Pentucket Regional Middle School
22 Main Street, West Newbury, Massachusetts 01985
(978)363-2957
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Primary SourcesA PRIMARY SOURCE is a source of information in its original form. These are actual records that have survived from the past such as letters, photographs, and articles of clothing.
A SECONDARY SOURCE is one that interprets, evaluates, or describes a Primary Source. Your history book is a secondary source, although it may include some primary sources, such as direct quotes from people living in the past or photographs.
| Types of Primary Sources | |
| Published Documents | Books, magazines, newspapers, government documents, literature of all kinds, advertisements, maps, posters |
| Unpublished Documents | Personal letters, diaries, journals, wills, deeds, family bibles |
| Oral Traditions/Histories | Spoken stories before the printed documents, tales |
| Visual Documents | Photographs, films, paintings, sculptures, cartoons |
| Artifacts | Tools, clothing, furniture, cooking utensils, toys, machines |
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The following sites contain excellent collections of primary source materials. |
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American Memory...Sponsored by the Library of Congress, this collection contains over 7 million digitized items from over 100 historical collections. Learning Page contains lessons, templates, activates and resources. |
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America's Story from America's Library - Jump Back in time...From the Library of Congress, this site was designed especially with young people in mind. Includes great resources from the colonial period to the present. |
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National Archives...Documents, posters, films and more from American History. Digital Classroom, Primary Sources and Activities linked to National Standards, Document analysis worksheets, Digital Classroom. To see the voting record of the Constitutional Convention, click here |
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George Washington in Massachusetts: Letters from the Archives...From the Massachusetts Archives, this site contains transcripts of Washington's letters, interesting facts about Washington, and a George Washington curriculum. |
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Massachusetts Archives...The Massachusetts Archives holds the official records created by Massachusetts state government. Holdings are organized by agency and date from 1629 to the present. Exhibits, resources, researching family history, lesson plans. |
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National Park Service...The Links to the Past features a Revolutionary War Museum Exhibit. Explore America's Past, Tools for Learning, Lesson plans integrating historic places. |
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Maryland Historical Society...Digitized collections of photographs and online exhibits, including maps. |
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Gravestone Studies...Provided for the newcomer to gravestone studies. The FAQ section offers answers to basic questions about gravemarkers, such as, "Gravestone Rubbing Do's and Don'ts", "Tools and Materials for Gravestone Cleaning Projects", and "Symbolism on Gravemarkers". |
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Massachusetts Cemetery Directory...Organized by county and includes maps. |
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History and Politics OUT LOUD...Searchable archives of politically significant audio materials. Listen to former Presidents and political leaders in their own voices! |
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The New York Times Learning Page...Daily lessons using photographs from the newspaper, lesson plans, online crossword puzzles, and more. |