Primary and Secondary Sources First-Hand versus Second-Hand Information

How Do We Know Something Really Happened? History, like a lot of life, is matter of taking some things on faith. History, like a lot of life, is matter of taking some things on faith. For example, we have all heard of George Washington, but how do YOU KNOW he really existed? For example, we have all heard of George Washington, but how do YOU KNOW he really existed? None of us in this room doubts that he did exist, but how do we know? None of us in this room doubts that he did exist, but how do we know? Prove it! Right now! Beyond a shadow of a doubt! I dare you! Prove it! Right now! Beyond a shadow of a doubt! I dare you!

Primary Sources: First-Hand Information We know he existed because there were witnesses who saw him, talked with him, fought along side him. We know he existed because there were witnesses who saw him, talked with him, fought along side him. But, over 200 years later, we still rely on those witnesses to believe in him. But, over 200 years later, we still rely on those witnesses to believe in him. But…where are they? Not here! So, what good are they? But…where are they? Not here! So, what good are they? Well, they left us information about him. Well, they left us information about him.

Primary Source A Primary Source is some type of evidence of a person or event that was actually produced/made by someone who was ACTUALLY THERE. A Primary Source is some type of evidence of a person or event that was actually produced/made by someone who was ACTUALLY THERE. They either PERSONALLY saw it, heard it, felt it, tasted it,… you get the point. That person was actually there. They either PERSONALLY saw it, heard it, felt it, tasted it,… you get the point. That person was actually there.

Examples A personal letter about a witnessed event A personal letter about a witnessed event A journal or diary with entries about an even that person experienced or witnessed. A journal or diary with entries about an even that person experienced or witnessed. A photograph A photograph A recording A recording A video A video An artifact An artifact Autobiographies Autobiographies Official records Official records Speeches Speeches Manuscripts Manuscripts Interviews Interviews

Secondary Source A secondary source is a something that is a reference to a primary source. A secondary source is a something that is a reference to a primary source. It interprets or analyzes the primary source. It interprets or analyzes the primary source. Its purpose is to explain or clarify the primary source in some way. Its purpose is to explain or clarify the primary source in some way. It is produced by someone who WAS NOT PRESENT at the actual event. It is produced by someone who WAS NOT PRESENT at the actual event.

Examples A journal or magazine about a historical event. ( Written by a person who READ about it) A journal or magazine about a historical event. ( Written by a person who READ about it) A history textbook. A history textbook. An oral story from someone who heard it from someone else. An oral story from someone who heard it from someone else. Biography Biography

Can You Tell What It Is??? On the next slides, you will see various types of resources. On the next slides, you will see various types of resources. Using what you have learned about the differences between and types of Primary and Secondary sources, try to determine which each is. Using what you have learned about the differences between and types of Primary and Secondary sources, try to determine which each is. Ready? Ready?

Are you Sure???

Go! Psych!

Ok. For Real Now!

A letter from George Washington to his wife, Martha, discussing how hard the war has been on his troops. Primary Primary Cool! Cool!

The life story of George Washington written by Phineas and Ferb. Secondary Secondary Yes. They are really smart, but they clearly weren’t there at the time George Washington lived. Yes. They are really smart, but they clearly weren’t there at the time George Washington lived. Ok, ok. I know they can build a time machine, but you get the point. Ok, ok. I know they can build a time machine, but you get the point.

A report of the number of troops at Valley Forge written by a Captain in charge of supplies in General Washington’s army. Primary. He has direct, personal knowledge of the people in the army there at that time. Primary. He has direct, personal knowledge of the people in the army there at that time.

A story of the Battle of Valley Forge written by the great, great grandson of George Washington using George Washington’s own personal diary of the events of that battle. Secondary. Remember, the source-the story-is BASED on a primary document, but it in and of itself, is not. Secondary. Remember, the source-the story-is BASED on a primary document, but it in and of itself, is not.

Congratulations! You have now become a “source expert”. You have now become a “source expert”. Go forth and be documented! Go forth and be documented!