Onward Odyssey ENGL 100: A Sense of Place (Fall 2024) : Primary Sources
Primary Sources
Primary sources are original documents that give first-hand information on a topic, and provide valuable perspective on historical and local research topics. Primary sources include:
- historical newspapers
- oral histories
- city plans and documents
Newspaper
Newspaper articles can provide information about a major event at a location, the opening or unveiling of a landmark, or a history of a location/landmark. They may include quotations from local residents or city officials about the location.
Newspaper articles can be primary or secondary sources. If the article is reporting on a current event, it is a primary source. If it provides an analysis of events that happened in the past, it is a secondary source.
Archival Sources
- Archival SourcesFind both local, national, and international archival materials.
- Government DocumentsKey primary sources for historical arguments.
- Living History Project (Madison Public Library)"The Living History Project(link is external) is a community history initiative that focuses on gathering and preserving stories from Madison's recent past through audio story gatherings and longer history interviews."
- Recollection Wisconsin"Discover photos, maps, books, artifacts, oral histories and more from dozens of Wisconsin communities."
- UW ArchivesThe official repository for all UW-Madison, UW-System Administration, UW-Extension and UW Colleges records appraised to have permanent or archival value.
- Wisconsin Historical Society"From Ashland to Wisconsin Dells, research your community's history in our collections or connect with local historical societies and historic sites near you."