Attendees will explore the specific nuances of utilizing census records within the Great Lakes region to document ancestors and their communities. While the census is a foundational tool for locating family groups, researchers in this area must navigate unique challenges, such as tracking mobile populations like sailors, fishermen, and lighthouse keepers. The presentation demonstrates how to apply the FAN Club principle (Friends, Associates, and Neighbors) and robust research methodologies to overcome common hurdles, including mis-indexed entries and missing enumerations. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of specific enumerator instructions critical to Great Lakes research, alongside a comprehensive tour of state-level census records, non-population schedules, and Indian censuses available for the region.