Question

How do you read a primary source to learn about the past?

Answer 1

What part of the past? What topic are you in? If you could clarify a bit more, that would help out a lot. Thanks!

Answer 2

Reading primary sources requires that you use your historical imagination. This process is all about your willingness and ability to ask questions of the material, imagine possible answers, and explain your reasoning. As a historian, you will want to ask: What can I know of the past based on this material?

I hope this helps?