Every ten years, we all get counted, and this can be a very valuable tool in researching your ancestors. This all-day workshop will teach you census basics, history and what you should know. You'll also learn from experts what they've learned along the way. Whether your genealogy journey is just beginning or you're well on your way, you'll pick up some helpful info. This program is co-sponsored by the Central Texas Genealogical Society.

9:30-10:00 What Do You Think You Know?
Do you consider yourself a census expert? We will start the day with a 20 question challenge. Test your knowledge of some basic census facts.
 

10:00-10:30 I Can’t Find Them on the Census
Everyone has that elusive ancestor who is missing from a census record. Learn effective strategies for searching for those difficult to find individuals. Examples will demonstrate how to search for and evaluate challenging records.
 

10:30-11:05 Enumerator Instructions
Learn about the intent behind key census questions to gain a better understanding of why your ancestors responded the way they did. Knowing how the census was taken can help explain anomalies you may find in your research or lead to clues you never noticed before.
 

10 Minute Break
 

11:15-12:00 1790-1840: Hen Scratch
The earliest U.S. Federal Census records look much different from those beginning in 1850 and later. Learn effective strategies for tracking down ancestors in these early years. Explore the types of information provided and what it can mean for your research.
 

12:00-12:30 1850-60-70: Discovering Household Members
The 1850 census, known as the first modern census, set the standard for future enumerations. The personal data collected from 1850-1870 (names of households, ages, birth residence, marriage information, property…) provide family historians leads to other records of interest.
 

12:30-1:00 Ancestor Hunting in the Federal Non-Population Census Schedules 1850-1880
The census for 1850-1880 included a variety of supplemental schedules—agricultural, mortality, and defective, dependent and delinquent. These schedules provide additional facts about your ancestor. Learn what schedules are available and from what sources.
 

1:00-2:00 Lunch on Your Own
 

2:00-2:30 1880: It’s All about Relationships
The 1880 census was the first census to document the relationships of those living at a specific address including extended family and others. Other “first” included marital status, birthplace of parents, health and location information.
 

2:30-3:15 1890 Census Substitutes: Bridging the Gap
The destruction of the 1890 Census left a 20-year gap in the decennial chain of census records for researchers. In this program learn how to look for census substitutes or alternative sources.
 

10 Minute Break
 

3:25-4:25 1900-1940: The 20th Century
Census schedules from the early 20th Century provide some of the greatest personal details of any census. Discover what these records reveal about veterans, immigrants, mothers, families that survived the Great Depression, and much more.
 

4:25-4:45 2020: The Modern U.S. Federal Census
Presented by Cheri Beuerlein
Learn what to expect from the 2020 Census experience. This will be the first U.S. Federal Census to collect information from individuals online. See what questions will be asked, and how to answer them. Explore some of the uses of the statistical data collected by the census.
 

4:45-5:00 Q&A