There's more to searching HeritageQuest Online than typing in great grandpa's name, clicking search, and getting results. If you lack the time to figure out the ins and outs of this database on your own and you missed the in-person training provided during summer’s Database Roadshow, then this session, which will focus on searching the U.S. Federal Census files available through HeritageQuest Online, is for you.

1. Introduction to Searching HeritageQuest Online through NebraskAccess September 1, 2010 Susan Knisely Nebraska Library Commission 800-307-2665 or 402-471-3849 susan.knisely@nebraska.gov

2. What is HeritageQuest Online? An online genealogy and local history database designed specifically for patrons in public libraries. One of several databases provided to Nebraska residents through the statewide NebraskAccess database program, which is administered and funded by the Nebraska Library Commission.

3. How can I access HQ Online? Via the NebraskAccess Databases page, using a password obtained from your local library or a Nebraska driver’s license or state ID number. http://nebraskaccess.ne.gov/resources.asp

4. What’s included in HQ Online? Census – U.S. Federal Census, 1790-1930 Books – Digitized versions of ProQuest microfilm collection consisting of over 28,000 family and local history books. PERSI™ -- Periodical Source Index (Allen County Public Library Foundation) Revolutionary War Era Pension and Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files Freedman’s Bank Registers, 1865-1874 U.S. Serial Set – Memorials, Petitions, and Private Relief Actions, 1789-1969.

5. Searching the Census72-Year Access Restrictions HQ Online contains digitized images of each decennial census from 1790-1930. Census records from more recent censuses are not yet available due to 72-year access restrictions.

6. Searching the CensusSearch vs. Browse HQ Online contains name indexes for only 12 of the decennial censuses. This is significant because you can only search on census years that have been indexed; to locate information in census years that haven’t been indexed you have to use browse functionality. Note: All of the 1930 census is available to browse; only a small portion is available to search.

7. Searching the CensusHead of Household When searching for names you can only search for head-of-household names. The census enumerator would list as “head of household” the person who was responsible for the care of the home and/or family. This could be a husband, widow with children, person living alone, etc. Exceptions included: Persons residing within the household who had a different surname (e.g. a mother-in-law, boarder, servant, niece). All individuals living in institutions (schools, prisons, hospitals, etc.) To learn who was considered head of household in each census year see Heritage Quest Online Help files.

8. Searching the CensusThe 1890 Census Over 99% of the 1890 population schedules were destroyed in a fire. Of 62,979,766 persons enumerated in 1890, a total of 6,160 names could be extracted from the surviving fragments. The surviving fragments came from the following states:

9. Searching Books Search Books lets you find information on people and places described in 28,000+ family and local histories. Every word of every book is searchable! Four search options: People Places Publications (Browse) Publications (Search)

10. Searching PERSI™ PERSI (Periodical Source Index) is a subject index to articles in 6,500+ genealogy and local history periodicals. Produced in cooperation with the Allen County Public Library Foundation, Fort Wayne, IN. Includes no full text! Search for: Articles about People Articles about Places “How To” articles Periodicals by Title

11. Searching Revolutionary War Pension & Bounty-Land Warrant Application Files Beginning in 1776 and continuing into the mid-1800s, legislation was passed providing pensions to: Disabled servicemen Veterans who had served a certain number of years Widows whose husbands had been killed in the war Widows of veterans who had served a certain number of years These application files interest genealogists because they contain supporting documentation, such as: Property schedules Marriage certificates Wills Affidavits, etc.

12. Searching Freedman’s Bank Records The Freedman’s Savings and Trust Company, 1865-1874, was incorporated by an act of Congress for the benefit of freed slaves. Freedman’s Bank Records interest genealogists because they contain personal identification data about depositors.

13. Searching Freedman’s BankDepositor Data The following information may* be found in registers: Account number Name of depositor Date of entry Place born Place brought up Residence Age Complexion Name of employer or occupation Wife or husband, children, father, mother, brothers/sisters Remarks Signature * In many entries not all the requested data are given

14. Searching U.S. Serial Set Over 480,000 pages of documents related to Memorials, Petitions, and Private Relief Actions of Congress between 1789-1969. Subject matter includes: Pensions Military and naval matters Claims of election fraud Public works projects Immigration and naturalization Land grants Monetary claims made by individuals and businesses.

15. HeritageQuestOnline Demo

16. For more information … See various handouts & help documents available in the Training area of the Librarian’s Toolbox: www.nlc.state.ne.us/nebraskaccess/toolbox/trainmaterials.html Tips on Searching the Census Tips for Better Book Searching Printing Enlarged Census Images (step-by-step instructions) Census Forms, 1790-1930 (blank copies of census forms)

17. Questions?