One of the backbones of research in the United States is the federal census. It has been taken every 10 years, starting back in 1790. However, census records are not released to the general public until 72 years after they are recorded. That means the most “recent” census genealogists have access to is the 1940 federal census.
But another significant piece in the genealogist’s toolbox these days is DNA. And if you are trying to connect a DNA match to somewhere in your family tree, often you need to be looking at “modern” records. Finding descendants down to the present day. So, if we can’t access one of the key resources for US research, what are the options? Make sure you have the following added to the locality guide you have created for each location you are researching.
- Newspapers
- Newspapers are absolutely key if you are researching people after 1940. You want to find the obituaries for ancestors and see who is listed as a survivor. Read marriage and birth announcements, as well as social items like anniversary and birthday parties. Build a tentative descendant tree based on this information.
- Vital records
- Some states will have vital records more accessible than others. Using the ancestors from the early 20th century, find marriage records, birth records. Line these up with the newspaper accounts and bring the tree forward.
- Church records
- In states where the vital records may not be public, the church records may. In these cases, look for baptism, marriage, and death records. Some will list all family members as well.
- Probate and Wills
- If these are accessible for the state you are researching, they will list heirs by name, including married names for women, possibly even with place of residence. All of these will lead you to more resources.
- Social media
- In the 21st century of people living their lives online, search Facebook. Look through people’s Friends list to find the names you have uncovered above. You can often find other family members, siblings, children.
As you are building a descendancy tree, you will start to find where those DNA matches connect – and can bring your lines to the present.
Melissa Grandt Genealogy 