A Stroke of Genealogy: Searching U.S. Census Bureau Records

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A Stroke of Genealogy: Searching U.S. Census Bureau Records

Skill Level: Beginner

Duration:

Module 1 | A Stroke of Genealogy: Starting Your Search | 5:36
Module 2 | A Stroke of Genealogy: Census Schedules and Records | 9:01
Module 3 | A Stroke of Genealogy: Accessing Genealogy Research Resources | 11:42

Description

Whether you are conducting genealogy research or just interested in finding census records about family members, working with historical records from the U.S. Census Bureau is a multi-step process.

In this course we walk you through these steps and introduce you to many important resources for accessing and using these records, including the 1950 Census of Population records.

In Module 1 you learn about the U.S Census Bureau and the decennial census. Next, you are introduced to information about the National Archives and Records (NARA) and the 72-year rule.

In Module 2, we show you how to work with census schedules, specifically the 1950 population and 5% sample censuses. Last, you will learn how to use the Soundex.

In Module 3, you learn about enumeration district maps and descriptions. We also take you to the NARA 1950 Census website to complete a hands-on exercise on how to locate and view census schedules, enumeration district maps and descriptions.

Who should take this course?

This course is designed for historians, genealogists, researchers and anyone who is interested in learning how to use census records for genealogical research using the 1950 census data.

Instructor

Noemi Mendez
Data Dissemination Specialist
U.S. Census Bureau

Biography [<1.0 MB]

Beginning of Course

Module 1 - A Stroke of Genealogy: Starting Your Search

Did you know that you can use U.S. Census Bureau records and maps in your genealogical research? In this module, first in a series of three, you will learn about the importance of the U.S. Census Bureau and the decennial census. Then, you will learn about the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and the 72-Year Rule.

Resources:

Census History - The "72-Year Rule"

National Archives

Module 2 - A Stroke of Genealogy: Census Schedules and Records

In this module, the second of a series of 3, you will learn how to work with census schedules, specifically the 1950 population and 5% sample censuses. Last, you will learn how to use the Soundex Index.

Resources:

National Archives - The Soundex Indexing System

Census History - 1950 (Population)

Module 3 - A Stroke of Genealogy: Accessing Genealogy Research Resources

In this module, the last of a series of 3, you will learn about enumeration district maps and descriptions. We will also take you to the NARA 1950 Census website to complete a hands-on exercise on how to locate and view census schedules, enumeration district maps and descriptions.