For the first time, the fully searchable 1880 U.S. Census index is linked with digital images of the original census documents.
The value of viewing the original image is that it will provide additional information on individuals and their households in June 1880.
An agreement between MyFamily.com Inc., the largest collection of genealogical records online, and the Church, which through FamilySearch manages the largest repository of genealogical records from throughout the world, allows researchers to more easily search for their ancestors who were living in the United States in 1880. The 1880 U.S. Census index and images can be accessed at www.ancestry.com and www.familysearch.org.
"Integrating the online index with the actual images online allows users to search the census and go right to an image of the original source online for viewing or printing," said Glade I. Nelson, director of the Church's Family History Library.
By simply entering an ancestor's name, users can quickly search the 50,475,366 inhabitants of the 38 states and eight territories of the United States, as they existed in 1880. The names of those individuals listed on the population schedules at the time are linked to the actual online images of the 1880 U.S. Census.
Prior to the merger of these two technologies, users could search the online census index at FamilySearch.org, or they could browse the digital images available at Ancestry.com.
"Bringing these resources together greatly enhances the user experience by making locating ancestors and the detailed information about those individuals more easily accessible — at the touch of a button," said Andre Brummer, senior vice-president of products for MyFamily.com. "The 1880 U.S. Census has a far-reaching impact on family history research in the U.S., because it opens access to a highly significant source of information for all families in all parts of the U.S. in 1880. Because the 1890 census was destroyed by fire, there is no other federal source like this for 20 years. It makes the 1880 U.S. Census of tremendous value."
There are several benefits of this agreement for genealogical researchers, including:
The 1880 U.S. Census index can be searched for free at both www.ancestry.com and www.familysearch.org.
The digital images of the original census documents are available at ancestry.com and can be accessed also from FamilySearch.org.
Patrons of the Church's Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, and any of its 4,000-plus family history centers worldwide that have Internet access can view the images at no charge.
Church members who sign on or register as members through FamilySearch.org can view the images at no charge. Other users through FamilySearch.org can have access to the images for 30 days for a fee of $9.95.