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Definition of Primary Source

The past can be told to us in many different ways. We watch movies, television, programs, and read books, which tell us about specific events in the past. In the classroom, teachers give us information and explain to us how people have lived throughout history.

These ways of learning about history are called secondary sources. They are called secondary sources because people living after the event in history are telling about the event from information they have studied. However, wouldn't it be great if the people who lived through the events of history could tell us about it themselves? That is usually not possible because they are no longer alive to talk to us. There is another way for them to talk to us...that way is through primary sources.

Primary sources are diaries, journals, official documents, artifacts, letters, and many other types of historical objects. They are called primary sources because they were written, used, or owned by the people who actually lived during a specific time period and actually made history. The observations made by students give factual information about a historical event. Reading and examining primary sources can provide a very clear picture of the United States and Ohio, in the past.

For example, three documents of importance to both American history and Ohio history are the Northwest Ordinance, the United States Constitution, and the Emancipation Proclamation. The Northwest Ordinance not only became the blueprint to Ohio becoming a territory and state, it also provides insight into the thinking of the Founding Fathers at the Constitutional Convention. The Emancipation Proclamation was the first step to the elimination of slavery in the United States. For many Ohioans, this step was a celebration of success for the struggle to end slavery through dedicated efforts like the Underground Railroad.

The use of primary sources in the classroom provides students with a first-hand, eyewitness account of the people, places, and events of history. Many primary sources can be located in the Ohio Historical Society's Library and State Archives.