On April 1, 2022, the National Archives released the 1950 Census (kept confidential for 72 years) online at archives.gov/1950census. See the press release. Anyone, anywhere can search freely—experienced researchers, genealogy buffs, and novices! 

Speak with a trusted expert: Are you a member of the media who is covering the release of the 1950 census records? Upon request, we can share a list of historians, genealogists, and archivists who can provide you with more information for your coverage. Email: public.affairs@nara.gov.

Here is a condensed version of the 1950 Census tabulation picture. In the foreground is a punch card machine. Holes are punched in the card according to a prearranged code, transferring the facts from the questionnaire into statistics. The man operating the machine labeled “140” is running a sorter. This machine sorts cards into any desired classification. The other two machines are tabulators which add up the final results.

1950 Census Release: What's Old?

• Outlined in the Constitution and taken every 10 years since 1790, the census is used to define “We the People" by providing a snapshot of the nation's population.

1950 Census Release: What’s New?

• First time using optical character recognition/artificial intelligence (OCR/AI) for handwriting recognition
• First time using a transcription tool to improve the name index
• First chance to download the entire census in bulk
• First time releasing the census during a pandemic
• First 1950 Census National Archives Genealogy Series on our YouTube channel

Getting Started

• 1950 Census Fact Sheet
• The 1950 Census Records Release
• NARA’s 1950 Census web page 
• Search Census Records Online
• Social Media Kit

Visual Resources

• Selected Photographs
• 1950 Census GIFs
• Blank 1950 Census forms
• 1950 Census PSAs, including “Helping the Census helps Uncle Sam!”
• 1950 Census: Training Filmstrips

NARA Blog Posts

• The 1950 Census is Here! (AOTUS Blog)
• National Archives Publishes 1950 Census Records (National Archives News)
• Preparing for the 1950 Census (AOTUS Blog)
• Please Help NARA Refine the Draft Name Index! (History Hub)
• Volunteers Can Contribute to Nation’s History by Collaborating on 1950 Census Records (National Archives News)
• Census Records: The 72-Year Rule (Pieces of History)
• Public Access to Census Records at the National Archives (Pieces of History)
• Census Records Come to the National Archives (Pieces of History)
• Standout Census Stories: Using the U.S. Census to Solve Adoption Mysteries (National Archives News)
• Standout Census Stories: Familial Connections and Federal Records—The Ties that Bind (National Archives News)
• Standout Census Stories: Who Are You? Using the Census to Add Context to Family Photos (National Archives News)
• Genealogy Series 2022 Kicks Off With “What's on the 1950 Census” (National Archives News)
• Standout Census Stories: An Archivist Untangles Immigration Records Using Leads from the Census (National Archives News)
• Standout Census Stories: Schoel to Samuel to Saul Through Four Decades of Records (National Archives News)
• ​1950 Census on Track for 2022 Release, Despite Pandemic (National Archives News)
• Standout Census Stories: An Archives Executive Discovers His “Huckster” Grandfather (National Archives News)
• Release of 1950 Census Will Increase Access to Records in St. Louis (National Archives News)
• Counting Down Until the Release of the 1950 Census! (The Text Message)
• The Story of the 1950 Census P8 Indian Reservation Schedule (The Text Message)
• Archivist Explores History of 1950 Census Indian Reservation Schedule (National Archives News)

Door-to-door census-taking, April 1950.

View in National Archives Catalog

​Posts from NARA's Experts

View all the 1950 Census posts on History Hub

• Census fun facts
• 1950 Census
• 1950 Census: 20 Tips for Research Success
• Census Enumeration of U.S. Civilians and Military Personnel Overseas, 1790–1950
• 1950 Census: “Your Map is Your Guide—Use It!”
• 1950 Census: Field Enumeration Procedures
• 1950 Census: How the Data Were Used
• 1950 Census: The Official Census Day—April 1, 1950

Useful Links

• U.S. Presidents in Census Records
• Intro to Census Records
• Search Census Records Online
• NARA Fact Sheet

U.S Census Bureau Resources

• Census Bureau Press Kit
• 1950 Overview
• About the Decennial Census of Population and Housing
• Census in the Constitution
• History of the Census

The following is a press release  issued by the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA):

Washington, DC

On Wednesday, May 17, at 6 p.m., ET, the National Archives, in partnership with the White House Historical Association, presents an evening discussion of the new book Mourning the Presidents: Loss and Legacy in American Culture. Kate Clark Lemay, Acting Senior Historian at the National Portrait Gallery, will lead a discussion with co-editors Lindsay Chervinsky, Senior Fellow at the Center for Presidential History at Southern Methodist University, and Matthew Costello, Vice President of the David M. Rubenstein National Center for White House History. They will be joined by contributors Andrew M. Davenport, Public Historian at the Thomas Jefferson Foundation and Director of the Getting Word African American Oral History Project, and David B. Woolner, Professor of History at Marist College, Senior Fellow and Resident Historian of the Roosevelt Institute, and Senior Fellow of the Center for Civic Engagement at Bard College.

The program is free and open to the public and will be held in the William G. McGowan Theater at the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, and livestreamed. Attendees should use the Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue at 7th Street, NW. Metro accessible on the Yellow and Green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial/Penn Quarter station.

Panel Discussion – Mourning the Presidents: Loss and Legacy in American Culture

Wednesday, May 17, at 6 p.m. ET

William G. McGowan Theater, National Archives Museum

Register to attend in person or online; watch on the National Archives YouTube Channel.

Mourning the Presidents brings together renowned and emerging scholars to examine how different generations and communities of Americans have eulogized and remembered U.S. Presidents since George Washington’s death in 1799. The program will be followed by a book signing.

This program is made possible in part by the National Archives Foundation.

About the National Archives

The National Archives and Records Administration is an independent federal agency that serves American democracy by safeguarding and preserving the records of our Government, so people can discover, use, and learn from this documentary heritage. The National Archives ensures continuing access to the essential documentation of the rights of American citizens and the actions of their government. From the Declaration of Independence to accounts of ordinary Americans, the holdings of the National Archives directly touch the lives of millions of people. The agency supports democracy, promotes civic education, and facilitates historical understanding of our national experience. The National Archives carries out its mission through a nationwide network of archives, records centers, and Presidential Libraries and online at www.archives.gov. 

Millennials face digital end-of-life planning

From an article by John Dias published in the CBS News web site:

Millennials were the first digitally-native generation, and now they're some of the first planning for their digital end.

When you think about end-of-life planning, having a well thought out plan for how you want your social media accounts handled may not have been a popular topic in the past. But for millennials, it's a new thought process: Who controls your social media when you're gone? 

"This stuff can out live you in ways that tangible stuff may not," said Mitch Mitchell, associate counsel of estate planning at Trust & Will. "Used to be family photo albums, or tax returns and things you would leave in boxes." 

Facebook was created in 2004, Twitter in 2006, Instagram in 2010 and TikTok in 2016. Nearly 20 years of social media means two decades of information, pictures and videos uploaded for countless to see. 

Millennials have been around for all of it. Which is why Mitchell says some are thinking about what will happen to their digital legacy upon death. 

Many are now designating a particular person to control their social media, called a legacy contact or digital executor. 

You can read the entire article at: https://tinyurl.com/57vhebzt.

From an article Justin Zooby and published in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (an agency of the United States Department of Commerce) web site:  

Twenty years ago, scientists mapped more than 90% of the entire human genome. A huge accomplishment involving many scientists, mapping our genes has allowed researchers to better understand inherited diseases and led to many other scientific advancements.  

If a researcher wanted to analyze your DNA, they’d compare you to that single reference genome that’s been in use for years and try to figure out how your DNA is different from that reference.

Last year, we were part of a large international team that finished the last 8% and completed the first human genome. This has enabled insights into previously unexplored parts of the genome, including providing a map of millions of genetic variations, or stretches of DNA that vary from person to person.

But here’s the problem — the composite human genome, while taken from a diverse group of people from all over the world, does not represent the full diversity of human DNA. Even the first “complete” human genome is missing sequences that only exist in some individuals. That can make medical research or testing someone’s genes for diseases a challenge for scientists. This is especially true for people with ancestry from regions of the world that have high genetic diversity — though it affects everyone. 

Say you have an extra copy of a gene that’s not in the reference. That could be missed when comparing your DNA to the standard reference.   

My colleagues and I are helping scientists make a new form of a genome — the pangenome — or “all genome.” The pangenome has been released in a draft version with about 50 people’s DNA, with the long-term goal of having about 350 people’s DNA in the completed pangenome in the next two or three years. It will allow us to understand the full diversity of our genes and advance medical research. 

So instead of researchers comparing one person’s DNA to one standard reference, researchers can compare the person’s DNA to a reference library containing potentially hundreds of diverse people’s DNA. 

You can read the full article at: https://tinyurl.com/b96njehx.

This strikes me as a very useful article for genealogists with old family photographs and modern photos alike as well as for millions of others also with photos that are "less than perfect:"

From an article by Eoin Wiley published in the hongkiat.com web site:

Are you still manually removing image backgrounds using Photoshop or other photo editing tools? Well, you shouldn’t be, at least not anymore. In this blog post, we have compiled a list of the 10 best online tools to remove image backgrounds effortlessly.

These image background-removing tools, with the assistance of AI, are designed to make your life easier, save you time, and help you achieve professional-looking results.

Whether you are a graphic designer, a social media manager, or just someone looking to enhance your images, these online tools will undoubtedly come in handy. Let’s check them out.

The entire article may be found at: https://www.hongkiat.com/blog/remove-image-background-online/.

Here is a list of all of this week's articles, all of them available here at https://eogn.com: 

This is basically an advertisement for a report that sells for high price. (I won't be buying it.) However, the ad has some interesting comments about the current status of genealogy research. 

Unleashing the Power of DNA Testing:

DNA testing has revolutionized the field of genealogy by providing individuals with unprecedented insights into their family history. Unlike traditional genealogical research, which relied on paper records and historical documents, DNA testing allows people to trace their genetic ancestry with scientific precision. By analyzing specific markers in their DNA, individuals can identify ancestral origins, discover ethnic heritage, and even locate long-lost relatives.

DNA testing has gained immense popularity due to its accessibility and simplicity. Various direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies offer at-home DNA test kits that can be easily ordered online. These kits typically involve a simple saliva or cheek swab sample, which is sent to the laboratory for analysis. Within a few weeks, individuals receive detailed reports showcasing their genetic heritage, ethnicity estimates, and potential matches with other individuals who share genetic similarities.

Growing Demand for Genealogy Products and Services:

As DNA testing continues to soar in popularity, a complementary industry for genealogy products and services has emerged. This industry caters to the growing demand for tools, resources, and expertise that help individuals make the most of their DNA test results and delve deeper into their family history.

You can read more at: https://tinyurl.com/suzuv569.

This looks like it might (1.) be fun and (2.) teach you what our Colonial-Era ancestors endured.

Carnegie Mellon students make AI shine in new ChatGPT-based game.

A tragedy looms over the town of Howlsbend — and asking the right questions of artificial intelligence may be the only way to discover the witch behind this wickedness.

Chatbot AI(opens in new window) a team of Carnegie Mellon University Entertainment Technology Center (ETC)(opens in new window) students, have created a role-playing video game, Hysteria in Howlsbend, set in a fictional colonial town. The player takes the role of the deputy governor of Massachusetts and must interview three townsfolk to determine which of them is the witch who killed the local reverend.

Even Charles Agriogianis, a game designer on the project, doesn’t know what the townsfolk will say. They are voiced, in part, by AI.

"We can only exert so much control over what it's doing, so we had to think carefully about narrative in the game and how we defined a successful experience," said Agriogianis, a student at the ETC — a master's program that prepares students for careers in entertainment technology and interactive experience development.

Players can chat one-on-one with characters Hope, Elizabeth and Adam to determine who is telling the truth, who knows what and, ultimately, who is the witch. Powered by ChatGPT, the characters will respond to anything. Players could ask "Hope, do you think Adam is the witch?" or "Where did you get your hat?"

Amber Griffith, a narrative designer, game designer and 2D artist on the team, said incorporating AI means no two playthroughs have been the same.

You can read more in an article by Caroline Sheedy published in the Carnegie Mellon web site at: https://tinyurl.com/5xmmn6m7

NOTE: This article is not about any of the "normal" topics of this newsletter: genealogy, history, current affairs, DNA, and related topics. However, I found it interesting so I decided to share it here.

Bus stops in Boston are beginning to double as digital libraries under a new pilot program being rolled out across the city.

Riders at 20 bus stops can now dip into free digital content by using a QR code to browse and borrow audiobooks, eBooks, e-newspapers and e-magazines for all ages, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said Thursday.

Library cards are not required and readers don’t need to download an app. The program, which runs through the end of August, features blue slip-proof decals on sidewalks at the bus stops.

Wu said the initiative “builds on our efforts to make public transportation more enjoyable, while also connecting our residents to the resources the Boston Public Library already offers.”

Riders will be able to enjoy offerings primarily in English and Spanish with a focus on items that are easy to read on the go, including poetry, short stories and short audiobooks, as well as a selection of bestsellers and titles for children and teens.

The newspaper and magazine content includes 7,000 titles from over 125 countries.

You can read the full story in an Associated Press article at: https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/05/12/boston-bus-stops-digital-library.

The following is a Plus Edition article written by and copyright by Dick Eastman. 

This is the first installment of a multi-part article. 

The computer revolution, and especially the Internet revolution, has created business opportunities for thousands of everyday citizens. To create and sell goods or information, it is no longer necessary to have a "bricks and mortar" store. Likewise, to launch a mail order business, it is no longer necessary to have a fleet of trucks. In fact, you do not even need to maintain specific office hours when your business is open to the public. All you need is a personal computer and a presence in cyberspace. Your business will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even if you happen to be sleeping at the moment. 

Many individuals have started part-time, "sideline" businesses on the Internet. The goods and services sold online run the gamut from artwork to zippers. Many of these sideline businesses have become profitable, and more than a few have grown to become full-time occupations. In fact, there are numerous stories around about online millionaires – those who converted an idea into an online business and now earn seven-figure incomes.

I doubt if anyone will earn such riches by packaging and selling genealogy information. However, modest profits certainly are attainable. You can also earn satisfaction from helping other genealogists. In fact, a number of people are selling genealogy information today. It looks to me like the marketplace is not crowded; there's room for many more people to get into this "business." You do not need to be a large corporation to help others and earn a few dollars yourself. In fact, I see many ads for genealogy information being sold by one-person operations. 

Genealogists are hungry for information. Genealogy information is often available in old printed books and records, printed works that are not covered by copyright laws. The problem is that identifying and locating these records can be very difficult. Genealogists often want information about a particular ancestor but don't know what books exist that might list the ancestor's name. Many genealogists are willing to pay reasonable fees to obtain these books and other publications.

For years, many vendors have been republishing old books, tax lists, and other records of genealogical interest. However, these mostly small-time vendors often had difficulty finding buyers. Advertising expenses are significant for those who expect to sell limited numbers of republished books. The books typically sell for $20 (for small booklets) to $150 or more (for large volumes). That is a lot of money for someone who simply wants to look to see if one person or one family might be listed. 

Buyers cannot find vendors easily, and the vendors have similar difficulties finding would-be buyers. Do you see a common theme here? This is a perfect opportunity for the Internet!

Whenever there is a need, you can expect that some entrepreneurial businessperson will find a means to meet this need. Indeed, there may be a number of people who go into business to fulfill the needs of others. This has been the case with genealogy information. 

The first installment of this article covers the republishing of entire books, pamphlets, public records, and other original published information. Sales of extracted information will be discussed in a later installment.

Republishing Old Books

The remainder of this article is reserved for Plus Edition subscribers only. If you have a Plus Edition subscription, you may read the full article at: 

https://eogn.com/(*)-Plus-Edition-News-Articles/13200814.

If you are not yet a Plus Edition subscriber, you can learn more about such subscriptions and even upgrade to a Plus Edition subscription immediately at https://eogn.com/page-18077.