Dean, I've seen the same 'information' floating around. Ancestry says they'll be 'on it' and making databases as soon as they get the Census documents. I don't know what type of search engine they'll begin with...but I'm sure that the searchability of the database will improve the longer they have the 1940 Census documents. I'll probably stumble around with ancestors I KNOW were in a certain place at a certain time and see what is available. My hope is that Ancestry has HAD the documents for a while and will release their database that's at least partially 'workable' for the average researcher. I have NO CERTAINTY that this has happened so don't quote me. Just a recurring wish/dream ;~) Perrin > Dear Group, >   > I've been reading information at different sites that claims that most > people will have difficulty researching the 1940 Census material that will > be released on April 2nd. >   > On Ancestry, it appears they will have some sort of search engine to > assist researchers. Is this true or just "hype"? >   > What is the most effective way to access this new information? >   > Will we need to wait for the data to be entered into a database. If so, > how long will it take until it is assessable for your average researcher? >   > Thanks in advance, >   > Dean >   > PS This is too exciting for us to remain so quiet! > > > ----------------------------------------- > NORCAL ARCHIVES: > http://archiver.rootsweb.com/ > Enter NORCAL. Browse by month. > Or click the "Search all archives" link to search by keyword. > ----------------------------------------- > To post a message to the NORCAL mailing list, send an email to > [email protected] > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes > in the subject and the body of the message >