Research Guides: Art History: Primary Source Collections

Primary Source Collections

Primary Sources - research guide

Gale Primary Sources This link opens in a new window
An integrated platform that combines Gales digital archives into a single cross-searchable interface to enhance the ability to discover primary source documents from multiple collections. Over 50 collections are available to University of Delaware users on this platform. (Coverage: 1500 -)
Nineteenth Century Collections Online This link opens in a new window
Wide range of content covering the long 19th c. - a term for the 125 year period beginning with the onset of the French Revolution in 1789, & ending with the outbreak of World War I in 1914. (Coverage: 1789-1914)
This collection can also be searched on Gale Primary Sources, an integrated platform that combines Gales digital archives into a single cross-searchable interface.
Archive of Americana This link opens in a new window
Comprehensive collections for research in American history. Includes books, pamphlets, newspapers, & government documents printed in America over 3 centuries. (Coverage: 1639-1994)
The components of Archive of Americana that are available to UD are listed below. The collection can also be searched on Readex AllSearch, an integrated platform that combines all of UD's Readex’s primary sources into a single cross-searchable interface.
- American State Papers, 1789-1838 – Legislative & executive documents, many originating from the important period between 1789 & the beginning of the U.S. Congressional Serial Set in 1817.
- America’s Historical Newspapers
  - African American Newspapers Series 1 & 2: U.S. newspapers chronicling a century & a half of the African American experience. Coverage: 1827-1998)
  - Early American Newspapers Series 1: From Colonies to Nation. (Coverage: 1690-1876)
  - Early American Newspapers Series 2: The New Republic. (Coverage: 1758-1900)
  - Early American Newspapers Series 3: From Farm to City (Coverage: (1829-1922)
  - Early American Newspapers Series 4: The Rise of Industry (Coverage: 1756-1922)
  - Early American Newspapers Series 5: An Emerging World Power (Coverage: (1777-1922)
- Early American Imprints, Series I: Evans Books, pamphlets, broadsides & other imprints listed in the renowned bibliography by Charles Evans. (Coverage: 1639-1800)
- U.S. Congressional Serial Sett: Reports, documents & journals of the U.S. Senate & House of Representatives (Coverage: 1817-1994)
ms 10/2023
Making of the Modern World This link opens in a new window
Books, serials, political pamphlets, broadsides, government publications, proclamations & ephemera focusing on economics, political science, history, sociology, banking, finance, transportation & manufacturing. Includes many rare titles & 1st editions in languages other than English. (Coverage: 1450-1945)
This collection can also be searched on Gale Primary Sources, an integrated platform that combines Gales digital archives into a single cross-searchable interface.
Eighteenth Century Collections Online This link opens in a new window
Digital images of thousands of books, pamphlets & broadsides published during the 18th c. (Coverage: 1701-1800) For the earlier period, see Early English Books Online.

This collection can also be searched on Gale Primary Sources, an integrated platform that combines Gales digital archives into a single cross-searchable interface.
The acquisition of this database was made possible through the support of the Unidel Foundation.
Colonial America This link opens in a new window
All volumes of the CO 5 series from The National Archives, UK. Consists of the original correspondence between the British government & the governments of the American colonies. (Coverage: 1606-1822)
Digital Public Library of America This link opens in a new window
Open Access. A platform that brings together millions of books, videos, images, & sounds contributed by cultural institutions from across the U.S. & makes them freely available to the world.
American Consumer Culture This link opens in a new window
Interdisciplinary, cross-searchable collection of 3 databases that explore the history of American consumer culture. (Coverage: 1850-2000)
Three individual databases comprise American Consumer Culture. They can also be accessed individually from the A-Z Databases page.
- Market Research & American Business, 1935-1965 presents reports produced by Ernest Dichter that attempt to reveal consumers’ innermost desires & motivations.
- J. Walter Thompson: Advertising America presents how advertising is produced & how it interacts with consumer culture through the archive & workings of one of the world’s oldest & largest advertising agencies.
- Trade Catalogues & the American Home presents domestic life & material culture by detailing the products sold in the domestic sphere.
World's Fairs & Expositions: Visions of Tomorrow This link opens in a new window
Primary source documents about landmark exhibits from 1843 to 1940. Content ranges from organizational & administrative records, postcards, books & watercolors from the exhibitions. (Coverage: 1843-1940)
This collection can also be searched on Gale Primary Sources, an integrated platform that combines Gales digital archives into a single cross-searchable interface.
China: Trade, Politics & Culture This link opens in a new window
Over 200 years of Chinese history, charting the monumental social and political upheaval that recreated China as a modern power. Documents encompass events from the earliest English embassy to the birth and early years of the People’s Republic. (Coverage: 1793 - 1980) Learn more about this database.

Adam Matthew Primary Sources
More than 60 collections.