This article discusses how local history can be used by teachers to help develop historical thinking skills such as source analysis, the collection of data, and the creation of historical arguments. Using New York City as a case study, this article argues that urban spaces and local communities provide historical evidence that can be read and…

Addresses the creation of the U.S. census, the various reasons for the census, and its role as a "reflecting pool" in society. Provides a timeline of the decennial censuses from 1790-2000 and primary documents of schedules used in different censuses for analysis. Aims to promote understanding of the census' place in society. (CMK)

Outlines background information on census taking in North America, including the constitutional mandate for the U.S. census and the first census in 1790. Delineates the way that the data for the 1990 Census will be collected. Includes text of a letter written by George Washington concerning an undercount in the 1790 census. Concludes with a…

Surveys changes in the content of the U.S. census from 1790 to 1990. Focuses on how the information collected changed with the growth and development of the country. Lists principal topics covered in the population census since 1790, and in the housing census since 1940. Includes facsimiles of 1910 and 1990 census forms. (LS)

Argues that using census data allows students to practice doing history, and points out the growing importance of quantitative social history as a rationale for including more census data in history courses. Describes information to be found in various census products, suggesting ways history teachers might use census data in the classroom. (LS)

Uses microfilm copies of the 1880 and 1900 census records which tallied information about Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family to teach about using census data. Suggests activities that develop vocabulary skills, teach document analysis, utilize map skills, and require research and synthesis skills. (LS)

Elementary school pupils are introduced to a genealogical approach to state and local history. Although the examples in the booklet pertain to Wisconsin, the format can be easily adapted for classroom use by teachers in other locations. A teacher's supplement accompanies the booklet and offers a bibliography, background information, additional…