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AMS 370: Preserving ATX Queer History

Digital Primary Sources & Archives

Digital Primary Sources & Archives

Below are databases that contain large collections of digitized primary sources related to LGBTQ+ and feminist activism. These collections are broad, covering the entire United States and, in some cases, international activism. They include documents from organizations, correspondence, clippings, newsletters, magazines, video and audio recordings, and many other types of documents/records.

If your interview participant was involved with a national organization or movement, or had a national profile as an author, speaker or political figure, it is worth searching for their name. Keep in mind, though, that the scope of these databases is broad and you might not find anything.

Additionally, these databases can be tricky to search, so reach out to Gina if you need assistance.

What is a Primary Source?

Primary sources are produced by participants or direct observers of an issue, event or time period. These sources may be recorded during the event or later on, by a participant reflecting upon the event. In some cases, it will be difficult to obtain the original source, so you may have to rely on copies (photocopies, microfilm, digital copies). Copies or transcriptions of a primary source still count as a primary source.  

Some examples of primary sources include:

  • Newspapers
  • Speeches
  • Government documents
  • Legal documents
  • Public opinion polls
  • Personal materials, including letters, diaries, interviews, memoirs, autobiographies, and oral histories
  • Images
  • Works of art (novels, plays, paintings, etc.)

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