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Linking the 1940 U.S. Census with modern data

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Linking the 1940 U.S. Census with modern data

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Abstract

The U.S. Census Bureau has created a set of linkable census, survey, and administrative records that provides longitudinal data on the American population across the past eight decades. While these files include modern decennial censuses, Census Bureau surveys, and administrative records files from other federal agencies, the long time span is only possible with the addition of the complete count 1940 Census microdata. In this paper, we discuss the development of this linked data infrastructure and provide an overview of the record linkage techniques used. We primarily focus on the techniques used to produce a beta version of a linkable 1940 Census microdata file and discuss the potential to further document and extend the infrastructure.

web Linking the 1940 U.S. Census with modern data (Taylor & Francis Online)
Historical Methods: A Journal of Quantitative and Interdisciplinary History, 51:4, 246-257, DOI: 10.1080/01615440.2018.1507772

Others in Series

Working Paper
Creating a Longitudinal Data Infrastructure at the Census Bureau
May 01, 2015
Discusses development of core linkable data, including the 1940, 2000, & 2010 Censuses. Provides overview of record linkage methods to create longitudinal data.
Working Paper
Person Matching in Historical Files using the Person Validation System
September 15, 2014
Summarizes linkage techniques employed by the Census Bureau. Discusses utilization of the techniques to append protected identification keys to the 1940 Census.
Working Paper
Census Bureau’s Ability to Assign Protected Identification Keys
September 2014
Discusses matching issues for historical data. Describes matching process for the 1960 census to Social Security Administration’s Numeric Identification System.
Page Last Revised - October 28, 2021
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