Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Census Documents at the State Library

The February Brown Bag Lunch Series is focusing on the Decennial Census, which will take place on April 1st. Arthur Bakis from the U.S. Census Bureau will talk about accessing population data. Join us in the Main Reading Room, Room 341, on Feb. 11 at noon. Program ends at 1:30PM.

The State Library holds Massachusetts State Census material and Federal materials since 1790, the year of the first U.S. census. Massachusetts census material is available on line from 1855 to 1975 at www.mass.gov/lib. Click on our digital collections to view these.

The Federal Census has asked different questions every 10 years, and in 2010 everyone will receive the same 10 questions. The library has a listing of the major questions asked every year. Ask one of our Reference Librarians for more information.

The State Census was being done in the years ending with the number 5 starting in 1855 and ending in 1985. Question #1 on the ballot in 1990 repealed the taking of a state census.

Visit the State Library in person or through our digital collections to find your answers to Census questions.

The Reference Department