Module 2 Mini-Project: Census Research

Mini-Project: Census Research

At this point, you should have at least some basic information completed on your Ancestor Chart Download Ancestor Chart

. What you have right now is probably just from your own recollection or from what you learned from talking to your relatives in the last module. Here's where we can all start proving all of that information with actual documentation. We start, as you might have guessed, with the US Census. Here are some pointers for getting started.

Determine access.

As we learned in this module, it's unlikely that you'll have access to full-image census records from home for free. The best ways to access full-image census records are by viewing the microfilm or by using subscription online databases like Ancestry.com Links to an external site. or HeritageQuest Links to an external site.. Often your local public library, local history room, or state library will pay for subscriptions to these and other online databases, so check with these institutions! Once you've figured out how you can access the census, you can set aside some time to do your research.

Set aside some time.

We think you'll quickly find that the space-time continuum stretches in weird ways when you're conducting genealogy research. You'll think you were just researching for an hour over lunch, but suddenly you look up and it's dark outside and your family has been asleep for hours. It happens to the best of us. So set aside a few hours on your calendar, or dedicate an entire Saturday afternoon. You'll use every minute of it and then some.

Document, document, document!

Once you start proving the information you have with documentation from the census, you need to start recording this information on your ancestor charts Download ancestor charts

 and family group sheets Download family group sheets

. You'll also want to keep more detailed information about your searches on your research log Download research log

. Keeping such detailed records will not only save you time spent tracking down useful records from past searches, but it will also help any researchers who come along behind you.

Stay organized.

Aside from keeping good documentation on your research worksheets, get into the habit of printing off those records you find online and making copies of those things you find in print. You will do yourself a tremendous service by keeping all of these records in an easy-to-use organization system that makes sense to you. It might start out with just a three-ring binder or a folder on your computer's desktop, but any system is better than a pile of unorganized papers or a random assortment of digital files. The web is full of handy tips Links to an external site..  

Good luck!

In the next module, you'll have a chance to share your research progress, as well as your experience with using the census, with your fellow participants. Have fun, and happy researching!

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