How to Find 1920 Census Records on FamilySearch

Finding Your Ancestors in the 1920 Census on FamilySearch

The 1920 United States Federal Census is a fantastic resource for genealogists and anyone curious about their family history. This census provides a snapshot of American life during that era, offering details like names, ages, birthplaces, occupations, and more. Best of all, you can access the 1920 census records for free on FamilySearch.org!

FamilySearch is a non-profit organization dedicated to making genealogical records accessible to everyone. This guide will walk you through the process of searching the 1920 census records on FamilySearch, step-by-step, so you can begin exploring your family's past.

Step 1: Create a Free FamilySearch Account

If you don't already have one, you'll need to create a free account on FamilySearch.org. It's quick, easy, and gives you access to a vast collection of records, including the 1920 census.

• Go to FamilySearch.org.
• Click the "Free Account" button.
• Follow the prompts to create your account. You'll need to provide your name, a username, password, and email address.

Step 2: Navigate to the 1920 Census Collection

Once you're logged in, there are a few ways to find the 1920 census records:

• Option 1: Using the Search Records Page:
  • Click on the "Search" tab in the main navigation.
  • Select "Records."
  • In the "Filter by Collection" box, type "1920 United States Census" and select it from the dropdown menu.
• Option 2: Using the Catalog:
  • Click on the "Search" tab in the main navigation.
  • Select "Catalog."
  • In the "Place" field, type "United States" and click "Search".
  • Scroll or search the results for “United States Census, 1920”
  • Click the title.
  • Click “View Film Notes” to see if the collection is indexed (searchable). It is indexed, so click “Search Collection” on the right.

Step 3: Search the 1920 Census Index

Now that you're on the 1920 United States Census search page, you'll see various fields to fill out. The more information you provide, the more accurate your search results will be. However, don't be afraid to start with just a name and a rough location.

• First Name and Last Name: Enter the name of the person you're searching for.
• Birth Year: Providing an approximate birth year can help narrow down the results.
• Residence (Place): Include the city, county, or state where you believe your ancestor lived in 1920.
• You can also use other fields like "Gender," "Race," and "Marital Status" to refine your search.
• Click the "Search" button.

Step 4: Review the Search Results

FamilySearch will display a list of potential matches based on the information you provided. Carefully review each result, looking for clues that might confirm a match, such as:

• Age
• Birthplace
• Family members listed in the household
• Occupation
• Location of residence

Step 5: View the Original Census Image

Once you find a promising match, click on the person's name in the search results. This will take you to a page with more details and often a link to view the original census image. Viewing the image is crucial to confirm that you've found the right person. You might find even more details than what's listed in the index.

On the image, you will be able to see:

• Names of all household members
• Their relationship to the head of household
• Their age at the time of the census
• Their marital status
• Their birthplace
• Their occupation
• Their ability to speak English

Tips for Successful 1920 Census Research

• Be flexible with spelling: Names were often misspelled or recorded incorrectly. Try variations of the name.
• Use wildcards: If you're unsure of a spelling, use wildcards like "*" or "?" to represent unknown characters. For example, "Smit*" could find "Smith" or "Smyth."
• Search by location: If you know where your ancestor lived, try searching by location alone.
• Explore surrounding households: Look at the neighbors listed on the census page. You might find relatives or associates living nearby.

Finding your ancestors in the 1920 census records on FamilySearch is a rewarding experience. With a little patience and these helpful steps, you'll be well on your way to uncovering fascinating details about your family history!