Census records: an essential source for family history research
From the U.S. Federal Census to state census records and beyond, census records can provide valuable genealogical information beyond the obvious. These resources, created by American Ancestors researchers and experts, will guide you through using census records in your research, including what records to look for when the census isn't enough.
Databases
Search census records from the U.S. and beyond with your American Ancestors membership.
Federal Census
- United States 1790 Census
- United States 1800 Census
- United States 1810 Census
- United States 1820 Census
- United States 1830 Census
- United States 1830 Census: Free Negro Heads of Families
- United States 1840 Census
- United States 1850 Federal Census
- United States 1850 Census (Slave Schedule)
- United States 1860 Census
- United States 1870 Census
- United States 1880 Census
- United States 1900 Census
- United States 1910 Federal Census
- United States 1920 Federal Census
- United States 1930 Federal Census
By State
Maine
Massachusetts
- Massachusetts: Miscellaneous Census Substitutes, 1630-1788, 1840, 1890
- Salem, MA: United States 1810 Census
- Boston, MA: Census,1810
- Boston, MA: Smallpox Inoculation Census W. District, Ward 7, 1824
- Framingham, MA: Census of the East Ward, 1837
- Massachusetts: People of Color in the State Census, 1855-1865
- Massachusetts: 1865 State Census
- Massachusetts: 1855 State Census
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
Central America
Upcoming Events
Making the Most of the US Federal Census
This five-week course will delve into the ins and outs of the US Federal Census, providing you with the full context of population and non-population schedules and helping you use census records more fully and more accurately.
Archived Webinars
Discover the 1950 U.S. Federal Census
The newly-released 1950 U.S. Federal Census is providing researchers the opportunity to discover or verify new information about their family history. Learn what information is provided, how to search, and how this resource can lead you to other records.
The Federal Census: Moving Beyond the Population Schedule
When most family historians think about the census, we think of the population schedule—the enumeration of individuals living within a household. But there is so much more to the Federal Census that many researchers overlook!
Substitutes for pre-1880 New York Vital Records: Using New York State and Federal Censuses
Finding information about your New York ancestors can be tricky. That challenge is in part due to the fact that statewide registration of vital records did not start until 1880.
Using the U.S. Federal Census
The US Federal Census is often the go-to resource for family historians researching ancestors from the 19th and 20th centuries.
1950 Census Resources
Discover the 1950 U.S. Federal Census
The newly-released 1950 U.S. Federal Census is providing researchers the opportunity to discover or verify new information about their family history. Learn what information is provided, how to search, and how this resource can lead you to other records.
Download the 1950 Census Worksheet
Download this free resource which will help guide your research as you explore the 1950 U.S. Census.
Portable Genealogist Guides
Portable Genealogist: Massachusetts State Census
Massachusetts researchers are fortunate to have so many early resources for genealogical and historical research.
Portable Genealogist: New York State Census
New York is a crossroads for many of our ancestors.
Portable Genealogist: Rhode Island State Census
This PG shows you how to advance genealogical research into Rhode Island ancestors using the information from the state census, which was