LDS Genealogy

Genealogists know better than anyone the value of a census record. We depend on them to make sure we have all the children in a family, find parents, check out migration patterns, and double-check ages. While census record isn’t a primary source, and can have errors, we know its value as a starting point.

This year we have an opportunity to create something of value for future genealogists. Unfortunately, the census only asks ten questions and it avoids many of the questions genealogists depend on. Still, it’s something, and so it’s important. Should something happen to the genealogy we’re gathering, the census will leave behind another source of information.

After filling out your census form this year, put a copy into your own genealogy files. Your record won’t be made public for 72 years, and that’s a long time to wait. By leaving a record in your files, your family will already know what you recorded in it.

Fill it out completely and accurately. You never know how important it will be to someone in the future, or whose eternal salvation will depend on it.

For more on the 2010 Census, visit the official website:

   http://2010.census.gov/2010census/

For more on how to use census records in your own research, read “What Can You Learn From a Census Record?“