History

Reference

View larger image
Card catalog in the Library of Congress, 1942
Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress.

In this section we have provided links to a variety of reference materials that may be useful in conducting historical and genealogical research. These resources include Census Bureau Executive Reports from 1881 to 1921, historical census maps, oral histories, and information on privacy and confidentiality. We have scans of the laws authorizing the censuses and surveys. In addition, this section includes information on census records and other genealogy resources, as well as classroom resources and lesson plans for kindergarten through 12th grade.

We have also provided links to several types of publications, including those of the U.S. Census Bureau's History Staff, such as procedural histories of the decennial and economic censuses. Under "Publications" you will find links to historical census data and reports, and other sources of information on the history of the Census Bureau and its programs.

If you have further questions, please contact the Census Bureau History Staff.