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Primary Sources Defined

A primary source is usually a record made at the time of an event by participants or by firsthand observers. Examples include contemporary newspaper or magazine accounts, government reports, photographs, and manuscripts. For more information on primary sources, see this guide. For a guide to OU history see this link.

Digital Collections from the OU Western History Collections

The Western History Collections' Digital Collections feature oral histories and Native American manuscripts, rich primary resources highlighting many aspects of Oklahoma history.

Notes on Newspapers

Newspapers

Current and historical Oklahoma news sources. See also Indian Territory and Early Oklahoma guide.

Magazines

Photographs

Photographs are a rich primary source. They can help make historical events more realistic by providing images of the who, what, when, and where of history. The Western History Collections has physical photograph guide books on many subjects, including Oklahoma land runs, dust storms, cowboys, and the settlement of Oklahoma. These physical resources are available in the Western History Collections reading room (Monnet Hall room 300). Digital photograph resources are listed below.

Manuscripts from the OU Western History Collections

The Western History Collections holds over 2,000 collections of primary textual materials (manuscripts) on Oklahoma and the American West. These include diaries and journals, personal and official correspondence, literary manuscripts, business records, and scrapbooks. Among the subjects covered are Native American tribes headquartered in Oklahoma, pioneer and frontier life, missionary activities in Indian Territory, cowboys and the range cattle industry, Oklahoma's petroleum industry, and the history of railroads and transportation in the West.


There are several ways to locate Western History Manuscript Collections related to Oklahoma history:

  • Finding aids for the manuscript collections are in ArchivesSpace. It is possible to search for specific collections, or to enter a keyword in the search box. To search:
    • Enter keyword in the search box
    • The list of results will include names of collections as well as subject terms;
      • It will be most useful to limit the results by collection. Under "Additional Filters," select "Collection" under "Type."
    • Click on a collection title to see the scope and inventory of the collection.
    • Click on "Print" to generate an easily-readable PDF finding aid.
    • Once you determine which collection materials you need, you will need to provide a collection name and box number.
  • Search the Local Catalog.
    • Enter the search term in the first box.
    • Under "Tweak my results", select "Archives" from the "Resource Type" drop-down menu
    • To narrow the results to Western History, scroll down to the "Library" facet and choose "Western History Collections"
    • Click on the title to view a summary of the collection's content. (More detailed finding aids are in ArchivesSpace.)
  • Most manuscript collections are described in the Guide to Manuscripts in the Western History Collections of the University of Oklahoma (PDF).
  • Visit the Western History Collections (Monnet Hall room 300) and use printed guides.

When you find a collection that fits your topic visit the Western History Collections to see the documents.

Oral History and Interviews

Oral histories preserve the memories of participants in past events through interviews. Many of these recordings are now available online as transcripts.

Government Documents

Government documents are any documents published by the government, either at the federal or state level.
  • See OU Libraries government research guides here. 
  • See OU Law Library guides here.
  • The Oklahoma Department of Libraries features the Oklahoma Digital Prairie. It contains digitized government documents and related collections. Topics include the Red River Compact, almanacs, the Tulsa Race Massacre, Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher, and Oklahoma Authors.
  • For information on searching the census, see FamilySearch in Family History Resources below.

Family History Resources

Family history resources can come in many forms. Some will be available through the university and others through outside organizations.  The Western History Collections Manuscript Collections feature many family collections, see the box above, for more information. Other online resources:

Other Resources