Note to Students
We are glad that you have expressed an interest in the Alamo as a research project. We have several items on our web site that should be of help. These include “A Suggested Annotated Bibliography” to help locate sources on the Alamo and a note about conducting research on the web. In addition, please take time to review the following “Tips on Historical Research,” written by the staff of the Alamo’s Education Department to help students with research projects. We have made and effort to provide students with detailed information about the Alamo on our web site as well as provide links to other internet sites that will be useful to researchers. Individual questions can always be directed to Dr. Bruce Winders at bwinders@thealamo.org.

Tips on Historical Research
Choose a topic that is “doable.”
Define the thesis.
Avoid topics that have been done repeatedly.
If you choose a popular topic, you must do it better than it has been done before.
Try to ask questions that haven’t been asked.
“Micro-histories” must be linked to a broader theme in order to be relevant.
Avoid predetermined conclusions.
Become familiar with primary, secondary, and tertiary sources.
Identify sources to which you have access.
Prioritize sources as to usefulness and reliability.
Follow established procedure when citing sources.
Give yourself time to redirect your efforts if necessary.
Get feedback along the way from disinterested critics.
Recognize when you have reached an end point.
Learn from your mistakes.