Census link aids genealogy research

For the first time, the full searchable 1880 U.S. Census index is now linked with digital images of the original census documents.

An agreement between MyFamily.com Inc., the largest collection of genealogical records online, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which through FamilySearch manages the largest repository of genealogical records from around the world, allows this new access.

The 1880 U.S. Census index and images can be accessed for free at both www.ancestry.com and www.familysearch.org.

"Integrating the online index with the actual images online allows users to search the census and go right to an image of the original source online for viewing or printing," said Glade I. Nelson, director of the church's Family History Library.

"Bringing together these resources greatly enhances the user experience by making locating ancestors and the detailed information about those individuals more easily accessible — at the touch of a button," Andre Brummer, senior vice president of product for MyFamily.com, said.

The 1880 Census includes more than 50 million residents of the then-38 states and eight territories in the U.S.

The two entities are also currently reviewing other possible mutual projects.