The release of the census will transform access to the earliest demographic record of the state. Now fully digitised and searchable, over 700,000 household returns reveal a society marked by rural life, demographic decline and the administrative priorities of a new state. Zoe's talk examines the census’s distinctive features, bilingual forms, redesigned household questions and a universal Form A that captures families, institutions and military populations within a single administrative framework. Rich detail on language, occupation, employer and agricultural acreage reflects the state’s priorities in land reform and identity.

Her talk will also outline the National Archives’ extensive conservation and digitisation project, involving 2,496 volumes and 45 million data points, and reflect on how researchers and the public are already engaging with this remarkable resource. You can find out more about the programme of events connected with the release, and how to search it yourself, here.

Zoë Reid is Keeper of Manuscripts at the National Archives, Ireland. Since establishing the Conservation Department in 2002, she has shaped national standards for the preservation and sustainable access of State records. With over 25 years’ experience, she is widely published and has presented internationally on conservation strategy and archival preservation. Zoë leads Public Services and Collection Care and has been involved with major exhibition and outreach projects, including The Treaty 1921, Ireland at the League of Nations and Society and State at Dublin Castle. She is a core member of the team leading the preparation and public programme for the release of the 1926 Census.