Finding quality primary sources... Primary sources form the cornerstone of any historical investigation, offering firsthand accounts from the time period you’re studying. These original documents bring you as close as possible to the historical events without interpretation by others. When searching for primary sources:
Look for these valuable materials:
Original documents (diaries, letters, speeches, government records)
Photographs and artifacts from the period
Interviews with participants or witnesses
Newspaper articles published during the event
A compilation of more than 420,000 primary source documents, complete books, and authentic images across a variety of subject areas.
Includes links to primary sources (by topic) from Sam Houston State University
Selecting strong secondary sources... Secondary sources provide interpretation and analysis of historical events based on primary evidence. These materials help you understand different historical perspectives and the scholarly debate surrounding your topic.
When selecting secondary sources, prioritize:
Books and journal articles by established historians
Academic publications and scholarly works
Documentaries by reputable producers
Avoid using non-academic internet sources unless they’re from established historical institutions. Secondary sources should add depth to your historiographical debate and offer various perspectives on your topic.
This database focuses on history. Register with your school Google account to access 100 free articles!
Click on the link that says PDF to the right of your search results to access article. Look at Related Results for more ideas.
College-level database with thousands of scholarly publications across all academic disciplines.
Use this to request articles from Minnesota college and university collections (emailed to you).
Library barcode: 22091600 + student ID
Password: Your birthday (MM/DD/YYYY)
*For a complete list of academic databases, visit the HPSH Library Research Databases page.
See what books are available in the Highland Senior library.
Request books from the public library (these can be delivered to your closest branch).
Library barcode: 22091600 + student ID
Password: Your birthday (MM/DD/YYYY)
Use this to request books from Minnesota college and university collections (delivered to your local public library branch).
Library barcode: 22091600 + student ID
Password: Your birthday (MM/DD/YYYY)