Subject Librarian
Researching Historical Figures
Biography Reference Sources
Try these reference sources from the library as an alternative to Wikipedia.
- American National Biography This link opens in a new windowInformation on the lives of over 19,000 people from all eras who have influenced and shaped American history and culture. Ranges in time from the earliest recorded European explorations to the very recent past.
- Credo Reference This link opens in a new windowSearch this collection of specialized encyclopedias and other reference sources for articles on your historical figure.
- Biography Reference Bank This link opens in a new windowFind magazine and academic journal articles about your historical figure in addition to basic biographical information.
Quality Websites
- Meet the Framers of the ConstitutionBrief biographies provided by the America's Founding Documents project of the National Archives.
- The South Carolina Encyclopedia OnlineIf your historical figure is from South Carolina, search for an entry in this online encyclopedia.
Finding Books
For more in-depth information, check out these group biographies or search in Find It @ USC Libraries for the name of your historical figure.
- Find It @ USC LibrariesChoose to search in USC Libraries or limit to Resource Type = Books for better results