PRIMARY SOURCE SETS

Investigate topics through local historic images, documents, and artifacts

Created by a collaboration between the Maine State Archives, Maine State Library, and Maine State Museum.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Quick Lesson Summary

(Learn more in our Teacher Guide) Use the introductions for each theme to pick the topic and age level that you think will be a good fit for your students. Then:

  1. Present whatever historical context from the introduction you think is necessary.
  2. Give students a primary source (or allow them to choose one) to work with.
  3. Students fill out an analysis worksheet without any information but what they can gather from the source itself.
  4. Talk in groups or as a class about what they think the sources are, and how they relate to the topic.
  5. Give students the source labels so they can learn more about each item.
  6. Use the class reflection questions and optional activities in the introduction.

TROUBLE GETTING STARTED?

Let us help in your classroom

Our educators are ready to provide you with any help you need as you work with your students. The video below provides an introduction to these materials and how to use them in the classroom.

Contact

For help or to learn more, contact Lead Educator Kate Webber at kate.webber@maine.gov

Credits

Project Interns:

  • Emma Soler, Bates College
  • Devon Berkeley, Colby College
  • Stella Margarita Gonzalez, Colby College
  • Annie Martin, Colby College

Content Editor: 

  • Misa Beltran-Guzman, Colby College 

Partner Organizations: Maine Department of Education, Maine State Archives, Maine State Library, Maine State Museum, Maine Historical Society