The 1950 Census: A Genealogist’s Guide

The 1950 census is a treasure trove of information for genealogists. It offers a snapshot of American life in the immediate aftermath of World War II, providing insights into the lives of our ancestors, their families, and their communities. This guide will walk you through the basics of using the 1950 census for your research.

Understanding the 1950 Census

The 1950 census was conducted on April 1, 1950, and included information about every person living in the United States at that time. It contains data on:

• Name
• Relationship to the head of household
• Age
• Sex
• Race
• Marital status
• Place of birth
• Year of immigration
• Citizenship
• Occupation
• Industry
• Education
• Home ownership
• Housing value
• Number of rooms in the dwelling

The 1950 census is particularly valuable for genealogists because it includes information about:

• Military service: This information can help you connect with veterans in your family tree.
• Education: The census records the highest grade completed by each person, offering insights into educational attainment in the post-war era.
• Occupation: This data can help you understand the economic landscape of the time and how your ancestors fit into it.

Finding Your Ancestors in the 1950 Census

To find your ancestors in the 1950 census, you’ll need to know their name, location, and approximate age at the time. You can start by searching the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) website. NARA is the official repository for federal government records, including the census. Their website provides a searchable database and digitized images of the census records.

Here are some tips for searching the 1950 census:

• Start with a known location: If you know the city or town where your ancestor lived in 1950, begin your search there. The census was organized by enumeration districts (EDs), which were geographic areas assigned to census enumerators. You can find ED maps on the NARA website.
• Use variations of names: Remember that spelling variations were common in the past. Try searching for different spellings of your ancestor’s name.
• Consider approximate ages: If you’re unsure of your ancestor’s exact age, search for people within a reasonable age range.

Tips for Using the 1950 Census

Once you’ve found your ancestor’s record, take the time to carefully review the information. Pay attention to:

• Relationships: The census lists the relationship of each person to the head of household. This can help you identify siblings, spouses, and children.
• Place of birth: This information can help you trace your ancestor’s origins.
• Occupation: Understanding your ancestor’s work can provide valuable insights into their lives and the social and economic conditions of the time.

Beyond the Census: Additional Resources

The 1950 census is just one piece of the puzzle in your genealogy research. Other valuable resources include:

• FamilySearch: This free website offers access to billions of historical records, including census records, birth certificates, marriage records, and more.
• Ancestry.com: This paid website provides a vast collection of genealogical records, including census data, birth, marriage, and death records, and military records.
• Local historical societies and libraries: These organizations often have collections of local records, such as city directories, newspaper archives, and church records, that can provide additional information about your ancestors.

By using the 1950 census and other resources, you can uncover a wealth of information about your ancestors and their lives in the post-war era.