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Agency History
Learn more about our facilities, our innovations, and the who played a role in shaping the U.S. Census Bureau.
Census Records & Family History
The United States has collected data about its population since 1790 and continues to collect data every 10 years. Learn how to find previous census records.
Historical Censuses & Surveys
Learn how the census expanded over time from a simple headcount in 1790, to over 200 different surveys today.
Galleries & Archives
View publications, maps, and more that provide information about the history of the Census Bureau and its programs.

Video Gallery

1930 Census - The Story of the Census
This video offers a unique look into the 1930 Census and gives an overview of the process that takes place during the decennial census.
1940 Census - An Introduction
This video discusses the importance of the 1940 Census.
1940 Census of Agriculture
This video showcases the enormous tasks the enumerators faced in order to ensure a complete count during in the 1940 Census of Agriculture.
1940 Census of Housing
This video showcases the enormous tasks the enumerators faced in order to ensure a complete count during in the 1940 Census of Housing.
1940 Census of Population
This video showcases the enormous tasks the enumerators faced and highlights the methods they used in order to ensure a complete and accurate count in 1940.
1940 Census of Population
This video showcases the enormous tasks the enumerators faced and highlights the methods they used in order to ensure a complete and accurate count in 1940.
1950 Census Records
1960 Census of Population: "The Big Count"
Watch as the Acting Director of the 1950 Census, Professor Philip Howser, explains the importance of the census and introduces FOSDIC, used to process forms.
1970 Census of Population: Promotional Video
This promotional video showcasing the importance of mailing your form back was produced for the 1970 Census.
1980 Census of Population: Promotional Video
An extensive advertising/promotion campaign, utilizing tv and sports celebrities, was created to increase public awareness and cooperation with the census.
1990 Census of Population: Promotional Video
The Census Bureau enlisted the help of the Ad Council, President Bush and celebrities to spread the word about the importance of filling out the census form.
2000 Census of Population: Paid Ad Campaign
Census 2000 was the first in U.S. history to use a national paid ad campaign. This video contains a sample of the television ads that were broadcast that year.
2010 Census: The U.S. Census and the Amazing Apportionment Machine
Through animation, the U.S. Census Bureau explains how it uses the apportionment formula to ensure equal representation for all.
2020 Census Scientific Advisory Committee Fall Meeting (continuation)
Census Data for Everyone — Why it Should Matter to You
This Summit on “Census Bureau Data for Everyone” is a FREE Virtual Webinar. Learn about how your responses to Census Bureau surveys are used.
Census in the Constitution: Archivist William Fliss
William Fliss, an archivist at Marquette University, discusses how census data is vital in showing the transformation the U.S. has taken throughout the years.
Census in the Constitution: Professor Margo Anderson
Margo Anderson talks about how the U.S. was the first country to use a census to apportion power in the government.
Center of Population: How are they marked and can I go see them?
In this video, Dr. Robert Groves, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau describes how the centers of population are marked and where you can find them.
Center of Population: What can we learn from these changes?
In this video, Dr. Robert M. Groves talks about the story the movement of the center of population tells about nation over the years.
Center of Population: What is the Center of Population?
In this video, Dr. Robert M. Groves explains how data based on the Census helps to determine the center of population.
Center of Population: What trends or changes can we see?
In this video, Dr. Robert Groves, Director of the U.S. Census Bureau discusses the two major trends to the shifts of the center of population.
DATA GEMS: How to Customize and Download Tables Using data.census.gov
Video
Director's Panel Discussion
Dr. Robert M. Groves hosted a panel discussion on the issues facing the bureau as it moves into the 21st century.
Diversity at the U.S. Census Bureau
Video
Evolution of the Census: Margo Anderson
Margo Anderson, a professor of History and Urban Studies at the Univ. of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, talks about how the taking of the census has changed since 1790.
Video
From Inkwell to Internet
Discover the people and technology behind counting an increasingly modern population, from the agency's beginnings through Census 2000.
Half of U.S. Households Have Responded to the 2020 Census
How Do We Know About Our Nation Through the Decades
A census tells us not only about our past, but it can help us prepare for our future.
How To: Sign In to the Respondent Portal for Business/Public surveys
Mission: Census – Virtual Field Trip to the U.S. Census Bureau
Presidential Participation in Census Bureau Outreach Efforts
This video presents examples of how the White House has helped get the word out about the decennial census.
Video
Robert M. Groves on Celebrating World Statistics Day
Dr. Robert M. Groves, Census Bureau Director, explains how statistics help synthesize the huge amount of data available in the modern world.
The Work of Census Bureau Geographers: In Their Own Voices
U.S. Census Bureau Trust & Safety Team
Watch this recorded live stream to hear first hand how we are supporting a complete and accurate count.
U.S. Constitution: Article I, Section 2
Every resident was encouraged to participate in a process that is as old as the nation itself.
data.census.gov Today: A Comprehensive Overview
Page Last Revised - October 31, 2023
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