The focus of Keys to Local History is to help you learn about the history that surrounds you every day. This section discusses ways to think about what kind of questions to ask and where you can find resources to develop an historical research project. Because everyone approaches research differently, asks different questions, and each project has many variables, this section is meant as a guideline to stimulate your thinking and improve your skills. Where appropriate, links will be made to other websites that provide more detailed step-by-step processes on particular topics. The First Steps • Learn what kind of questions to ask and how to start researching. About the Sources • Find out about primary sources, secondary sources and material culture. • Learn about the different primary sources, what you can learn from them, and where to find them. • Learn how to "read" primary sources and use them effectively. Research Guide • Guidelines for how to research certain topics." • Ideas for organizing and managing your research. • Learn how to use primary sources effectively. • What you can do when you hit “brick walls.” • Reasons why it is important to you need to cite your sources. Sharing • Ideas on creative ways of sharing your research with others.