Join FamilySearch Indexers to Break a Record and Leave a Legacy

Join FamilySearch Indexers to Break a Record and Leave a Legacy:

Check out this link for more details about the Family Search goal to index 5 million 1940 census records on July 2, 2012. If you normally index one batch a day, how about making it two on the 2nd to help reach that goal. If we try we can surpass to the previous record of 4.9 million reached on April 30.

I'm in; how about you?

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1940 Census Indexing Progress Report—June 15, 2012

1940 Census Indexing Progress Report—June 15, 2012:

Things are really moving along but we need lots of help to keep it going. Illinois isn't even 50% yet. Come to the Indexing party at Gail Borden Public Library this Wednesday evening at 7:00 to help with the effort.

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Indexing Party A Success and More to Come

I can't remember when I've had such a good time working with a group of people as I had yesterday morning. We met at Gail Borden for our first indexing party and, I think, fun was had by all. I know I had a great time.


We went through the process of getting started, from setting up a family search account to indexing a page from the 1940 census and everyone had success. The more experienced indexers were more than happy to help the newbies and it's always nice to have someone around when you have a question.


If you've thought about getting involved with the indexing but have been reluctant to try it on your own, now's you chance to jump in!! We'd love to have you come to our next party.  (If you'll be setting up a family search account at the party, you'll need to access your email account to accept an activation email, so be sure to remember or bring the username and password for your email account.)

The party will be held at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N Grove, in Elgin from 7:00 to 8:30 pm in the computer class room. You're welcome to use the computers in the class or bring your own laptop. All levels of indexers are welcome!! 


Since we started in April the ISGS group (EGS is working within this group) has indexed 226,042 names and arbitrated 44,703 and Illinois is now 38% complete. We still have a lot of work ahead but we've come a long way so far. 


Come along and join us in this important effort.


Sincerely, Becky HigginsISGS 1940 Census Administrator 

Indexing Party This Friday

Don't forget to come to the indexing party this Friday!! Details found on this previous post.

What better way to spend a morning having fun, gathering information about indexing, and helping out with this great genealogy project!!

Won't it be great to have the whole 1940 US census index on-line and free!!!

1940 Census Indexing Party

Friday, June 15

9:30 - 11:30

In the computer classroom at the

Gail Borden Public Library

270 N Grove, Elgin, IL

1940 Census Indexing for Illinois

We're making progress but, as you can see, we sure could use more help. Illinois is only 9% indexed as of April 25, 2012. To register for indexing go to the1940census.com.

Are You Ready for the 1940 Census?

Are you ready? The 1940 census will be made available this Monday, April 2, 2012.

If you have done your homework, you have the enumeration district (EDs) numbers for your people ready and in-hand. With that information you’ll be able to page through those EDs to find the records you seek. If you haven’t done your homework, go to Steve Morse’s One Step Webpages for great tools and finding aids under US Census and get cracking!!

Though the 1940 census will become available it will not be indexed, thus the need for all the labor intensive activity above. Upon its release, the 1940 U.S. Census Community Project, a joint initiative between Archives.com, FamilySearch, findmypast.com, and other leading genealogy organizations, will coordinate efforts to provide quick access to these digital images and immediately start indexing these records to make them searchable online with free and open access.

This is where we come in. We as individuals and as a Society working within the 1940 U.S Census Community Project can be part of preparing an index to this Census. We can be part of a major initiative which will benefit not only genealogist today, but for generations to come. The more indexers we have working, the quicker the work will be completed. Many indexers donating a few hours will accomplish the job in no time.

To be part of this great endeavor, just go to the1940census.com and register as an indexer. You’ll need to download the indexing software and then you’ll be ready to go. The Illinois State Genealogical Society (ISGS) is partnering with the Census Community and would love to have you as part of the ISGS group. When you register, just choose the Illinois State Genealogical Society as your group on your profile page. ISGS will keep you updated as the work goes on and when Illinois be accessible for indexing.

The first States to be available for indexing will be Delaware, Colorado, Virginia, Kansas, and Oregon. They will be ready to be worked on by 6:00pm on Monday. The rest of the States will be accessible over the next ten days.

There are lots of helps available for training. Why not join the effort?

Weekly Contest – Week of March 19 – 1940 Census

Weekly Contest – Week of March 19 – 1940 Census:

This is the first of the weekly contests coming up from Family Search and entrance to the contest is not only easy it will be helpful to you as an indexer.
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Intro to Indexing Webinar from Family Search

Looking for some indexing training to prepare for the 1940 census? Family Search to hosting an Intro to Indexing Webinar tonight March 20 at 7:00 pm central time.

To attend, go to the sign in page, sign in as a guest and use meeting ID 6310.


Can't make the webinar? It will be repeated on March 27 - same time, same meeting ID.


Can't make March 27? How about checking out the tutorial anytime you're available. Go to the tutorial and give it a try!


April 2nd is just around the corner!!