Oregon State Archives News

1940 U.S. Census Indexing Work to Begin

Join the 1940 U.S. Census Community Project to help index the 1940 U.S. Federal Census. Indexing records from Oregon will be an essential part of this monumental grass-roots effort that will put one of the richest genealogical data sets in the world online, complete and free of charge forever.

On April 2, 2012 images of the 1940 U.S. Federal Census will be released for the first time. Unlike previous census years, images of this census will be made available as free digital images.

Upon its release, the 1940 U.S. Census Community Project, a joint initiative between Archives.com, FamilySearch, findmypast.com, and other genealogy societies, archives and organizations, will coordinate efforts to provide quick access to these digital images and immediately start indexing these records to make them searchable online with free and open access.

Interest in the 1940 US Census is both significant and sentimental because it documents what is often referred to as “The Greatest Generation” of U.S. citizens. As a group, these are individuals who

•            Survived the Great Depression
•            Fought in the Second World War
•            Innovated technology (TV, Microwave)

There are many people still alive today who will be able to find themselves in the 1940 U.S. Federal Census. Others will be able to readily connect with relatives they knew personally or through family stories.

If you would like to volunteer to index go to www.the1940census.com/archives and register to participate. You may choose to participate under the partnership of one of several genealogical/historical societies in the state that are participating in this effort. Go to https://the1940census.com/participatingsocieties/ to see what organizations in Oregon are partnering in this community effort.