Your Guide to the 1950 Census

For genealogists and historians, April 1, 2022 has been a long time coming. 72 years to be exact! And now, the wait for the release of the 1950 United States Federal Census is over.

During prior census releases, thousands of volunteers were assembled to work on indexing the records to make them more easily searchable. Now, through the use of innovative technologies, the National Archives is hoping they have initiated a groundbreaking way forward so that researchers are able to begin locating their ancestors in the records in a more immediate fashion.

Once the 1950 U.S. Federal Census is released, you can find it and start your search with:

Ancestry.com—Free with your library card when you visit any Library System location.

FamilySearch—Free with your library card at greenvillelibrary.org/all-resources.

National Archives—Public records available online at www.archives.gov.

Some of the facts you might discover about your ancestor in the census include:

Name • Age • Place of birth • Occupation • Citizenship status

If you are lucky, your ancestor might have been asked supplemental questions including:

• Where they were living in 1949 • The highest year of education they had completed • Whether they had prior military service

PREPARATION:

• Identify the family members you would like to discover in the 1950 U.S. Federal Census

• Consider the location where they might have been living in 1950

• Search additional records including newspapers, city directories, and the 1940 U.S. Federal Census to narrow your search to some probable locations

• Discern the enumeration district for their last identifiable residence

• Interview family members who were living during 1950 and might remember details that hold the answers to your questions

HOW TO USE THE INFORMATION YOU GATHERED:

• Fill in the gaps on your family tree or family group sheets with information you discover

• Assist a friend or family member with their search of the census

• Enjoy and share your discoveries

Want to learn more about local history and genealogy? Make an appointment to visit the South Carolina Room at the Hughes Main Library and start your journey today. Schedule your visit at greenvillelibrary.org/sc-room.