US Census Event Place data
As I have been accessing various US Census images for Buffalo, NY, I have encountered several instances where the event place is listed as "State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, Erie, New York, United States" which is incorrect. The Event Place (original) has the correct "Buffalo, Erie, New York, United States" entry. What is causing this? SUNY Buffalo did not exist until the University at Buffalo merged with the SUNY system in 1962.
Answers
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A well-documented problem exists with the place auto standardizing algorithm. You'll find many threads.
We've been reporting the problem for several years. Sadly, it gets worse instead of better. At least the ones you have noticed are in the same state. Often the algorithm changes the location to somewhere unrecognizable.
@SerraNola has taken the lead on some of these issues.
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@Vince Harzewski Yes, this error is well-documented and falls into the same category as Pittsburgh being standardized as Allegheny City. By that, I mean that it is not any one collection, but is found across the board in hundreds of thousands of records in different collections.
I know it seems that place name problems are getting worse instead of better, but behind the scenes multiple teams of engineers are seeking large scale solutions. We aren't yet giving up hope!
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The Event Place and Original Event Place are listed on the 1910 US census for a family member as "St. John the Baptist Convent". This family member was a member of St. John the Baptist Parish. Does anyone know why this convent was given as an Event Place for this person?
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@CarolBaker2012 - you need to look at the original image for that person. It might be where they lived (or lived and worked), it might be an error in the indexing ... All sorts of possibilities.
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