Since 1850, the federal census includes:

• Resident's full name
• Age (from the age, it is easy to trace back his/her approximate date of birth)

Since 1900, more information was included:

• Sex, color
• Profession
• Birthplace
• Level of education
• Date of immigration
• Naturalization information (especially New York state census records)

Federal censuses are taken only once every decade. There are no federal census between 1880 and 1990 as they were destroyed by fire. You can tackle the state census record to fill this gap.

Where can you find this information?

Federal Census records are available on microfilms that can be obtained through the National Archives (NARA has a web site with information as to the location of the Centers, hours open, etc. http://www.nara.gov) and are also available at the Family History Centers.

Remember only records as old as 1920 are available to the public.

State Census records can be found in State Archives, major libraries and Family History Centers.