Citing History Sources From Artifacts To Cyberspace

Historical research is a fascinating journey into the past, but it also requires meticulous attention to detail. One of the most important aspects of historical research is properly citing your sources. This not only gives credit to the authors whose work you have used, but it also allows your readers to verify your claims and further explore the topic.

Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace: 3rd edition

by Elizabeth Shown Mills

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9942 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	207 pages

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Citing history sources can be a daunting task, especially given the wide variety of sources available today. From ancient artifacts to modern digital archives, there are a myriad of ways to document the past. This guide will provide you with the tools you need to navigate this complex landscape and master the art of historical source citation.

Types of Historical Sources

Before we discuss how to cite history sources, it is important to understand the different types of sources that are available.

Artifacts

Artifacts are physical objects that have been created or used by humans in the past. They can include anything from tools and weapons to clothing and jewelry.

Documents

Documents are written or printed materials that provide information about the past. They can include letters, diaries, newspapers, and government records.

Visual Sources

Visual sources are images that provide information about the past. They can include paintings, photographs, and maps.

Oral Histories

Oral histories are recordings of interviews with people who have firsthand knowledge of the past.

Digital Sources

Digital sources are electronic resources that provide information about the past. They can include websites, databases, and online archives.

Citing History Sources

Now that we have discussed the different types of historical sources, let's turn our attention to how to cite them. There are three main citation styles used in historical research: MLA, Chicago, and APA.

MLA Style

MLA style is commonly used in the humanities, including history. The following are some examples of how to cite historical sources in MLA style:

• Book:

  Smith, John. <em>The History of the United States.</em> New York: Oxford University Press, 2000.

• Article:

  Jones, Mary. "The American Revolution." <em>The Encyclopedia of American History.</em> Edited by David Hackett Fischer. New York: Scribner, 2000.

• Website:

  National Archives and Records Administration. "The Declaration of Independence." https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript

Chicago Style

Chicago style is commonly used in the social sciences, including history. The following are some examples of how to cite historical sources in Chicago style:

• Book:

  Smith, John. <em>The History of the United States</em> (New York: Oxford University Press, 2000).

• Article:

  Jones, Mary. "The American Revolution." In <em>The Encyclopedia of American History</em>, edited by David Hackett Fischer (New York: Scribner, 2000).

• Website:

  National Archives and Records Administration, "The Declaration of Independence," https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript.

APA Style

APA style is commonly used in the natural sciences, but it is also sometimes used in history. The following are some examples of how to cite historical sources in APA style:

• Book:

  Smith, J. (2000). <em>The History of the United States</em>. New York: Oxford University Press.

• Article:

  Jones, M. (2000). The American Revolution. In D. H. Fischer (Ed.),<em>The Encyclopedia of American History</em> (pp. 1-10). New York: Scribner.

• Website:

  National Archives and Records Administration. (2023). The Declaration of Independence. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript

Citing history sources is an essential part of historical research. By following the guidelines in this guide, you can ensure that you are giving proper credit to the authors whose work you have used and that your readers can easily verify your claims.

Remember, the most important thing is to be consistent in your citation style. Choose one style and use it throughout your research paper.

Evidence Explained: Citing History Sources from Artifacts to Cyberspace: 3rd edition

by Elizabeth Shown Mills

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9942 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	207 pages

FREE