Researching Your Family History in Italy: Genealogy 101
Researching Your Family History in Italy: Genealogy 101
By: Michael Cestaro*
For most Americans of Italian descent, obtaining information about their ancestors can be quite daunting or seem even impossible when they have to reach past Ellis Island and start poking around in Italy. But truth be told, in most situations, a researcher armed with correct data and a bit of patience, can gain access to an abundance of information that can provide great insight into his family history.
Provided that a researcher has the correct spelling of his ancestor’s name and the date and place where the event (i.e., birth, marriage or death) took place, it is possible to obtain copies of documents that are well over a 100 years old. In a rather ironic way, it is Italy’s history of bureaucracy and the Italian government’s obsession with forms and details that can come back to benefit the individual who is searching his Italian roots tenfold.
Generally speaking, most Italian documents that recorded a birth, marriage or death around and prior to the turn of the century, did so in a very formalistic way. The end result of this method was an inclusion of useful details such as maiden names, street addresses, witnesses to the event, occupations of the parties, and the names of those present at the recording of the event (including even the mayor and town officials) in the document. In addition, other details, such as whether the parties were capable of reading and writing, were sometimes hand-written onto the documents. For the individual searching his family history, access to all of this type of information can be like winning the genealogical jackpot.
So exactly where are these documents kept and what information does a researcher need?
Italian birth, marriage and death certificates are kept on file at the Office of Vital Statistics of the comune or town where the event occurs. When a document is requested, it is normally provided in an estratto per riassunto form, which is an extract of the most relevant information recorded at the comune. For those interested in merely obtaining dual citizenship, this is the form that most consulates will require as part of their application process.
For somebody doing genealogical research, however, the better form is the copia integrale. Unlike the estratto, the copia integrale includes the many invaluable details in which the genealogical researcher would most probably be interested. It is important to note that under Italian law, a copia integrale is only available if the event occurred more than 75 years ago.
Beyond birth, marriage and death certificates, military records can be fertile ground for genealogical exploration. Italian military records, for the most part, are kept in provincial archives, unlike birth, marriage and death certificates, which are stored at the local level. If an individual’s ancestor served in the military, conscription and service records are likely to include information such as his physical description, town of residence, parents’ names, profession and educational level, as well as a chronological history of service from conscription to discharge.
Once an individual has conquered the task of obtaining his ancestor’s document, the next hurdle may be deciphering the handwriting on the document. Because these documents may predate the invention of the typewriter or were prepared in a town that did not have a typewriter at the time (yes, there was a time when a manual typewriter was considered cutting edge technology), reading the handwriting on the document may present its own challenge. Still, with a bit of effort and the use of a computer’s zoom function, even this obstacle can be overcome.
For those seriously thinking of looking into their family history or who are at the point in their research where they must now search in Italy, a basic understanding of the types of documents that are available and where they are stored is essential. Genealogical research into one’s family history can be a fun hobby that may be challenging at times, but is undeniably rewarding on so many levels and for a variety of reasons.
*Michael Cestaro is the President and CEO of Your Italian Heritage, LLC. You can learn more about the company and its services by visiting www.youritalianheritage.com.
About the Author
Michael Cestaro is the President and CEO of Your Italian Heritage, LLC. You can learn more about the company and its services by visiting www.youritalianheritage.com.
|
|
SOLE Solly Soule Sowle Soulis Family History 2 Vol 1926 $450.00 |
|
|
CROPPER Family Genelogy History Ancestors MASSIVE Book $250.00 |
|
|
English Origins of New England Families 1st Series genealogy history NEHGS $150.00 |
|
|
RARE – SUMMERHAYS Family Name Tree History Society NEWS Vintage LDS Genealogy $125.54 |
|
|
1903 A Genealogy of the CURTISS FAMILY w/Extras CONNECTICUT History CURTIS +++ $112.00 |
|
|
Family History-SCHULTZ Family 1716-1966-Genealogy Book $110.00 |
|
|
TALES OF BROWN COUNTY, NEBRASKA. HISTORY OF BROWN COUNTY AND ITS FAMILIES. 1997. $100.00 |
|
|
The MCAFEE Family History & Related Families-ANDERSON-BEUFORD-CASEY-COATS-GREEN $99.99 |
|
|
1978 1st ED “A HISTORY of the DIXON FAMILY” by JOHN CLAYTON DIXON NORTH CAROLINA $99.99 |
|
|
Ely family Genealogy Richard Lyme CT history NY $99.00 |
|
|
Waechtersbach Plate, You Are Special Today, Cherry Red $37.50 This is the original “red plate” imported from Germany where it is carefully made by Waechtersbach, producer of world famous ceramics noted for their brilliant, deep color. This plate is a perfect complement to Waechtersbach’s solid cherry red dinnerware, formerly known as the “Fun Factory” line. Set the table in red and replace one setting with the “you are special” plate to honor a guest or ce… |
|
|
Johnson Brothers Friendly Village 28-Piece Set with Square Accent Plates, Service for 4 $199.99 Though initially introduced in 1952, Family Village is a winter pattern as delightful as a family heirloom discovered long-hidden in the attic. Traditionally shaped, each piece shows a detailed scene of bygone village life with such titles as Covered Bridge, Stone Wall, and Sugar Maples. The images look like black-and-white engravings that have been hand-tinted with soft colors, yet instead of bei… |
|
|
Family Health Organizer 8×10 $12.99 Family Health Organizer is a must have in any household. It contains: 14 Pockets to store important family information 25 pages to write things related to your family’s health Space to record extended family medical history Enough pockets to record 6 family members’ medical information Space to record immunization and important phone numbers Hardcover. Pages held by the spiral. Vinyl, busin… |
|
|
The Prince Of Egypt: Music From The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack $0.85 It should be little surprise that of the three Prince of Egypt CDs, this one, which contains music actually used in the picture, is the best. The disc features songs written by Academy Award winners Stephen Schwartz and Hans Zimmer. It also showcases the always impressive vocal talents of Ofra Haza on several tracks. The disc also crams in a few singles–ranging from the solid Boyz II Men track “I… |
|
|
Michael Jackson – Video Greatest Hits – HIStory $6.74 The top music videos from the Prince of Pop’s solo career have been gathered for this must-have retrospective that also features “Brace Yourself,” a sampler from his “HIStory” album. Songs include “Rock with You,” “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Black or White,” “Remember the Time” and more. 89 min. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, PCM stereo; Subtitles: English…. |
|
|
Story of Your Life $7.49 CD Story Of Your Life by West Matthew… |
|
|
Secretariat (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) $13.97 The “greatest racehorse of all time” mantle fits easily around the neck of Secretariat, the 1973 Triple Crown winner. So why not a movie version of this champion’s life? Secretariat begins in the late ’60s, with some good behind-the-scenes material on how thoroughbreds come to be (there’s flavorful atmosphere inside the horsey world, including an account of Secretariat’s ownership being decided by… |
|
|
Pinocchio (Two-Disc 70th Anniversary Platinum Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo + BD Live) [Blu-ray] $35.99 This Disney masterpiece from 1940 will hold up forever precisely because it doesn’t restrain or temper the most elementalemotions and themes germane to its story. Based on the Collodi tale about a wooden puppet who wants to become a real boy, Pinocchio is among the most magical, mythical, and frightening films to come from the studio in its long history. A number of scenes make permanent impressio… |
|
|
A History of Violence $2.99 … |
|
|
Family Like Branches On A Tree vinyl lettering wall sayings home art decor $9.99 **Please Note*** This is an original from WALL SAYINGS VINYL LETTERING. If you are not purchasing from WALL SAYINGS VINYL LETTERING then you are purchasing a knock off and we cannot guarantee the quality or accuracy of the product. Vinyl Lettering is the best way to decorate your home. It’s much quicker than stencils or paint and looks better too. Apply to walls, mirrors, windows, doors, or any f… |
|
|
Family History (Paperback) $16.31 A team of top genealogists reveal their secrets and provide answers to the “brick walls” often reached when researching family historyAnexciting new addition to any family historian`s library, this guide will take th… |
|
|
History Classics: History`s Mysteries (DVD) $15.83 The History Channel documentary series HISTORY`S MYSTERIES unearths and explores some of the bizarre tales and legends that have piqued mankind`s curiosity over the centuries. This box set features eight episodes of the program. Subjects of the individ… |
|
|
Family History $36.8 Nostalgic borders and frames to coordinate with treasured photographs; old birth certificates, ledgers, and records; family trees and genealogy charts. |
Tags: family, family history archives, family history center locations, family history free, family history library, family history questions, Genealogy, history, reference, research
