Uncovering the 1950 Census 
The 1950 U.S. Census records are available at several locations.  Go to one of the following:
ancestry.com
familysearch.com
stevemorse.org (Scroll to "Getting Ready for the 1950 Census")


Uncovering the 1940 Census. -- The U.S. census is taken every ten years.  Soon after it is completed, the results are published in statistical form (no information about particular persons).  According to law, access to the original census schedules (or facsimiles of them) can only be made available to the public 72 years after the census is taken.  Before April 2, 2012 U.S. census returns through 1930 were accessible.  Beginning April 2, 2012, the census schedules for individuals and families for 1940 became available.  This addition is of great interest to genealogists, not only because it provides more recent information about our relatives and others but also because the 1940 Census is the first one to record data on education, income and residential location 5 years earlier for large samples of the population.

Several organizations provide access to these records via the internet.  Principal among these is the federal National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) (1940census.archives.gov).  You can also access personal records for the 1940 Census at Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.com, and stevemorse.org, which also provide a name index.

If you don't have access to the internet at home, you can make use of one at the public library.

Good luck on your searches!

Genealogical Assistance. -- Members of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Tallahassee have several benefits, one of which is the offer of help in discovering your ancestors.  Charles Nam says he will provide one hour of genealogical assistance to any member of the JGST.  Just email him at [email protected] or call him at 391-1408 for an appointment.