1940 Census

On April 2, 2012, the National Archives will release the records of the 1940 Census.  The only place they will be available is the web site  http://1940census.archives.gov/  There is no name index available yet.  Volunteers from many genealogy organizations are working to prepare this index but the project will take several months.  Therefore, in order to find the record for a particular family, a researcher must know where that family lived in 1940 and from that information determine the enumeration district that included that address.  For more information on locating that enumeration district, please look at the web site prepared by Steve Morse http://stevemorse.org/census/unified.html.  He has prepared search engines for many large cities and other areas. 

FamilySearch has some states and so does My Heritage.

Using Census Data to Help Your Business

Participate in this online class right from your desk over your lunch hour.

Learn the basics about the layout of the new American Factfinder Census Data Tool. This webinar will focus on where to find demographic and economic data about geographies of your choosing, which will help make informed decisions when it comes to starting or managing a small business.

This program is free and open to all. Registration is required. Register online or by telephone at 224-543-1485. Email address required. After registering you will receive an email containing information about joining the webinar approximately one week prior to the event.

Presented by the US Census Bureau for the Vernon Area Public Library.

1940 Census Detailed Data Available 4/2/12

The 1940 census will become available to the public on April 2, 2012. The date was chosen to comply with the requirement to protect privacy for 72 years.

If you want to watch a vintage video, you can learn more about the contents of the 1940 census in a 10-minute movie created by the United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census. The movie was created in 1939 or 1940 and is typical newsreels of that time. The movie focuses on the role of the enumerators (census takers) but explains who was counted and also provides many details about the 1940 census. You can watch the video on YouTube.

2010 Census Cautions

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft.  If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions.  For further precautions and information: 2010 Census Cautions.

2010 Census Cautions

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft.  If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions.  For further precautions and information: 2010 Census Cautions.