Finding primary sources is a multi-step process. There is no "one-stop-shop" database that will give you everything you need for your paper. Follow these tips:
When searching for primary source collections online, include the following additional phrases with your first key words:
Be aware that digital collections only show a small portion of what an institution holds!
NOTE: Oxford University Press upgraded the OED in July 2023, causing unplanned access issues. Off-campus users may experience login problems until Oxford resolves the problem.
A view of the inner workings of the ACLU and the hundreds of groups with which the organization interacted. (Coverage 1912-1990)
This collection can also be searched on Gale Primary Sources, an integrated platform that combines Gales digital archives into a single cross-searchable interface.
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.
Traces the progress of American History. Covers the major themes of the period from colonization and settlement through the revolution, expansion, politics, slavery, the Civil War and reconstruction, to World War II. (Coverage: 1493-1945)
Historical primary source publications relating to the history and study of sex, sexuality, gender research and gender studies research. (Coverage: 16th - 21st centuries)
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 experience and impact of African Americans as recorded by the news media. (Coverage: 1704-1975)
Part of the World Newspaper Archive, which can be found on the A-Z Databases page.
This collection can also be searched on Readex AllSearch, an integrated platform that combines Readex’s primary sources into a single cross-searchable interface.
Access to Black Life in America made possible by a grant from the Unidel Fund.
All volumes of the CO 5 series from The National Archives, UK. Consists of original correspondence between the British government and the governments of the American colonies. (Coverage: 1606-1822)
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 -)
Primary source material drawn from across the U. S., Canada, U.K. and Australia. Documents 3 centuries of expansive developments in gender roles and relations. From traditional constructions of femininity and masculinity, to the struggle for women’s rights and the emergence of the men’s movement, this resource documents three centuries of expansive developments in gender roles and relations. (Coverage: 19th to 21st centuries)
An extensive collection of full-text and video interviews with African-Americans distinguished in the fields of science, culture, politics, the arts, and public life.
The site works best in modern browsers like Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox. It will not work in Internet Explorer.
From the Crimean War to the discovery of penicillin, Medical Services and Warfare gathers material from multiple conflicts to build a picture of the experience and development of medical practice as influenced by the wars of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. (Coverage: 1850-1949)
A collection of highly visual primary source material documenting the history of popular remedies and treatments in 19th c. America. Covers popular trends such as phrenology, herbal medicine, and hydrotherapy, and documents the rise of widespread advertising by commercial manufacturers of medical aids.
Examines the history of public health and the policy debates that ensued in the delivery of services at the national, state and local levels during pivotal times in history. (Coverage: 1890-1970)
This collection can also be searched on Gale Primary Sources, an integrated platform that combines Gales digital archives into a single cross-searchable interface.
Essential primary source material documenting key issues in race relations and civil rights during the 20th century. (Coverage: 1943-1970)
Explores changing attitudes towards human sexuality, gender identities and sexual behaviors from the 19th to 21st centuries. Includes the work of leading sexologists, sex researchers, organizations and personal accounts.
A research service that combines a breadth of news and business information with in depth law-related information.
Includes:
Compare grassroots media with official records to explore political, social and welfare issues of the 1980s, such as the rise of conservatism, nuclear threat, and the AIDS crisis.The rich cultural production of the decade is also presented through a variety of source materials showcasing subcultures, alternative lifestyles,and consumer culture.
Black resistance movements
Consumer culture
Disability rights
Environmentalism
Feminism
Grassroots activism and community groups
Health and social issues
Indigenous rights
New media and technology
Religious movements and spiritualism
Rise of conservativism
Sexuality an identity
Subcultures, including music and fandom
Threat of nuclear war
Popular culture
Search America's historic newspapers or use the U.S. Newspaper Directory to find information about American newspapers published from 1690-present.
(Coverage: 1770-1963)