3 Resources to Improve Your Census Research

   

3 Resources to Improve Your Census Research for Better Results

Census records are one of the fundamental record sets that genealogists, both beginner and experienced, use for family history research. The U.S. Federal Census is taken every 10 years and may contain detailed personal information about your ancestor and their family members. 

Beyond personal information such as the location of where your ancestor lived, age, marital status and race, a census record may provide you with the language spoken, country of origin and any military participation. In addition to the Federal Census, many states performed a census on the fifth year between the Federal Census. 

Knowing what census information is available for the time frame and location you are researching can lead to additional, valuable details, such as on an agricultural census. The U.S. Federal Census should be your first step, but it shouldn't be your only step in census research.

I've selected three resources that provide greater detail into the census overall as well as more specific information in the 1910 census and information on those other census records we might not immediately think to review.

Using the Census in Genealogy Research - From the New York Public Library

 

This is an overview post, containing background on the census as well as some pro tips to maximize your searching.

What Is the 1910 Census Telling You About Your Ancestor? - From Lisa Lisson

Not all census are created equal. This post details the information available specific to the 1910 census.

Don't Neglect The Other Census Records - From Amy Johnson Crow

If you are unable to find your person(s) in the U.S. Federal Census, consider the options covered in this post. 




These 3 posts are just a start to get your census research moving forward to begin seeing the results you need to move your research forward.


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Watch, Listen & Learn - 5 Genealogy Resources On Air and Online

Helping You Break Through The Noise

Helping you break through the noise and find the good stuff. There is a growing collection of audio and video content available specific to genealogy and family history research. While that is great news for researchers, finding quality content is more challenging. I am spotlighting podcast episodes and video content that has a high educational and/or entertainment value. Enjoy!

In The Spotlight Audio Content

• ExtremeGenes

Episode 177 - Genealogy Road Show Host Kenyatta Berry on Tricks for Researching Slaves and How They Apply to Any Type of Research.

Episode 192 - Perfectly Preserved 19th Century Child Found in Back Yard, Identified and Reburied with Dignity

• Family Tree Magazine Podcast

  Episode 109 - Episode covers using old maps and mapping tools to learn more about your ancestors through the places they've lived and loved.

In The Spotlight Video Content 

• Amy Johnson Crow

  Breaking Down Brick Walls A Pro Genealogist's Approach - Amy interviews Kathleen Brandt, founder and Chief Researcher at a3Genealogy on brick wall research.
   

•  Nika Sewell-Smith

  5 Lies About African American Genealogy and Family History Nika has a quick video to help escape some of the most common myths about African American genealogy research. 

•  The In-Depth Genealogist 

Interview with Katherine Willson Host Valerie Eichler Lair interviews Katherine Willson. They discuss Katherine's compilation of Facebook links for genealogy.

Watch, Listen & Learn from these podcast and video episodes as well as the many others available. Be sure to subscribe to their channels so you do not miss an episode. 

Read my previous Watch, Listen & Learn posts by starting here. If you have a favorite podcast or YouTube channel, please share in the comments. Follow my Pinterest board that is all podcast and video content, all the time.


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4 Ways To Celebrate Family History Month Online

October is Family History Month in the US

 

Family History has its very own month, how will you celebrate? A family reunion? Visiting an ancestral location? Sharing old photographs with your family? How about listening to stories of your renegade or outlaw ancestors (the best!)? The choices are almost endless.

I will be observing Family History Month socially, online. With my family residing coast to coast, online sharing options will reach the most family members. 

I've singled out four options that will make it easy for you to spotlight your favorite, and not so favorite, ancestors and share them with your family.
 

4 Ways To Celebrate Family History Month 

31 Days To Better Genealogy - version 2.0 

Amy Johnson Crow has rolled out version 2.0 of her highly successful 31 Days To Better Genealogy program and it's better than ever. Sign up to get a daily email containing your action items.

Genealogy Photo A Day

Head over to Instagram and participate in Genealogy Girl Talks Photo A Day meme. Melissa Dickerson has created prompts for the month to inspire your photo sharing.

The Genealogy Blog Party

 Elizabeth Swanay O'Neal has been hosting good ole blog parties and the October theme will not disappoint. Prepare for something strange.

 

Take part in Pinchat on Twitter

For those who love Twitter, you know all about Twitter chats and how much fun they are. Pinchat is focused on best practices, tips and tools for Pinterest. The hosts of Pinchat, Kim Vij and Kelly Lieberman asked ME to guest host a family history themed chat. Please join me!

However you choose to honor, recognize or share your ancestors stories, just be sure you do. It is too easy for family stories to go undocumented and eventually be forgotten.