Adventure Pass temporarily shut down in 2025

Due to software issues affecting all libraries using the service, the Iowa Adventure Pass program will temporarily shut down in 2025. Any reservation already made for 2025 will be honored, but we encourage anyone with a current reservation to print those passes immediately. Customers can still make new reservations for passes that must be used by December 31, 2024. The service will return at a later time. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Weather update for 12/14/2024

All locations of the Des Moines Public Library will be open normal hours Saturday, December 14, and all locations will serve as emergency warming shelters during open hours. 

Genealogy Research with the Newly-Released 1950 Census

Program Type:

Computers & Technology, Educational

Age Group:

Adults
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Registration for this event is no longer open.

Program Description

Event Details

Will you find your parents or grandparents as children? Maybe you will find yourself as a child. The 1950 census will be released in April, 72 years after it was initially taken. Unfortunately, the 1950 census will not be indexed when it is released. So, no, you will not be able to do a name search immediately. Instead, join us to learn tips on finding your family on the 1950 census. You will also learn about census substitutes and alternative records used to discover your family between the ten years of each census. 

 

Speaker Bio

Ricki King is a certificate holder in Boston University's Genealogical Research program, has a BA in History, completed Progen, and continues to further her education. In addition, she has written for National Genealogical Society Quarterly has been a presenter for the Iowa History 101 Series, Iowa Genealogical Society Conference, and at local public libraries.

In the Spring/Summer of 2021, during COVID, Ricki worked with the Forever Free Mentoring Pilot Program, mentoring students researching twenty-two people buried at Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa. She worked with local, state, and federal agencies to help Woodland Cemetery become part of the National Park Service's National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom on 30 September 2021. In addition, she worked with History Quest, a separate program involving the cemetery, by recording videos containing the Forever Free program's UGRR research.

Ricki King in front of the Iowa Capitol

Disclaimer(s)

Accessibility

The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.