History

Census – Then & Now

Genealogy Tips

Census information and records can be invaluable tools in genealogical research. Not only do they include basic personal facts for each respondent, but also more detailed information that can help make connections across generations. This page contains a few tips to help amateur genealogists use census records to fill out their family tree.

• Census records are stored at the Census Bureau's National Processing Center in Jeffersonville, IN. Records from the censuses of population and housing are publicly accessible 72 years after each enumeration's "Census Day." Thus, the most recent publicly available census records are from the 1930 census, released April 1, 2002.
• After the 72 years have passed, the Census Bureau transfers census records to the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). NARA is responsible for making the records publicly available for viewing or purchase.
• Individuals may request their own records (before they are publicly available) via the Census Bureau's Age Search service. This service provides individual information from censuses that are still protected by the 72-year rule, but only to the named person, his/her heirs, or legal representatives. There is a Congressionally-mandated fee for this service. Individuals interested in requesting a search of their personal census records must complete a form BC-600 [PDF 142k], Application for Search of Census Records.
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints also maintains an archive of microfilm census records. This microfilm can be borrowed or viewed at LDS Family History Centers.
• The National Archives also maintains other records that might be useful for genealogists. As with census records, this information is preserved on microfilm.

  

  • Immigration records, mostly from ships' manifests, provide basic demographic information about new arrivals. They are available from 1820 to 1982.
  • Military records for those who served from the Revolutionary War through 1912. Records from World War I to the present are held at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO. Military records can be used to collect some demographic information on veterans. Further, military pension applications often contain rich family histories provided by veterans or their widows.
• Naturalization records can be a valuable genealogical resource, although the quality and quantity of information they provide varies greatly. Before 1906, any court of record could grant U.S. citizenship. Any records from state, county, or local courts prior to 1906, will be found in state archives. Federal court records from that era are kept at the National Archives regional facility closest to that court.
• After 1906, the courts forwarded copies of naturalization records to the Immigration and Naturalization Service. These records are also kept in the National Archives regional facility closest to the court from which they came.
• Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates ("vital records") have been kept by most states since the turn of the twentieth century. The National Center for Health Statistics maintains a list of contact information for each state's vital records office.

Further information

For more information on using government records for genealogical research, download the History Staff's publication, Age Search [PDF 4.77MB].

Also see the Census Bureau's "Factfinder for the Nation" brochure Availablity of Census Records About Individuals.