Family historians all over the world can now easily access information about the 1891 census of Prince Edward Island on the Internet. The census data is key information for genealogists and its availability will enable researchers to do more work from home before going to the public archives.
The database index is an extension of work done over the last four years by PEI Genealogical Society volunteers who transcribed census data from difficult-to-read microfilm into a computerized database. The society and the Public Archives and Records Office have collaborated in posting the information to the Public Archives site on the world wide web.
The index contains 21,400 entries from the database and gives the name, age, location and religion of each head of household and anyone in that household whose surname is not the same as the head of the household. The full database of over 90,000 individuals can be accessed through microfilm or printed transcripts published by the Genealogical Society.
Although the index provides limited information, it will enable researchers to determine if their family name appears in the province and provides important clues as to where to look for further information.
Both microfilm and printed transcripts of the full 1891 census are available at the Public Archives and Records Office in Charlottetown. Those unable to visit the Archives can order microfilm from the National Archives through inter-library loan or can purchase printed transcripts from the society.
Minister of Education Chester Gillan says that by posting the census material on the Internet, the Archives is using technology to make more of its resources available to researchers working at home, in libraries or Community Access sites.
"We are just beginning to realize the potential new technology has for old records. We have huge amounts of information which could be available electronically. This partnership with the Genealogical Society has been an ideal beginning," says Minister Gillan.
The Archives is currently exploring other partnerships which will allow more information from its holdings to be available. Harry Holman, Provincial Archivist noted that the full 1841 census is being considered as the next project. In addition to the census data, some photographic material can now be viewed on the Archives web page and basic information about the institution was posted beginning last year.
The Archives web page can be reached at www.gov.pe.ca/educ. The Public Archives and Records Office is a Division of the PEI Department of Education.