Introduction to Primary Sources
Primary sources provide firsthand evidence of historical events. They are generally unpublished materials such as manuscripts, photographs, maps, artifacts, audio and video recordings, oral histories, postcards, and posters. In some instances, published materials can also be viewed as primary sources for the period in which they were written. In contrast, secondary sources, such as textbooks, synthesize and interpret primary sources.
From the UCLA Institute on Primary Resources
The Ellender Archives holds over two hundred collections of primary source material relating to University and regional history. Check out the Archives webpage to learn more.
Ferry across Bayou Lafourche at Labadieville, late 19th century. Joe Boudreaux (front) and Hypolite Truxelleau (ferry man) pulling ferry across bayou. Photograph #443 from the William Littlejohn Martin Collection.