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# History

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### Genealogy FAQs

### Also in this Section:

                          - Where can I view census records? 
                          - How do I request census records that are not available from the National Archives?
                          - How were census takers instructed on how to conduct the census?
                          - What questions were asked during each census?
                          - When will census records be available?
                          - Can inaccurate information be corrected on census records?
                          - Why can't I find 1890 census records?
                          - Does the U.S. Census Bureau publish any genealogy-related books or pamphlets?
                          - Are blank copies of census questionnaires available?
                          - Does the U.S. Census Bureau have census records online?

## Can inaccurate information be corrected on census records?

Although there are frequently inaccuracies in census records, the records can not be corrected because they are historic documents.  Our advice to genealogists who find inaccuracies is to make a note in their family history that the census record may contain errors.  Future generations may benefit from this note.  They may also find an interesting story for why the census record is wrong.  Sometimes, families deliberately provided inaccurate information to "Americanize" their names, deny the existence of a child born out of wedlock, or not identify their true racial background.  These inaccurate responses reflect the era's feelings about race, ethnicity, and a host of other social conditions that can enlighten future generations.

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Measuring America's People, Places, and Economy

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