When creating an essay based on historical events, accurate research is naturally of utmost importance. After all, the merits of your work will rely, in no small part, on the veracity and correctness of your facts. As such, it’s usually vital to pay it as much attention as you do with the actual act of writing.
In the same way that writing software makes it easy for you to compose your essay, certain resources might make your search for accurate facts easier. So how should you conduct your research?
1. Books
The traditional medium of books is still your best candidate for reference. After all, old facts will likely appear in unadulterated form on old printed materials. Libraries and bookshops are, of course, a great resource. You can also use online sources (like Wikipedia) to help point you in the right direction.
A great new resource for out-of-copyright books is Google Books, which has indexed and put online thousands of old printed matter. If you’re researching facts from olden times, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find some information there.
2. Press clippings
Libraries typically keep plenty of press clippings from years past. You may have to inquire with a librarian so you can get the right microfilms. If you’re researching events from the more recent past, online sources might be able to serve you. Many newspapers with online sites now offer access to decades’ worth of archives (most likely, for a fee, of course).
3. Specialty clubs
If you’re writing about a noteworthy event, activity or individual, there’s a good chance there are organizations dedicated to keeping their mementos and other historical artifacts. You may want to conduct an online search for specific clubs that relate to your subject (e.g. History Clubs).
4. Other sources
There are many other potential sources of information, of course, so don’t discount anything. Maps, for instance, can be very useful when figuring out historical locations; phone books can do well for finding individuals.
