How to Search Census Records Online
Since the late 18th century, the Census Bureau has undertaken household records. These online census records which have become an important online search tool contain information that can verify births, marriages and deaths and help to identify your ancestors.
However knowing how to search census records online can be a daunting task.
Below are steps that can help to bring you closer to discovering your ancestry.
- The first step you need to take is to ask your family about your ancestral heritage. Collect first, middle and last names; birth and death dates; and birth and death locations. If your family members have alternative spellings for their name make a note of these too. Verify as much information as possible. Collect any birth certificates, marriage certificate, and death certificates which will provide you with any additional information you may not have.
- It may be a good idea to do a draft of your family tree. This will help you to see where your ancestors may have lived. However because the census data is only gathered every 10 years, list the places that you know of your key family members from 1930 going backward.
- After you have collected your preliminary research you should visit the U.S Census Bureau’s website. It is important to point out that the latest data that you can start your search from is 1930 because of the bureau’s privacy policy.
- Visit genealogy websites. Ancestry.com, Family Search and Heritage Quest Online are just a few of the available websites that provides access to online census records. When you are searching you will be able to find general information about names, birth years and locations of your ancestors.
- Decide if you want to search within a specific census or if you would prefer to search all censuses at one time. For example you can do a search with the 1880 United States Census, the 1881 Canadian Census or the 1881 British Isles Census. You should also consider whether you want to do a search on a particular family member or head of household.
- It is best to begin with the most recent census year and work your way backwards. If you are using a common name in your search you should also enter additional information into the fields provided. This will help to improve your results. Also use both first and last names.
- You may find that not all the information taken down by the census taker is correct. If this is the case try spelling the name differently. This is when the alternative name spelling can come in handy. You can also just type in the last name for your search.
- Make sure that the websites ‘Use Exact Spelling’ feature has been checked when you want to use the middle name and initials in your search. In most cases some census records will ignore these. However when you use this feature the search will bring up records on the information that you have entered.
- Determine whether the person is your ancestor. When you recognize a name make sure that you take down all the family members’ names, ages, birthplaces and birthplaces of their parents. By using this information you will be able to expand your search to find out whether or not the person is your ancestor.
One point to bare in mind when it comes to learning how to search census records online is that your search will need time and dedication to be a success. However it is just as important to keep searching and researching. The end results at finding out who your ancestors are will be well worth the hardwork and frustration you can expect along the way.
This entry was posted on Monday, November 9th, 2009 at 12:28 pm and is filed under Public Records. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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