Update to the Norwegian 1801 census

The Norwegian Digital Archive has made an update to the 1801 census that is very handy for us genealogists.

The 1801 census is unique because it is the first census that contains names and other information for every individual resident in Norway. It is a main source for the Norwegian population and social history in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The 1801 census is available as a searchable database in the Digital Archive. This is very convenient for us, however, finding the actual scanned record has been more of a challenge. Earlier we had to browse through the scanned images of the census district looking for the farm and then find the right names.

The reason for doing so is, of course, to be able to use the scanned original as the source for our research. There may be errors in transcribed material so it is highly recommendable to go to the actual source.

Due to a recently completed work by the Digital Archive, finding the scanned record is now very easy.

We search for the person(s) as usual in the search feature. When we find the right person there is now a link by each person where we reach the scanned image of the page where the person(s) appears. Click on “See scanned version”

Another advantage of finding the scanned original record is that it is very easy to get a good source citation.

When we are on the scanned image page, we can click the copy to clipboard button in the button row up in the right corner of the page. This is the button marked 13 on this screen.

This produces a nice source citation looking like this:

RA, 1801 census for 1541P Veøy, 1801, p. 376b-377a
Quick link: https://www.digitalarkivet.no/ft20110325670238

It is highly recommendable to take the time to put in place proper source citations. It is convenient if we need to re-check the information. it is also nice to show others that they can trust our research.

Hope this is helpful to you. Don’t hesitate to comment below or send me a word through the Contact page.