MyHeritage Releases Two Norwegian Census Collections

We are delighted to announce the addition of two new collections of Norway Census records — the 1875 Norway Census and the 1870 Norway Census. Digitized in collaboration with National Archives of Norway (Arkivverket), the 2 million records in these collections include high-quality scans of the original documents.

Search the new Norwegian Census Records 

The collections hold particular interest as they cover a unique time in Norwegian history. The largest single wave of emigration from Norway occurred between 1879 and 1893. Spurred on by the promise of new opportunities, 250,000 Norwegians left Norway for other countries like the U.S. The 1875 census offers the opportunity to catch a snapshot about these Norwegian ancestors while they were still in Norway. For those in the U.S. and abroad with Norwegian heritage, this census collection may unlock important details about their Norwegian roots.

Beyond their historical significance, the collections are important as they contain details that are not often found within a typical census collection. In addition to listing the person’s name, residence, position within the family, gender, marital status, and occupation, the census also includes information on languages spoken, birthplace of the residents, and their birth years. In specific cases, even medical conditions are listed.

Also included are individuals who were temporary residents of the household or those registered to a household who may have been absent at the time of the census count. This means that a single individual may have been listed in more than one entry, if they were visiting another home at the time the census was taken.

Here is more information about each of the collections.

1875 Norway Census

The 1.8 million records from this country-wide census collection includes the names, residence, position within the family, gender, marital status, occupation, birthplace, and birth year. The census was officially conducted on December 31, 1875 and was the first census in Norway to record information about a birthdate rather than age. Additionally, individuals were asked to report their permanent residence and any temporary residence where they may have lived at the time of the census.

Search the 1875 Norway Census

1870 Norway Census

The 1870 census consists of records from 60 cities and towns in Norway, of which records from 50 cities and towns survive. Recognizing the need for updated information due to the rapid population growth in urban centers, the government requested this special census of cities and towns. The records contain names, gender, place of birth, year of birth, marital status, and place of residence. 

Search the 1870 Norway Census

Sample Records

Erik Theodor Wærenskiold

Erik Theodor Werenskiold was a Norwegian painter and illustrator. He is best known for his drawings for Norwegian fairy tales (folklore), the illustrations of Snorre Sturlason Heimskringla, and his portraits of famous historical figures such as Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson and Henrik Ibsen. He is also one of the most featured artists on Norwegian postage stamps.

In the autumn of 1875, he traveled to Munich as part of his studies, where he remained for four years. In the 1875 census, he is listed as temporarily away from his family’s residence.

1875 census record of Erik Theodor Werenskiold [MyHeritage 1875 Norway Census Records]

Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson

In the 1875 census is the record of Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, a Norwegian poet, orator, editor, and theater personality. 

Many of his poems have been put to melody by great Norwegian composers. His most famous work is the lyrics to the Norwegian national anthem, for which Rikard Nordraak created the melody.

The record includes information on his birth place and date, as well as his residence at the time in Aulestad, Gausdal, Oppland, Norway.

1875 census record of Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson [MyHeritage 1875 Norway Census Records]

Anders Steensby

In the 1870 collection is the record of Anders Steensby, who was born in 1814 at Eidsvold and resided at the Parliament building in Carl Johans gate 22 in Oslo (Christiania). Anders was one of the message carriers in the Parliament. His work required him to live in the Parliament building with his wife and 3 children.

Lithograph of Parliament Building in Oslo, circa 1890–1900 [Credit: Nasjonalbiblioteket]

1870 census record of Anders Steensby and family [MyHeritage 1870 Norway Census Records]

Summary

The 1875 and 1870 Norway Census collections offer new avenues of discovery for anyone looking to learn more about their Norwegian heritage. With the release of these collections, and the recent release of 42 million Norway Church records, MyHeritage now offers 246 million records from Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, making MyHeritage the market leader for Scandinavian family history.

Searching the Norway Census Records on MyHeritage is completely free. If you have a family tree on MyHeritage, our Record Matching technology will notify you automatically if records from these collections match your relatives. To view these records or to save records to your family tree, you’ll need a Data or Complete subscription.

Enjoy the new Norwegian collections!