The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign occupies the lands of the Peoria, Kaskaskia, Piankashaw, Wea, Miami, Mascoutin, Odawa, Sauk, Mesquaki, Kickapoo, Potawatomi, Ojibwe, and Chickasaw Nations. These lands were the traditional territory of these Native Nations prior to their forced removal; these lands continue to carry the stories of these Nations and their struggles for survival and identity.

Historical research often involves cycling between primary sources (the texts and other materials created in the historical period you are studying) and secondary sources (texts that attempt to explain, interpret, or narrate the past). You may start by learning about the period through your assigned (secondary source) readings, then spend time with some interesting primary sources, then search for secondary sources to help you understand and interpret the primary sources. 

Learn more about primary and secondary sources: 

Celestina Savonius-Wroth is the subject specialist for History and Religious Studies. Contact her by email, cswroth@illinois.edu, to schedule a consultation or to ask a question about your research project.

Paula Carns is the Head of the Literatures and Languages Library. She is trained as a medievalist. Contact her by email, pcarns@illinois.edu, to schedule a consultation or to ask a question about your research project, especially if you're working on literature or film.

Elias Petrou is the subject specialist for Classical Studies, Medieval Studies, and Modern Greek Studies. Contact him by email, epetrou@illinois.edu, to schedule a consultation or to ask a question about your research project.

Or contact the History, Philosophy, and Newspaper Library for help with any history-related library questions, hpnl@library.illinois.edu.

The Library has experts in all subjects. To find experts in related fields of study:

The Library also maintains many subject-specific research guides that you may find helpful, including:

See another list of relevant research guides below on the "Find Post-Medieval Primary Sources" page.