1. Sourcing Turn to your neighbor and discuss what you think “Sourcing” is?

2. What is Sourcing? Sourcing is when we look at a document or source to examine its origins to help us make sense of it. When Sourcing a document some questions you want to ask are: – Who created the source? – When was the source created? – Why was the source created? – What was the motivation of the creator? – For what audience was the source created? – Where and how was the source disseminated? – What can this information tell us about the source?

3. Write the following questions on a piece of paper 1.Who created this painting? 2.When was the painting created? 3.Why do you think the painting was created? 4.Who was the audience for this painting? 5.Who was able to view this painting?

4. “The First Thanksgiving,” oil painting, J.L.G. Ferris, 1932 Ferris was an American painter who became known for painting scenes from America’s history. He allowed publishing companies to reproduce his paintings on postcards and calendars, so his work was viewed widely.

5. Write the following questions on a piece of paper 1.Who wrote this letter? 2.When was this letter written? 3.Why do you think this letter was written? 4.Who was the audience for this letter? 5.Why might a historian not think that Joseph F. Green’s letter reflects the morale of the entire Union Army?

6. Letter from Joseph F. Green, Union Soldier in the Civil War, to his friend Julia Reynolds, January 2, 1863. The Battle of Fredericksburg took place between December 11 and December 15, 1862. The Union Army was soundly defeated, experiencing twice the casualties of the Confederate Army. “Well we are trying to get along the best we can and I tell you that is poor enough. The troops all seem to be discouraged since the last battle at Fredericksburg. I tell you that they hadn’t better ever take this army back to Alexandria or they will all [desert] and go home. I don’t see what our government is doing.”

7. 1.Who took this photograph? 2.When was this photograph taken? 3.Why do you think this photograph was taken? 4.Who do you think the audience might have been for this photograph? 5.How can we use this photograph to understand the conditions in America during the Great Depression? 6.What are some of the limitations of using this photograph to understand conditions in America during the Great Depression?

8. “Breadline at McCauley Water Street Mission under Brooklyn Bridge, New York,” photographer unknown, circa 1930-34.