Primary sources provide first-hand testimony or direct evidence about a topic or question under investigation.
They are typically created by witnesses or recorders who experienced the events or conditions being documented. Primary sources are often created at the time the events or conditions are occurring, but they can also include autobiographies, memoirs, and oral histories recorded later.
Cowles Library subscribes to a number of useful primary source collections (and we even have some of our own!)
Combines Gale databases into one searchable environment. Also provides features such as term clusters, term frequency and popularity, detailed subject indexing, annotation and tagging features, along with an easier and more dynamic search.
Collection of historical documents allows you to browse and search HarpWeek's collection of 19th century journals.
Archive of primary sources that track the development of the modern, western world through the lens of trade and wealth from 1450-1914.
Newspapers, television and radio news transcripts.
Full-text including scanned digital images of the New York Times, 1851-2020
These archives explore the ‘long’ nineteenth century’s diplomatic interactions, evolving education system, religious reform and social revolutions, and more, all while capturing the human experience through the unique intersections of gender, race, and socio-economic status.
The Letters of Charles Dickens, (1820-1870) 2nd edition.
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| Primary Sources | Secondary Sources | |
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| Primary Source | Secondary Source | |
| Literature | “Song of Myself” (Poem) | Journal article about the poem’s historical importance |
| Psychology | Results of clinical trial to treat ADD by modifying diet | Book about ways to treat childhood ADD without drugs |
| Government | U.S. Census Statistics | Book about suburban population changes in U.S. |
| History | Text of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech | Journal article about King's role in the Civil Rights Movement |
| Art | Ding Darling cartoons | Magazine article about political cartoonists of the 20th century |
| Sociology | Diary of Anne Frank | Book contrasting personal accounts of the German occupation |
