Interviews & Primary Sources

Primary sources are very important to the reliability and development of your project. Types of primary sources include pictures, videos, historical documents, and interviews.

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What Exactly Are Primary Sources & Why Do I Need Them?

According to my trusty friend google, primary sources are,

"immediate, first-hand accounts of a topic, from people who had a direct connection with it."

Since primary sources are not limited to interviews, many NHD participants use free photos and videos (remember to cite these!) from online sources. Referencing historic documents that correlate with your project topic is also a great way to incorporate primary sources into your project.

Using primary sources validates your project and gives it a new dimension. For example, while interviews are not required, they give you a new perspective on your topic. Additionally, primary sources can display research more dynamically (using photos instead of more words-makes project more intriguing). After all, a picture is worth a 1000 words!

Who Should I Interview?

Firstly, do not be afraid to reach out to people! To land a good interview, you must research more about your topic and see if there is someone still alive from that period to talk to, or if there is a historian/professor who studies the topic you are researching. Reaching out to more people increases your odds of someone saying yes...so start drafting those emails! Secondly, if you can get an interview, record the audio of the interview (with the interviewee's consent) to refer back to. Lastly, prepare questions to ask ahead of time... and make sure that those questions will have answers to support your project thesis.

Interview Etiquette:

Overall, you must maintain a formal and professional tone when interviewing and asking for an interview. Make sure to...

• Formally address someone in an email (Mr, Mrs, Ms) and use proper punctuation

• Introduce yourself and give a BRIEF background on your NHD project- make sure to include enough information so that the interviewee knows you are knowledgeable about the topic

• Mention WHY you would like to interview them and ask them to interview

• End email with possible interview dates

• PROOFREAD

When conducting the actual interview, make sure to...

• Have your questions ready and coordinate with any teammates on question asking order

• Prepare video/audio recording equipment

• Sit in a quiet space

• Have paper ready just in case

• TAKE A DEEP BREATH-and begin :)

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If you would like examples of how to include interviews into final projects, check out the Sample Projects tab on this website. Remember INTERVIEWS ARE NOT REQUIRED, so do not fret if you are unable to conduct one. It is more important to have a balance of primary sources and secondary sources! You can do this!