Primary sources may be defined as uninterpreted sources of information, material that is contemporary to the event that is being described. As with all historical material, we must consider primary sources in the context of who produced them, when, how, and why. As we study them we must appraise the author's reliability, background, and point of view. Most significantly, original documents need to be examined within the historical context of time and place. Primary sources offer a direct connection to the voices and events of the past.
Primary sources personalize history.
The details of past lives and events become real and enthralling for students. As educators we must teach students to work carefully with primary sources, to avoid generalizing, and to be certain that they draw conclusions that relate directly to the facts. By piecing together historical evidence as scholars do and making thoughtful, well-supported judgments, students can participate firsthand in the historical process, making meaning for themselves. The Maryland Gazette was a weekly newspaper published in Annapolis. These pages were chosen because they mention Anthony Beck, Stephen West, Junior or James Dick.