National Archives gears up for 1940 Census

The National Archives has announced a live webcast of the opening event of the 1940 U.S. Census on April 2, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. EDT. Here is the rest of the press release:

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The launch event is open to the media and to a limited number of members of the public on a first come, first served basis, by emailing 1940census@nara.gov.

WHAT:  Washington, DC…Special ceremonial launch of the 1940 census. The National Archives’ largest single release of digitized records will be online at 1940census.archives.gov. For the genealogical community, the 1940 census is the most eagerly-anticipated records release in the past decade. Following remarks, the Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero will launch the first search.

Beginning April 2, 2012, users will be able to search, browse, and download the 1940 census schedules, free of charge, through the new 1940 census website: 1940census.archives.gov. National Archives partnered with Archives.com to build and host the site.

The launch event will be webcast live online starting at 8:30 A.M., please visit 1940census.archives.gov, closer to April 2 for the link.

WHO:  Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero
U.S. Census Bureau Director Robert Groves
Archives.com Executive Vice President John Spottiswood
University of Maryland U.S. History Professor David Sicilia

WHEN:  Monday, April 2, 2012, 8:30 A.M.
Electronic media preset 8:15 A.M.

WHERE:  William G. McGowan Theater, National Archives Building, Washington, DC
Enter through Special Events entrance on Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW

Obviously, I am not the first nor the only blogger to post this information. But this is certainly the biggest show in town for the next week or so.