Learn about the 1940 Census at 1940census.archives.gov

A National Archives 3:13 minute video short provides a "behind-the-scenes" view of staff preparations for the April 2, 2012, 9 a.m. EST launch of the 1940 census, and gives viewers a tutorial on how to use the data once it is launched. This video is in the public domain and not subject to any copyright restrictions. The National Archives encourages the free distribution of it.

The National Archives has launched its new website 1940census.archives.gov in preparation for its first-ever online U.S. census release, which will take place on April 2, 2012, at 9 a.m. (EST). The public is encouraged to bookmark the website now in order to more quickly access the 1940 census data when it goes live. No other website will host the 1940 census data on its April 2, release date.

Background on the 1940 Census
While the original intent of the census was to determine how many representatives each state was entitled to send to the U.S. Congress, it has become a vital tool for Federal agencies in determining allocation of Federal funds and resources. The census is also a key research tool for sociologists, demographers, historians, political scientists and genealogists. Many of the questions on the 1940 census are the standard ones: name, age, gender, and race, education, and place of birth. But the 1940 census also asks many new questions, some reflecting concerns of the Great Depression. The instructions ask the enumerator to enter a circled x after the name of the person furnishing the information about the family; whether the person worked for the CCC, WPA, or NYA the week of March 24--30, 1940; and income for the 12 months ending December 31, 1939. The 1940 census also has a supplemental schedule for two names on each page. The supplemental schedule asks the place of birth of the person's father and mother; the person's usual occupation, not just what they were doing the week of March 24--30, 1940; and for all women who are or have been married, has this woman been married more than once and age at first marriage.

For the release of the 1940 census online, the National Archives has digitized the entire census, creating more than 3.8 million digital images of census schedules, maps, and enumeration district descriptions.

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[siti widuri]

@mxqlqsb thats right everyone is in someway related to someone famous or notorious. btw this is the best tool I have found to search for your family tree and ancestors --> bit.ly/Hy52co?=uuupxa

[oldikins]

Yay! Genealogists have been waiting anxiously for this census. For many of us, it will be the first one we are on.

[Helen Murphy]

It took me a while to find my "ED" where I lived.

[Helen Murphy]

I was able to find myself in the census. It took quite a while to find the enumerator number and then the page and image number. It was interesting.

[MegaBuynow]

Interesting way to learn about our family history.

[Ginna Morgan]

SUPER- Fun and Super Interesting for Families.

[Marjorie Mero]

When you get the black screen, click on the little red x in upper left corner, then click on show picture.....it should open. It did for me...........mm

[whatsarahsaw]

i think the 1940s is a time that a lot of people overlook or find no interest in, when in reality, it is just as important as any other time. i think the census is a very important tool in american history and opens many doors and resources to understanding how to better help the country.

[3RDSONVIDEO]

found my family!!!....had to make an educated guess at the 'ED"...but it eventually paid off...so interesting!!