So You Unearthed a Relic? How to Cite a Primary Source in Chicago Style (and Not Look Like a Neanderthal)
Ah, the thrill of the hunt! You've delved into the dusty archives, wrestled with microfilm (or its digital equivalent), and emerged victorious with a primary source so shiny and untouched it practically screams "cite me right!" But hold on there, Indiana Jones of academia, before you slap that bad boy in your bibliography and call it a day. There's a specific way to handle these historical gems in Chicago style, a way that separates the scholarly superstars from the citation cavemen.
Fear Not, Fellow Bibliographer!
We all know that wrestling with citations can feel like deciphering hieroglyphics. But fret no more, intrepid researcher! This guide will have you navigating the Chicago primary source jungle like a seasoned explorer.
Here's the gist: How you cite a primary source depends on where you found it and what kind of critter it is. Buckle up, because we're about to categorize some intellectual artifacts!
- The Lone Wolf: Primary Sources Found "In the Wild"
Imagine stumbling upon a handwritten letter by Abraham Lincoln at a garage sale (hey, it could happen!). This is your "lone wolf" scenario, where the source exists independently. Here's the citation format:
Abraham Lincoln, "Letter to Mary Todd Lincoln," March 14, 1863, Abraham Lincoln Papers, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
Important Note: If you can't find the author or date, use "Anonymous" and "n.d." (no date) respectively.
- The Pack Animal: Primary Sources Found in Edited Collections
Sometimes, you'll find your primary source nestled amongst others in a big, fancy book. This is your "pack animal" situation. Here's how to cite it:
Frederick Douglass, "What is the Negro's Place in American Civilization?" (1845), in The Frederick Douglass Reader, edited by Philip Foner (New York: Library of America, 1995), 53-75.
Remember: Include the original publication date of the source in parentheses, followed by the edited collection information.
- The Digital Denizen: Primary Sources Found Online
Ah, the internet! It's a treasure trove of primary sources, but it can also be a citation circus. Here's the basic format for online sources:
"Declaration of Independence," July 4, 1776, National Archives, https://museum.archives.gov/, accessed April 10, 2024.
Pro Tip: If a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is available, include that instead of a URL for extra academic cred.
Conquer the Citation Jungle and Avoid the Shame of the Footnote Fossil!
By following these guidelines, you'll be citing primary sources in Chicago style like a pro. Remember, proper citations are your friends – they help your reader track down your sources and make your work look polished. So, go forth, intrepid scholar, and conquer the citation jungle! Just be sure to avoid the embarrassment of ending up as a footnote fossil, a cautionary tale for future generations of researchers.
