For release June 5, 2002

1930 federal census now available from State Historical Society

PIERRE -- Copies of the 1930 federal census are now available to researchers through the South Dakota State Historical Society.

The State Archives, a program of the State Historical Society, recently purchased microfilm copies of the South Dakota portion of the 1930 federal census. The National Archives and Records Administration opened the census rolls to the public on April 1.

"The 1930 census marks a significant time in American history -- the end of the Roaring Twenties and the beginning of the Great Depression," said Jay D. Vogt, deputy director of the State Historical Society. "Many people were eagerly awaiting the availability of this census to look for clues to their family history."

Census enumeration is one of the oldest information-gathering activities of American government. The census was first taken to establish political representation but later more detailed information was included in the survey. In 1790, the first census was taken soon after George Washington became president. It simply recorded the heads of households and counted others living in the household, including slaves.

In contrast, there were 32 questions on the 1930, or 15^th, federal census. Researchers will learn, among other things, who was living in the home, where they were born, if they could read or write, whether or not they spoke English, what kind of work they did, and if they served in the military.

Several other things may be gleaned from the census.

"We can see how a population changes over time," Vogt said. "We can see trends in ethnicity, education levels, and employment within small communities, on a state level or nationally."

While there is a wealth of information within the 1930 census, locating it will take some time. Unlike earlier national censuses that were indexed, the 1930 census is not indexed. But the original documents were in good condition so the microfilm is clear and easy to read.

Unfortunately, because there is no index to the microfilm, archives staff will not be able to conduct research in the census. Individuals looking for information in the 1930 census will need to do the research themselves or hire a private researcher. A list of private researchers is available from the State Archives.

The census microfilm may be borrowed from the State Historical Society through interlibrary loan. For more information about the 1930 census and other census records in the State Archives, contact the reference staff at (605) 773-3804 or send an email request to archref@state.sd.us. Visit the State Historical Society archives website at www.sdhistory.org/archives.htm for more information about genealogy research in South Dakota.

A division of the Department of Education and Cultural Affairs, the State Historical Society manages five program areas – archives, archaeology, historic preservation, museum, and research and publishing.

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