Tech Tuesday - Indexing the 1940 Census

I received an e-mail today from the 1940 Census Community Project Team and I am reproducing it here because of its importance. In today's technology oriented world there is no reason we need to wait for years to access the data provided by the census. Yes there are other ways to find your relatives in the census, such as using the OneStep Pages created by Steve Morse but what about those with fewer tech skills? Someone worked to index the previous Censuses for the rest of us, this is our chance to give back. There is even a mobile app you can download to index on the go. Try it, you'll like it! If you are a Scout Leader, get your troop involved! This could be a good service project. History teachers, this could be a good class project.

1940 US Census Project Update
As the launch of the 1940 US Census Community Project draws near, we're making final preparations to support the indexing of this amazing collection—and you can participate.
New! 1940 Census Indexing Simulation

Try your hand at indexing the 1940 US Census through an indexing simulation. Simply download and launch the indexing software. Then click on the Download Batch button in the software interface. At the top of the list of available projects, choose either *SIMULATION* 1940 US Census (Part 1) or *SIMULATION* 1940 US Census (Part 2) and then click the OK button to download one of these batches.

The images for this simulation have been created based on the 1940 census form and are not real historical records. Additionally, there is only one training batch under each simulation. Use these simulation batches to learn what the 1940 census will be like or to train others prior to the release of the 1940 census.

If you haven’t already had a chance, you can download the indexing software and get started today.
Need Help Getting Started?

Video tutorials and documentation for how to get started with the indexing software are now available online at The1940Census.com.
Watch how to download the indexing software
Watch how to register for an indexing account
Download the guide Getting Started with Indexing
For those who are participating as members of societies, Getting Started with Indexing includes instructions on associating an indexing account with a specific society or other indexing group.
Spread the Word.

You can help us spread the word. Getting others involved will make make the index of the 1940 census available more quickly.
Here are a few ways to let others know about this project:
Tell your friends to join the cause by registering at The1940Census.com.
Are you in a society? Index census records as a society.
Do you blog or have a website? Become an ambassador to spread the word.
Are you on Facebook? Like our page on Facebook.
Are you on Twitter? Follow @The1940Census and join the conversation using #1940census.
Why Will You Help?

If you have a specific motivation for helping to index the 1940 US Census, please send a message explaining why you are excited to participate to blog@the1940census.com.
Thank You!
The 1940 US Census Community Project Team