Search Tips

Many archives keep the original labels that were given to sources when they were collected so that, later, researchers can use that information as a clue for understanding those sources. This can be a challenge for someone searching those sources today because people at the time may have used different words to describe people and places than we might use now.

Students should think about the terms people might have used during the period they are studying. Some of those terms may even be unacceptable today. For example, if they want to know about the experiences of Black Americans throughout the twentieth century, they might need to search with terms like African American, Colored, or Negro, depending on the words that might have been used at the time the source was created.

This is a great time to introduce the need for context:

  • What was the world like when these documents were made?

  • Did people communicate only in letters?

  • If so, would the letter writer have first-hand knowledge of the event they are describing?


It is often useful to have a discussion with your class about what these clues tell us. They might be a signal about the writer’s political beliefs or perspective in society. Asking students to consider why a term has changed over time can also help them develop strong historical thinking skills.

  • You might ask them to think of a list of 3-4 search terms they would use today to find their desired information. Then they might think about how people would have expressed those same ideas during the time they are studying. Some may be the same terms that we use today, and some may not.

  • If they are not getting useful results, they might also try taking an alternative path. For example, if they are searching for the term “civil rights” and not getting the results they want, they might search for specific people involved in the Civil Rights Movement or for places and dates of notable demonstrations.


Remember, the past is a big topic, so primary source research can be a bit like a puzzle. Researchers might hit a few dead ends, but that will only help them ask better questions!