Research: Vietnam War: Primary Sources

What's in ?

The Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center (5th floor of Mugar, South elevator) contains papers of major figures: manuscripts, correspondence, photographs, audio, and other material, available for viewing on-site upon written request. (BU students should email archives@bu.edu to make an appointment. Since some materials are stored off-site, it may take a few days to make the archives available.)

Subject guides describing collections that may be of interest include:

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In considering a 'primary source' as opposed to 'secondary source', the difference can be summed up this way: a primary source is a first-hand, original account of events, while a secondary source offers analysis and/or interpretation of the material. In IR/ Political Science, most journal articles would be considered secondary sources.

Examples might include:

First-person newspaper articles recording an event in the original newspaper
Government policy documents from the issuing agency - e.g., Foreign Relations of the United State
Congressional record; senate and house hearings - e.g., GPO Access
Original archival documents such as those housed in the Howard Gotlieb Archival Research Center or the National Security Archive
Original photographs such as those in private collections and library archives.

November 3, 1969: Address to the Nation on the War in Vietnam

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BU Libraries

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