1950s Census Archive: Millions of families can now research them history

digital records have been released on Friday and available to public is free of charge in a dedicated website allowing viewers research them family history and background. Including 6.57 million population timetables – many of which include several families and households, as well as 33,360 Indian reservation schedules. for native americans living on reservations.

In the release video of archive, archivist of USA David S. Ferriero explained that the National Archives is preparing for release for decade. Shown Images on in website actually microfilm filmed bureau in 1952, which had to be carefully scanned by the archive staff. original paper documents were destroyed in 1960s.

The archive encourages users to search for in first as well as last name of in head of the household they are looking for for; the database will come back close matches even if users are not know exact spelling. The archive used artificial intelligence technique called “Optical Character Recognition” for extracting names from images. of handwritten text, so not all names are perfect.

The 1950 census included 20 questions. for all respondents aged 14 and over; some respondents were also asked additional six questions.

It is noteworthy that the 1950 census last time, census takers personally visited most households. bureau then switched to distribution of household census questionnaires, and today citizens can fill out out online census by phone or mail.

According to the archive, the census of 1960 and later did not available to public “because of statutory 72-year limitation on access for for privacy reasons,” but they can be requested privately from the US Census Bureau.

“The census is full of family history and we know you can’t wait to see for yours,” said Ferriero.