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Boston History: Research - Library Databases

Resources for studying Boston History, including primary sources, secondary sources, maps.


Boston's Old State House


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Primary Sources

What is a primary source?

Primary sources were either created during the time period being studied (documents, newspaper articles, letters, speeches, fiction), or were created at a later date by a participant in the events being studied (memoirs) and they reflect the individual viewpoint of a participant or observer. Primary sources enable the researcher to get as close as possible to what actually happened during an historical event or time period.

"I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited powers into the hands of the Husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could." Abigail Adams to her husband, 1776.

Journal and Newspaper Databases

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