Lesson One:
Analysis of Primary Resources
Jan Wood and Norma Thiese

This lesson introduces students to primary resources by analyzing a historical map from the Panoramic Maps collection in American Memory with the entire class. The map will be examined first for observations and then for interpretations. Students will be asked to draw conclusions about life in Hannibal during the latter half of the nineteenth century. Examples of other primary resources will be shared and analyzed in smaller groups.

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Objectives	The learner will: understand primary resources. critically evaluate information sources for reliability, accuracy, perspective, relevancy and authoritativeness. understand culture and life around Hannibal during Twain's time.
Time Required	3–4 hours
Recommended Grade Level	Grades 9–10
Curriculum Fit	Language arts, American literature, information literacy, American history, sociology, music
Resources	American Memory, Library of Congress Historic American Sheet Music Music for the Nation: American Sheet Music, 1870–1885 Taking the Long View: Panoramic Photographs Map Collections Panoramic Maps Additional Primary Resources Local artifacts (memorabilia, realia) Local newspapers, magazines, textbooks Worksheets Map Analysis Worksheet, National Archives Photograph Analysis Worksheet Sheet Music Analysis Worksheet

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Procedure

1. Identify map to be used as a large group activity. See Bird's Eye View of Guttenberg, Clayton County, Iowa 1869 or any map in the collection.
2. Explain the differences between primary and secondary sources. These Learning Page resources provide background reading:
• Using Primary Sources in the Classroom
• Historian's Sources
3. Bring examples of primary and secondary documents to class. Examples might include old and current cookbooks, farm sale handbills, birth certificates, driver's licenses, diaries, tickets to events, museum artifacts, old clothes, newspapers, magazines, textbooks. Discuss what makes them primary or secondary resources.
4. Examine as a class the map of Guttenberg using the Map Analysis Worksheet.
• Record observations of what is actually seen in the document.
• Record observations from using outside knowledge.
• Record conclusions drawn.
5. Break class into smaller groups, giving each group a different primary resource to review using the analysis worksheets.
• Map Analysis Worksheet
• Photograph Analysis Worksheet
• Sheet Music Analysis Worksheet

Primary resources such as photographs, sheet music or maps can be found at a local historical society or in books, newspapers or magazines. Or, use the following online American Memory documents:

• Map of St. Louis
• Photograph of President's Day on the River
• Sheet Music—Beautiful Songs of the South
6. Have groups share what they have learned about their resources.

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Extension

Bring in an expert to learn more about primary resources and how they are preserved

• Invite a museum curator or university archivist (in person or utilizing distance learning)
• Visit a local museum or historical society

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Evaluation

Students demonstrate understanding of primary resources by completing the appropriate analysis worksheet and sharing their conclusions with the class.