FAQ: What is a primary source?

Primary Sources consist of original materials--a first-hand account of something. This information has not been filtered through interpretation. Examples of primary sources include:

• an original journal or diary
• a novel, poem or play
• original notes from an experiment or original research
• an original letter
• a piece of artwork or furniture, musical score, or theatrical performance

You may also want to consider:

• Where can I find primary sources?
• What is the difference between primary and secondary sources?
• What are good sources for history?