Primary Sources

Digital primary sources are now available in abundance to teachers and students through the Library of Congress Web site and many other library and museum Web sites. This yellow folder provides links to examples of digital historical sources used by teachers of all subjects in grades K through 12. Digital historical sources is a term used to include the wealth of both primary and secondary sources that may be used to promote learning.

Learn more about Learning with Digital Historical Sources (both Primary and Secondary Sources):

• When is a source a primary versus a secondary source?
• Why do primary sources offer unique inquiry-based learning opportunities?
• Where do teachers use historical sources within the established curriculum? (this link should either hide and show the following page or link to the following page)
• How do teachers use digital historical sources during instruction?
• Who uses historical sources as a routine in their profession?

• What types of primary sources are available in this collection?

  Play a video clip to learn more about primary sources (Duration 2:35)

  Credit: Primary Sources: The Adventure of the American Mind. Fairfax County School Board
  (2006). Retrieved August 27, 2007, from http://www.unitedstreaming.com/. Visit http://www.fcps.edu/fairfaxnetwork/primary_sources/ for complete two-part video series.