1. Using Primary Sources from the Library of Congress American Memory
By Regan Smith Library Media Specialist Metter High School

2. AGENDA Review primary and secondary sources
Visual Tour of American Memory website
Distinguish between objective and subjective observation
How to ask researchable, quality questions of a primary source
Group practice analysis
Wiki posting

3. Primary vs. Secondary Sources
Primary: Firsthand evidence of historical events or periods.
A personal diary
An old photograph
A current event newspaper article
Secondary: A later interpretation of historical events of periods.
A school textbook
A biography
An encyclopedia

4. Our focus today is Primary Sources
T.R.’s
arrival in
Panama
Poster: [between 1936 and 1941]. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Number: LC-USZC
Political Cartoon: Copyright by E.W. Gustin.

5. Library of Congress American Memory
Offers more than 100 multimedia collections with more than 7 million digitized documents, photographs, recorded sound, moving pictures, and texts.

6. Artifact Examples Photographs Posters Sheet music Playbills
Advertisements
Works of art
Letters

7. Objective vs. Subjective Observation
Objective: fact, able to be seen, heard or touched, smelled, tasted
The same from multiple reporters
I saw…
I counted…
Subjective: opinion, assumption, rumor, suspicion; varies: person-to-person, day-to-day
S/he does not like
S/he feels
S/he thinks

8. How to ask researchable, quality questions of a primary source
Surface Questions/Observations
What is it?
Where did it happen?
Deep Questions/Details
What does it mean?
What are the consequences?
What caused this?
What will happen next?
Support Your Thinking
Why do you think this is true?
What examples can you provide?

9. Group practice analysis
Each group will be given several topics.
Use American Memory to find primary sources related to or that represent your topic. Dig deep and have fun!
As a group, analyze your sources using reciprocal notes as a guide.
Compile your thoughts at:
Find Hendrix US History American Memory

10. Now that you have all of the answers:
What is the question?
What do all of these topics have in common?
What do they represent?

11. BUZZ WORDS traditional values 1920's attitudes old and new tension
change
nostalgia

12. Essential Questions
What was the impact of mass production on the automobile industry?
How has media (radio, movies, television, and Internet) affected the values of Americans?
What was the impact of 1920’s musical advancements such as jazz, Harlem Renaissance, and Tin Pan Alley on the cultural customs and traditions of today?
How did overproduction, under consumption, and stock market speculation lead to the stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression?