Finds in the 1940 Census: the next family tree firsts post!

My next post at Family Tree Firsts is up, and you can read it here.

It was been a real hoot at times reading through all the answers on the 1940 US Census concerning my family.  To see where they were living, what they were doing, and who was in their community.  I knew many of the people who are listed, which makes it even that much more... awesome.

Unfortunately, it also  makes me miss those that I have lost that much more.  What I wouldn't give to talk to them about this census.  All those questions about who their neighbors were, what it was like then, and so much more. 

It is killing me that I have to wait 20 years to do this and see my mom.  20 years after that I and my husband will be in the Census results.  30 years after that my kids.  Wow... I guess I better start passing the torch now.  I would be over 100 to see my kids.  Possible, yes.  Likely, not so much.

Back of the image shown above

The family in the picture is my mother-in-laws grandmother and her siblings.  Elizabeth Pittard Mills is the oldest, and picture in the middle with the black dress and white collar.  She was born in Martock, Sommerset, England, on the border of Wales.  she grew up in Llwynypia, Glamorgan, Wales where her father worked in the coal mines. In 1882 she immigrated to the US with her father, step-mother (who was also her aunt), full sister, and 2 half siblings.  The rest of the 10 children were born in New York. 

Next post at FTF is up

My next post at Family Tree Firsts is up.  It is all about the 1940 US Census... in case you haven't heard enough already.

When the 1940 US Census was finally released I nearly died from anticipation.  To say I was  giddy would put it mildly.  However, I had already absolved myself to the fact that it would be weeks, if not months, before I would be able to carve out the time to really go through an un-indexed image file.  Yes, there is an indexing project going on, but unfortunately I am unable to participate in it.  Too much is going on right now for me to take the time that I feel I should dedicate to the process.

If you can't tell I have a special kind of drive in me. Long ago I would willy-nilly volunteer to do many different tasks and kill myself trying to make them all a success. Until I was in my early 30's; then I realized that I needed to learn to say no, and to choose what tasks/projects I can take on and finish with pride. This project fell in the middle of an already booked schedule, which is why I signed up to help promote the indexing. At least I could spread the word

However, I digress... back to the census.  I was over the moon when I learned Indiana was up on day one.  The towns that I was going to look through were small, and I already had a good idea of where to look and in what Enumeration District.  Dad was happy to talk about all the people I found, who the neighbors where, and the area in general.  Every time I find a new piece of information to add to the family tree puzzle he has always been happy to give me background information.  Sometimes it will even spark memories, which are always lively and entertaining. 

After I spoke with a couple other family members about locating other relatives on the 1940 US Census, and idea came to me.  This would be a fantastic thing to pull up and my mother's family reunion next September.  I can just image going page by page thought the home towns with them discovering everyone on the pages.  What stories could that lead to?  Imagine the possibilities!

Currently I am waiting for my mom's cousin to write me back with the address of where their parents lived in Wayne, Michigan.  My mother's father and two of his brothers moved there in the late 1930's and all settled within two blocks of each other.  It would be fascinating to see them, their kids, and learn what the Census can tell me.  Then I will tackle my husband's side of the family who will range across the country from Washington State to New York and down to Missouri.

* Image from the Library of Congress: Hand punching machine, Census

Are you ready for the 1940 Census

In less than a day the 1940 US Census will be released.  Who are you going to look for?  Don't know yet?  Haven't prepared?  Well here are some helpful links so that you can cram!

The 1940 US Census Community Project
NARA
Dear Myrtle

Remember that the indexing will take time.  If you can, sign up to index and help the whole community out!  Watch the broadcast live, 8:30 AM EST, April 2nd by going to this special NARA site.I am all in a flutter and can't wait for tomorrow morning...

Infographic by Archives.com

Tonight 1940 US Census Panel

If you have Google+ you should head on over there tonight at 8pm Central time for a panel discussion on the release of the upcoming 1940 US Census. 

The panel will include:

Thomas MacEntee (panel leader): Geneabloggers.com
Amy Johnson Crow: Archives.com
Dan Lynch: Family Tree Brands
Jim Ericson: FamilySearch
Joel Weintraub: One Step
Steve Morese: One Step
Tyler Heaps (moderator): FamilySearch

Read about it more on the 1940 US Census Community Project web page here.  Never fear if you are not on Google+, or can't attend, they will rebroadcast it on the FamilySearch YouTube Channel after the event is over.

Week 11 of Abundant Genealogy

Week 11 – Technology: Technology makes it possible for genealogy classroom learning to come to you. Webinars are now hosted by many instructors on a variety of family history subjects. Share with us a webinar or series of webinars that you appreciate 

I have only taken a handful of webinars, all from Family Tree University.  Even before I became their Family Tree Firsts blogger I enjoyed their state series of webinars.  Each one taught me something, and I have never been disappointed.  They are easy to use, packed full of information, and presented by members of the genealogy community who are top in their field.

Recently I have begun to view a lot of the online presentations dealing with the 1940 US census.  Everyone is gearing up for the release on April 2^nd and I don’t want to be left out.  What an exciting time! 

Don’t forget to check out GeneaWebinars hosted my Dear Myrtle!

*Image: selva via photopin cc

The 1940 Census is coming, are you ready?

I have talked about how excited I am about the release of the 1940 US Census in the past week.  Well, on that note I am happy to tell you that I am participating in the 1940 Blog Ambassador Program, through the 1940 US Census Community Project.  This project is sponsored by Archives.com, FamilySearch, and findmypast.com.  As well as the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), the Federation of of Genealogical Societies (FGS), and the National Genealogical Society (NGS).

This is an opportunity for all of us passionate about the quick indexing of the 1940 US Census to get out there and help.  Go check it out, and if you can think about signing up to help with the indexing. 

Check back here often as I talk about all things 1940's, the release of the 1940 US Census, and anything else that comes along.  This should be fun!