National
Archives to Release 1930 Census on 1 April 2002
(Ancestry.com)
The National Archives will release the 1930 Federal population census for the
first time on 1 April 2002. At that time, the microfilmed copies will be opened
for research at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, at thirteen
of the National Archives regional facilities across the nation and through the
National Archives rental program. The National Archives Building is located on
Pennsylvania Avenue, between 7th and 9th Streets, NW. The Microfilm Reading Room
will open for research at 8:45 AM, following an event marking the occasion. The
event will be open to the press. For a complete listing of National Archives
regional locations and opening times, check the Web site at www.nara.gov/genealogy/genindex.html
The 1930
census is the 15th Federal census mandated by the U.S. Constitution,
which states "The actual Enumeration shall be made within three
Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States,
and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they
shall by Law direct . . . "
The 1930
census consists of 2,667 rolls of population schedules and 1,587 rolls
of Soundex indexes for twelve southern states, totaling 4,254 rolls.
Even though the statistical summaries collected by enumerators are
made public shortly after the census is taken, information on individuals
and families is restricted by law for privacy reasons for seventy-two
years. [92 Stat. 915; Public Law 95- 416; October 5, 1978].
A note of
caution to researchers: There are personal name finding aids (Soundex)
for twelve southern states only. The National Archives will make available
research guides and geographic finding aids to help researchers locate
families not listed in the Soundex. Knowing the exact spelling of the
last name, the state and county where the family lived in 1930 will
greatly assist the search.
The National
Archives has Federal decennial censuses date back to the 1790 census,
which consisted of twelve rolls of microfilm. The most recent census
to be released was the 1920 census that was opened on 1 April 1992.
It consists of 2,076 rolls of film.
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 has also become a key research tool
for sociologists, demographers, historians, political scientists and
genealogists. The 1930 census provides a wealth of socio-economic information
such as the following: names of all persons living in each home; relationship
of each person to the head of household; whether the home is owned
or rented; value of the home; if the family owns a radio; if they own
a farm; whether they attended school or college; if they can read or
write; place of birth; citizenship status; and occupation.
For more
information on the 1930 census, see
www.nara.gov/genealogy/1930cen.html |
