Most diaries were never meant to be shared with others—so why do we read these private writings from people who lived in the past? When they are made public by families or historians, diaries become a valued primary source of information about historical events. These personal documents often paint a detailed portrait of their authors, too. Both aspects of diaries—their value as historical documents and the glimpses they provide into a famous (or not-so-famous) person's life—are what lead people to read them.

People who attempted amazing feats in the world often kept journals. The first person to reach the North Pole kept a diary, and so did many sea captains, explorers, and pioneers who traveled West in wagon trains. Less adventurous members of the public were eager to read about these exciting stories—and often willing to believe accounts that were not entirely accurate. Anyone can write an exciting fictional story, after all, and claim that it's true. Fortunately, there are some tried-and-true ways to decide how valid and reliable a diary is.

Use the activity below to review what you have learned about diaries, journals, and travel logs, including how to determine their validity as true accounts. Think of your own answer to each of the questions below. Then click the question to check your answer.