Census Research
Census Records are one of the best places to start research on your family. Start with the name of your ancestor and the place where they lived. In the United States, a census of the population was taken every decade from 1790 to the present. Census records are public from 1790-1940. From 1790-1840, only the head of households were listed by name. Please note that most of the 1890 census records were destroyed.
One source for census records is Heritage Quest . Anyone with a Connecticut State Library Card can access Heritage Quest from the State Library site.
HeritageQuest Online includes:
- Census: complete set of U.S. Federal Census images from 1790-1940
The site also includes, Books, Cemeteries, City Directories, Military, Immigration, Freedman's Bank, Serial Set, and Photos.
For Heritage Quest Libguide from ProQuest, go to http://proquest.libguides.com/heritagequest
Charles Storrs- 1870 Census Brooklyn New York
Another free source for census records is familysearch.org.
- HeritageQuest from CT State LibraryEnter your Connecticut State library barcode to access this resource.
- USA Census Records from FamilySearch.orgCreate a free account to access images.
- US Federal Census- Internet ArchiveBrowse Images
1940 Census - USA
The most recent United States census released to the public is the 1940 census. Below are some sites specific to the 1940 census.
- ancestry.com 1940 censusAccess to the 1940 census is free.
- http://1940census.archives.gov/Full access to the 1940 census images in addition to census maps and descriptions. Site does not include a name index.
- https://familysearch.org/1940censusFree 1940 census from familysearch.org
General census data may enhance your research on your ancestors. Try the sites below to learn more.
- Historical Statistics of the United StatesStatistics of the United States, covering population, work and welfare, economics, governance, and international relations, including census data, some dating back to the 1600s.
- https://www.census.gov/Full access to all 2000 and 1990 census data through American Factfinder, current estimates and projections, library of decennial Census publications and reports, and data from all other programs administered by the Census Bureau. All earlier decennial Census publications have been scanned and are available from the Publications link on the Census home page.
Census Websites
- Heritage Quest (CT residents)Use your CT public library card or a CT State Library Card.
- Census Enumeration Forms from IPUMS-USA"This section contains facsimile copies of the enumeration forms used in the decennial census of the United States from 1860 through 2010, and the American Community Survey" , Enumerator Instructions and the 1850 census questions.
- Census OnlineLinks to online Census Records, U.S. and Canadian.
- Obtaining EDs for the (1900-1950) Census in One Step (Large Cities)To locate a person in a census by address, ED Maps and more.
- Enumeration District Maps1940 and 1950 census
