How to Browse the Census by Location on Ancestry and FamilySearch

Searching for ancestors can be a challenging but rewarding experience. When searching by name proves unsuccessful, exploring census records by location can be a fruitful alternative. This guide will walk you through the process of browsing the census by location on two popular genealogy platforms: Ancestry and FamilySearch.

Ancestry

Ancestry offers a user-friendly interface for browsing census records. Here’s how to do it:

1. Log in to your Ancestry account.
2. Navigate to the ‘Census & Military’ section. This section typically appears on the left-hand side of the screen.
3. Select the ‘Browse’ option. This will open a page with a map of the United States.
4. Zoom in on the desired location. Use the zoom controls to focus on the specific county or state where your ancestor lived.
5. Click on the desired location. A list of available census records for that location will appear.
6. Filter the results by year and census type. You can refine your search by specifying the census year and type of record you’re looking for (e.g., United States Federal Census).
7. Browse through the available records. Click on any record to view the images and data.

FamilySearch

FamilySearch provides a similar browsing experience for census records. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to your FamilySearch account.
2. Navigate to the ‘Search’ tab. This tab is usually located at the top of the screen.
3. Select ‘Census’ from the list of record types.
4. Click on the ‘Browse’ option. This will open a map of the world.
5. Zoom in on the desired location. Use the zoom controls to focus on the specific country, state, or county where your ancestor lived.
6. Click on the desired location. A list of available census records for that location will appear.
7. Filter the results by year and census type. You can refine your search by specifying the census year and type of record you’re looking for.
8. Browse through the available records. Click on any record to view the images and data.

Tips for Browsing Census Records

Here are some helpful tips for browsing census records by location:

• Start with a general location. If you’re unsure of the exact location, begin by browsing for a wider area (e.g., county or state). This will give you a better idea of the records available.
• Use a combination of search methods. Don’t rely solely on browsing by location. Try searching by name, birth year, or other known details as well.
• Be patient and persistent. Finding your ancestor in census records can sometimes require patience and persistence. Don’t give up if you don’t find them immediately.
• Take advantage of online resources. There are numerous online resources that can help you locate and interpret census records. These resources include:

• Ancestry.com: A leading genealogy website with a vast collection of census records.
• FamilySearch.org: A free genealogy website maintained by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• National Archives and Records Administration (NARA): The official repository for U.S. government records, including census records.

Conclusion

Browsing the census by location can be a powerful tool for finding your ancestors. By skipping the search and directly accessing images for a specific location, you can potentially find your ancestor’s record. Remember to be patient, persistent, and utilize the available resources to enhance your search. Happy researching!