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Agency History
Census Records & Family History
Historical Censuses & Surveys
Galleries & Archives
History Publications
There are many U.S. Census Bureau publications that provide information about the history of the Census Bureau and its programs. In this section, we provide links to a variety of publications that can be used as a starting point for historical research. Use the links on the left to find documents and data from past censuses and surveys.
In addition, many historical records are available through the National Archives and Records Administration, Federal Depository Libraries, or the Government Printing Office.
History of the American Community Survey
The advent of the ACS signaled a change in methodology and design underlying the collection of detailed information on population and housing characteristics.
History of the 2007 Economic Census
Reports from Economic Censuses date back to 1810. Over time, more economic activities were counted. Since 2007, all stats are online, not found in publications.
Tribal Governments Liaison Program Handbook
This handbook provides guidance to assist Tribal Governments Liaisons in promoting the 2010 Census within their community.
2007 AIAN Tribal Consultations: Final Report
In 2007, the U.S. Census Bureau conducted meetings with American Indian and Alaska Native tribes to improve its ongoing government-to-government relationship.
Factfinder for the Nation: Availability of Census Records, Individuals
This Factfinder explains what census materials are available and how to obtain them and also lists the sources for some other useful records about individuals.
Questions Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey
The contents of this report describe the questions that will be asked on the 2010 Census and the American Community Survey.
Subjects Planned for the 2010 Census and American Community Survey
The contents of this report describe the subjects that will be asked on the 2010 Census and the American Community Survey.
History of the 2002 Economic Census
Reports from Economic Censuses date back to 1810. Over time, more economic activities were counted. Since 2007, all stats are online, not found in publications.
Demographic Trends in the 20th Century
The U.S. population more than tripled from 76 million people in 1900 to 281 million people in 2000.
Measuring America: The Decennial Censuses From 1790 to 2000
Contains questionnaires and instructions, plus individual histories of each census.
A Monograph on Confidentiality and Privacy in the U.S. Census
This monograph's focus is on the confidentiality of census information and its historical evolution between the 1790 and 2002 censuses.
2000 Financial Report
The financial statements of the Bureau of the Census (BOC) as of and for the year ended September 30, 2000.
Age Search Information
"Age Search” is a term used by the U.S. Census Bureau to refer to searches of the individual records in its custody from the federal population censuses.
History of the 1997 Economic Census
Report on all aspects of the 1997 census program, from its early stages of planning through data collection and processing, publication, and dissemination.
1999 Financial Report
The financial statements of the Bureau of the Census (BOC) as of and for the year ended September 30, 1999.
Factfinder for the Nation: History and Organization
This Factfinder describes the Census Bureau's history and organization, it's purpose and activities.
The Economic Census—Two Moments of Truth: 1954 and 1997
Briefly describes the role of the 1953 Watkins Commission Report in reinstating the 1954 Economic Census.
Monthly Product Announcement: December 1997
This announcement lists all products issued in October 1997.
Accountants' Guide to the 1997 Economic Census
Reports from Economic Censuses date back to 1810. Over time, more economic activities were counted. Since 2007, all stats are online, not found in publications.
Monthly Product Announcement: September 1997
This announcement lists all products issued in July 1997.
Monthly Product Announcement: August 1997
This announcement lists all products issued in June 1997.
Preparing for the 1997 Economic Census: Information You Can Use
Information designed to help businesses prepare to respond to the 1997 Economic Census.
History of the 1992 Economic Census
Report on all aspects of the 1992 census program, from its early stages of planning through data collection and processing, publication, and dissemination.
Census Catalog and Guide: 1995
This catalog describes or lists the products (such as reports and machine-readable files) issued from mid-1993 through 1994.
1990 Census of Population and Housing: History
Information about the 1990 Census procedural history.
Factfinder for the Nation: Statistics on Governments
This Factfinder describes the statistics available for Federal, State, county, municipal, township, school district, and special districts.
Guide to the 1987 Economic Censuses and Related Statistics
Reports from Economic Censuses date back to 1810. Over time, more economic activities were counted. Since 2007, all stats are online, not found in publications.
200 Years of U.S. Census Taking
The 1990 Census of Population and Housing marks the bicentennial of Federal census taking in this country.
1980 Census: Population & Housing, Procedural History
This report contains the procedural history of the 1980 Census of Population and Housing.
Twenty Censuses: Population and Housing Questions 1790-1980
The inquiries stretching over the years since 1790 reflect the changing interests and data needs of the country, its people, government, and economy.
1960 Census: Population & Housing, Procedural History
This report contains the procedural history of the 1960 Census of Population and Housing.
1950 Census: Procedural Study No. 2: The Censuses—How They Were Taken
This report is intended to cover all parts of taking the 1950 Censuses in order to assist in developing plans for the 1960 Censuses.
Appraisal of Census Programs
The key to the successful functioning of any human institution is good management, and all good management is dependent on good records.
1950 Census: Procedural Study No. 1: Infant Enumeration Study
Statistics on infants born in the first three months of 1950 & on reasons for missing infants, by residence, race, birth month, age & education of mother, etc.
Manual of Tabular Presentation
An outline of theory and practice in the presentation of statistical data in tables for publication.
Census Tract Manual: 1947 Edition
Information on a small-area basis is essential for the analysis of modern problems of large cities.
Page Last Revised - February 26, 2024
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