Primary source material can include letters, diaries, maps, and songs.

Secondary sources can be created decades or even centuries after a historical event.

The creator of a secondary source usually lived through the historical event and has firsthand knowledge of it.

The purpose of a secondary source is to help build the story of your research from multiple perspectives and to give your research historical context.

A newspaper article written during a historical event can be considered a primary source.

An encyclopedia entry about World War II is an example of a primary source.

A personal interview with a World War II veteran is a primary source.

A research paper analyzing multiple sources about the Philippine Revolution is a secondary source.

A textbook explaining the causes of the French Revolution is considered a primary source.

A history book describing the Battle of Mactan.

A personal diary written by a soldier during World War II.

A live interview with a scientist discussing a recent discovery.

A documentary about the life of Dr. Jose Rizal.

A letter written by Andres Bonifacio to Emilio Jacinto.

A textbook explaining the events of the Philippine Revolution.

A newspaper article analyzing the impact of Typhoon Yolanda.

A recorded speech by former President Corazon Aquino.

A magazine article summarizing the achievements of President Ramon Magsaysay.

A biography of Gabriela Silang written by a historian.