Searching and Finding

Happy first day of Summer Institute 2010! Here are some additional websites that might help you in searching for materials:

Smithsonian Institution Libraries - has digital collections but also this fantastic search engine that contains a database of online exhibitions most of which have digitized primary sources. Also search the general Smithsonian Institution. There are a lot of museums and each has a rich collection.

The Library of Congress is always a fantastic source. In addition to the American Memory there are several other digital collections on this main page.

The National Archives has a variety of digital sources. I found this site especially helpful in making the Cold War primary source activity - but they have much more.

If you have a Revolutionary War topic check out the historical societies and universities in states that are former colonies - Maine Memory Network, Virginia University, Virginia Historical Society are sites I have used in the past.

For all topics check out universities and college libraries. You often don't have to be a student or faculty to access their digital collections. Look for key terms like "Digital Collections", "Special Collections", "Online Exhibitions".

When searching start with more general terms and try synonyms. For example, if you can't find anything searching for WWII try searching World War II. Be patient and creative with searches. You might not find what you want right away and you might find something else useful while you search. Remember - you don't have to present on every aspect of a topic. Narrow your topic and what you plan to present. It will make the process easier if you stay focused.