source because it contains firsthand accounts and experiences of the event.

What advice does the script give for those who need help with their research?

The script suggests asking a librarian for help, which can be done through calling, emailing, or asking questions in person, and also provides a website for more information.