Our Mission
Early American Sources was launched in 2021 as a response to both the COVID-19 Pandemic and the academic job crisis. The indefinite closure of archives and research libraries due to the pandemic helped reveal the importance of adopting new research methods in this digital age. At the same time, the increasingly competitive nature of the historical profession necessitates easier access to primary sources for those who cannot secure traditional funding methods.
We believe that the history of early America is vast and that historical research should reflect that. Our goal is to better connect scholars to historical sources throughout the Americas. Doing so will help facilitate a more inclusive history that recognizes the diverse peoples, cultures, ideas, and shared experiences of the Americas. As the website expands, more resources for non-U.S. spaces will be added in an effort to make Early American Sources truly comprehensive.
In line with these values, Early American Sources tries to cater to a broad audience. We want this website to be a resource for everyone. That is why we incorporate material that can be used not just by professional historians and academics, but also high school and university students, teachers, librarians, genealogists, archivists, curators, and anyone with a curiosity for the American past. This is our history, and we should be able to access it together.