On April 1, 2002, the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) will release the 1930 Federal population census. At that time, microfilmed copies of the 15th federal census mandated by the U.S. Constitution will be available for consultation at the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C., and at 13 of the National Archives regional facilities across the nation, and also through the National Archives rental program.

The 1930 census consists of 2,667 rolls of population schedules and 1,587 rolls of Soundex indexes for 12 southern states, totaling 4,254 rolls. The census provides a wealth of socioeconomic information such as the following: names of all persons living in each home; relationship of each person to the head of household; whether the home is owned or rented; value of the home; if the family owns a radio; if they own a farm; whether they attended school or college; if they can read or write; place of birth; citizenship status; and occupation. For a complete listing of National Archives regional facilities and opening times, check the NARA web site at: http://www.nara.gov/genealogy/genindex.html/ For more information on the 1930 census, see http://www.nara.gov/genealogy/1930cen.html.