1940 Census — Countdown to 2012
Just 65 days remaining until Monday, April 2, 2012.
The 1940 Census will be made available for public inspection beginning Monday, April 2, 2012. The U.S. Census Bureau and National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) have been coordinating closely for many months to prepare for and ensure access to the 1940 census schedules as quickly as possible. NARA has already announced the completion of a digitization project and their plans to place all images online for free browsing via the Internet. Although there will not be an index immediately available to search by name, a little preparation can increase your chances of finding your ancestors in the 1940 census without much trouble.
 View 1940 Census Overview
1940 Census Release Date details
Getting Ready for 1940 Census Research
There may be no urgency in preparing for 1940 census research at the moment, but don't wait until the night before to start getting ready for one of the biggest genealogical events in the U.S. since, well — since April 2002 when the 1930 Census was released.
Start by listing those direct-line ancestors who you have found in the 1930 census and that you know were still living in 1940. While it's possible that they may still be living in the same city or state, don't rule out the fact that your ancestors may have moved. Once you have listed these individuals, consider looking for anyone in their mid-to-late teens or 20s who may have been living in the household in 1930, but may now be found as a head of their own household.
Next, you'll want to repeat this same process for indirect ancestors (aunts & uncles).
1940 Census — Street Transcription Project
On Sunday, April 1, 2012, the 1940 Census is released from the 72-year privacy mandate and family historians will be ready to make their pilgrimage to the National Archives in search of their ancestors. As of yet, however, there is no 1940 census index available and so researchers will be required to know the Enumeration District for the city or town where their ancestors lived. If you would like to help in this effort, visit www.stevemorse.org for more details about a project to create a free time-saving tool for your fellow genealogists throughout the world.
 
Questions Asked on the 1940 Census
The Bureau of the Census (Department of Commerce) provided standardized forms in 1940 for all Enumerators as in previous years. The standard Population Schedule had 34 questions and more than a dozen Supplemental Questions asked only for those persons who were enumerated on specified lines. This was the means used to ensure a random nature in obtaining supplemental information. Learn more about Questions Asked on the 1940 Census.
1940 Map of the United States
When the 1940 census was conducted, the outline of the United States and borders for the 48 contiguous states had become familiar to many, both in America and elsewhere throughout the world. The American Flag would display 48 stars, one for each state, for more than four decades. Those researching their family history are encouraged to understand the geographic area where their ancestors lived. This is especially true if your ancestors lived in or near a border town or village. It's not uncommon to find that a move just a few miles or less could result in a new state or county of residence. View a 1940 Map of the U.S.
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