The year was 1950. Harry Truman was President of the US. The average annual income in the US was just a little over $3,000 and the average cost of a new home was $8,450. The US Census that had been taken every 10 years starting in 1790 was conducted for the 17th time.

The 1950 Census is particularly important in helping provide context to families’ narratives because it was a time of many transitional events:

• It was the first US census following World War II.

• The growth in automobile use and the road system helped create modern suburbs and allowed more movement for employment.

• It was the initial stages of the baby boom.

Focusing on a large sample of Illinois 1950 census data, we will paint a picture of what life was like in the state during this transitional time. We will also look at how Chicago life differed from the mostly rural remainder of the state.

Scott Norrick’s passion is connecting people to their past. While providing a list of names, dates and places for ancestors is a start, Scott enjoys helping others discover the stories of triumphs and tribulations that defined our ancestors’ lives. He does this by assisting clients with breaking down their genealogical brick walls and by helping them document the rich stories of their family history.

His areas of expertise include research in the American Midwest along with the immigration to the Midwest from Britain, Ireland, and Germanic countries. He also does significant research into Civil War records.

He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and a graduate degree from Northwestern University. With over 30 years of family history research experience, he is familiar with all the latest and time-tested genealogical tools. Through his company Ancestral Past, he welcomes the opportunity to assist others on their genealogy journey. He has presented to dozens of genealogical societies, history centers, and libraries. He is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists.

The Webinar will be recorded and available on the CGS website in the members only section for 90 days.

Registration is required via the Chicago Genealogical Society website under Events. Registration will close 1 hour prior to the event. The meet-up will take place virtually via ZOOM. All people registered will receive an email the morning of the event with log-in instructions and a link. This information is not to be shared.

Note: This webinar is FREE for CGS members. Non-Members can register for the event for $10. No refunds.