census records 1950

Hello Mr. Moore,

Thank you for contacting the National Archives regarding your Indian heritage. You will see more than a few links below to help you get started researching your ancestors.  Here is an additional link on our website that you may also find helpful, searching American Indians at the National Archives. The US Census Bureau does not release census records prior to 72 years after it was taken.

Applications for Enrollment in the Five Civilized Tribes, 1898-1914, also known as the Dawes Rolls, a popular search by researchers in the National Archives Catalog. If you aren't sure if you need to search the records of the Five Civilized Tribes, this excellent flow chart can help you decide where to start your search.

We've put together a handy tutorial to help you get started. Head over to our NARAtions blog for step-by-step instructions for searching the Dawes Rolls by name.

Today these five tribes continue to use the Dawes Rolls as the basis for determining tribal membership. They usually require applicants to provide proof of descent from a person who is listed on these rolls. (Contact the tribes directly for enrollment information).

I hope this information is helpful.  Best of luck with your research.

American Indian Records

Have you read this guide published by the U.S. Census Bureau? https://www.census.gov/history/pdf/cff2.pdf

Once censuses are publicly released, they're usually available online through genealogy sites, but it looks like the 1950 census won't be released until 2022. Otherwise, I think you have to formally request the records you're looking for through the Bureau.