The 1950 U.S. Census was opened to the public on April 1, 2022, 72 years after the 17th decennial census was begun. In some ways, this census is much like previous censuses; however, it does have a number of unique features. Initially, until complete name indexes are created, access to the data may require knowing some tricks; enumeration districts will be key. Carol Ansel will cover what is and isn’t included in this census, as well as how to successfully make your way around.

Carol Ansel is the Director of the Godfrey Memorial Library. She has worked as both a public and school librarian; when she got bitten by the genealogical research bug, she took the genealogical certificate program at Boston University and soon thereafter landed a job at the Godfrey, a genealogy and local history library in Middletown, CT. The combination of running a library, helping others with their research, and writing genealogical reports is a dream job for her.

The Godfrey Memorial Library was founded in 1947 by Fremont Rider, Head Librarian emeritus of Wesleyan University and enthusiastic genealogist and historian. It began with Rider’s personal collection of about 800 titles and has since grown to over 40,000 items. It is also the birthplace of the AGBI (American Genealogical and Biographical Index), a massive undertaking which runs to 216 volumes and six million entries and indexes a wide range of genealogical materials. The library welcomes day visitors and members and is known for its experienced and helpful staff.