LibGuides: U.S. History: Home

U.S. History Primary Sources

This guide is a gateway to primary sources relating to United States history. Resources are grouped by time period, theme, and demographic groups. Resources may be listed in multiple relevant areas. The list is not exhaustive, however, and using the search techniques listed on the main primary source research guide can help you find even more valuable resouces.

Secondary Source Databases

America: History & Life This link opens in a new window
Peer-reviewed articles, non-scholarly articles, and book reviews on the history of the U.S. and Canada from 1493.
JSTOR This link opens in a new window
Peer-reviewed articles across the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, as well as select ebooks and other materials.

Primary Sources

Library of Congress American Memory Project
Written and spoken words, sound recordings, still and moving images, prints, maps, and sheet music that document the American experience.
National Archives and Records Administration
Investigative journalism center, research institute on international affairs, library and archive of declassified U.S. documents.
Digital Public Library of America
A vast project that works with many cultural heritage institutions to bring together the riches of America’s libraries, archives, and museums, freely available to the world. It strives to contain the full breadth of human expression, from the written word, to works of art and culture, to records of America’s heritage, to the efforts and data of science. The portal provides innovative ways to search and scan through the united collection of millions of items, including by timeline, map, virtual bookshelf, format, subject, and partner.
Calisphere
Calisphere provides free access to unique and historically important artifacts for research, teaching, and curious exploration. Discover over 750,000 photographs, documents, letters, artwork, diaries, oral histories, films, advertisements, musical recordings, and more.