Historical sources are materials that provide information about past events, people, and cultures. They can be classified into two main types: primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are original documents or artifacts created during the time being studied, such as letters, photographs, and official records. Secondary sources, on the other hand, interpret or analyze primary sources, like textbooks and documentaries. These sources are essential for historians and researchers as they help reconstruct and understand history. By examining historical documents, artifacts, and oral histories, scholars can gain insights into the lives and experiences of people from different eras, contributing to a more comprehensive view of our past.