How to Search the 1950 US Census by Name on FamilySearch.org

How to Search the 1950 US Census by Name on FamilySearch.org

This guide will walk you through the process of locating your ancestors in the 1950 United States Census using the name search function on FamilySearch.org.

1. Access FamilySearch.org and Log In (Optional for Search)

   Go to FamilySearch.org. While you can search without logging in, creating a free account and signing in allows you to save records, add them to your family tree, and use other personalized features. If you have an account, click "Sign In" at the top right and enter your credentials.

2. Navigate to the Search Records Page

   From the FamilySearch homepage, hover your mouse over the "Search" menu item in the top navigation bar. In the dropdown menu that appears, click on "Records". This will take you to the "Search Historical Records" page.

3. Locate the "United States Census, 1950" Collection

   On the "Search Historical Records" page, scroll down until you see the "Find a Collection" section. In the "Title" search box within this section, begin typing "United States Census, 1950". As you type, suggestions will appear; click on "United States Census, 1950" from the list or click the "Search" button next to the title box. This action will direct you to the dedicated collection page for the 1950 US Census.

4. Enter Search Criteria for Your Ancestor

   Once you are on the "United States Census, 1950" collection page, you will see a search form specific to this collection. Enter your ancestor's First Name in the designated field and their Last Name in the corresponding field. To narrow your results, consider adding more details if known:

   • Enter a "Place Your Ancestor Lived" (e.g., "Pennsylvania, Allegheny, Pittsburgh"). Select from the dropdown suggestions.
   • Provide an approximate "Birth Year" or a range.
   • Include names of a "Spouse" or "Parents" to filter for specific family groups.
   • Use the "Keywords" field for specific addresses or other unique details.

   Remember that starting with fewer details may yield broader results, which you can then refine.

5. Execute the Search

   After you have entered your desired search criteria, click the blue "Search" button to generate your results.

6. Review Search Results

   A list of potential matching records will be displayed. Each result typically provides the person's name, residence, estimated birth year, and sometimes other family members listed on the record. Carefully examine each entry for consistency with what you know about your ancestor regarding names, locations, and approximate ages.

   If you have too many results, use the filters on the left side of the results page (e.g., "Place Lived," "Birth Year," "Spouse") to further refine your search.

7. View the Record and Original Image

   When you find a promising match, click on the ancestor's name or the "View Record" link to go to the record detail page. This page provides an indexed summary of the information. To see the actual handwritten census page, click the "Image" icon or the image thumbnail. Viewing the original image is crucial for verifying indexed data and for discovering other family members, neighbors, or additional details that might not have been fully indexed. Use the tools provided to zoom in/out or navigate between pages if necessary.