It's almost census time again. In addition to all of the federal reasons (it's the basis for drawing lines for representation in the House of Representatives) and your basic civic duty, you should complete it for your family to come.

When I started tracing our family's history, I had just the names of my grandparents. Census results provided a window for me to learn about my relatives from the past and their neighbors.

The census information provides a wealth of family research information (place of birth for the household and parents, occupations, head of household information, etc.).

The federal census began in 1790, and you can find copies online, at historical societies, on paid websites, and in state and local libraries.

The census results are made public after 72 years to protect privacy. I'm waiting (no so patiently) for the release of the 1940 census.

So for future family historians, fill out your census next year.