I keep seeing all the big countdowns to the 1940 census. I read of people taking days off from work, throwing parties and such, and I just shake my head. REALLY?
The big countdown to the 1940 census. I know its a major deal, it will be the first census that my parents appeared as children with their parents - something I am looking forward to seeing. But honestly I still have people I can not find on the 1930, the marriage project, scanning, and many other smaller projects I am working on. I guess I just don't get the hoopla. Its not like its going to get posted and taken down three hours later or something.
I guess I figure I'll get around to it sooner or later. I remember when the 1930 was released, all the hype and such. I couldn't wait to get the 1930 on my families. A few of them are still not found on the 1930, I figure they joined a witness protection program or something?
So are you one of those people awaiting the arrival like new parents anticipating a birth? Will you be anxiously pacing in front of your computer the morning of April 2nd? Will you be poised at your computer, hand on your mouse ready to click the minute 9 am arrives?
If you answered yes to any of the three questions, leave me a comment, I'd love to hear your thoughts....
4 comments:
Well, I have a large number of people to hunt up on the 1940 census. The most interesting will be my mother, who as living in foster care somewhere. I hope she was in Brooklyn at an address I have, but she may have been elsewhere. If I don't find her at that address, I will want and read the northern Michigan townships where Bill's family was. I have to go through every name anyway.
My parents only appeared in the 1930 census with their parents. My mom's mother died in 1931 and dad's mother died in 1938. We don't appear on the census until 1950 for him and 1960 for me. Does that mean I can shave 8 years off my age?
I think the servers will be overloaded on April 2 and many will have to wait until later. I may wander over just to have a look, but, like you, there's plenty of time to search for family in 1940.
Unlike the 1930 census, which was outsourced to overseas indexers, the 1940 census will be indexed by the same people who will be USING the darn thing. This census could also be the key to unlocking some answers about my great grandparents on both sides of my tree. Particularly because of one question: "where were you living in 1935?" That information alone will probably knock down brick walls for many people!
Excited? You bet!
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