The 1930 Federal Census will open to the public on Monday, 1 April,
2002, in the National Archives Building located at 700 Pennsylvania
Avenue, N.W. in the District of Columbia. The census has become a key
research tool for sociologists, demographers, historians, political
scientists, and genealogists. The 1930 census consists of 2,667 rolls
of population schedules and 1,587 rolls of Soundex indexes for 12
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 72 years. [92 Stat. 915;
Public Law 95-416; October 5, 1978].

It will open with a ribbon cutting ceremony that is expected to last
from 8:30 A.M. to 8:45 A.M. at the Microfilm Reading Room, Fourth
Floor. National Archives Building on Pennsylvania Avenue, between 7th
and 9th Streets, NW.

At 8:45 A.M. the microfilmed copies will be opened for research at
the National Archives Building in Washington, DC, and at 13 of the
National Archives regional facilities across the nation and through
the National Archives rental program.

Due to the expected popularity of the 1930 Census, the National
Archives and Records Administration will implement procedures for
reserving microfilm readers. Tickets for three-hour blocks will be
issued in the Pennsylvania Avenue lobby of the National Archives
Building. The tickets are free but will be issued only on a same-day
basis, one ticket to a person. All researchers planning to use the
Microfilm Research Room (Room 400) must register to obtain a ticket.

Time blocks are as follows:

Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday
8:45 - 11:45
11:45 - 2:45
2:45 - 5:00 (closing time)

Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday
8:45 - 11:45
11:45 - 2:45
2:45 - 5:45
5:45 - 8:45 (closing time)

More 1930 census information is available through the National
Archives new Web site: http://1930census.archives.gov

Be aware that the Archives building is currently undergoing a major
renovation. There is occasional construction related noise and dust
affecting all parts of the building. In addition, there is limited
seating in the snack bar.