Welcome
to the ever growing family of Italian descendents interested in discovering
their family history and roots. You are particularly fortunate in that Italy
has a rich tradition of culture, art, and history, contained in many written
sources. Some of these sources for genealogy are: Civil vital record, parish
records of the Catholic and Waldesian Churches, military and conscription
documents, university records, tax
census and notary records.
The
civil vital records in Italy usually date back to the unification of the
country in 1865, but in the South can be found as early as 1809. These records
are found either in the town office or some copies are found at the State Archive at the main city
of the province . There are no central archives of any kind in Italy.
Prior
to civil records, the most available source is the Parish records, which often
date back to the 1500’s. These are hand-written records of the baptisms,
marriages, and deaths of each parishioner, thus providing all information
necessary to complete family group sheets. Since in many areas the family lived
and married within the same town or parish for centuries, the genealogical
research can be pursued on all family lines with excellent success.
Another
record source that can supplement or further extend these primary sources is
the notary records which contain all land and property transactions in each
district from the present back even to the Middle Ages in 1000 AD.
Research
Procedures
To
research these sources requires qualified personnel specialized in genealogical
research methods, trained to decipher antique handwriting, and with a knowledge
of Italian, Latin and local dialects. To establish correct family lines and
find complete documentation for each ancestor requires patient, thorough,
intelligent and painstaking research, particularly before the 1800’s when
scarce information is given, the hand writing is almost illegible and the
records are in poor shape, without indexes. Although many can have a passion
for genealogy, research should be performed by professional agents.
Genealogical
or historical research will be performed according to the specifications of
each patron. Usually the birth or baptismal records are searched to find the
name and birth date of each member of the family unit, for the parents marriage
and death dates will be searched and the death records of those children who
died in infancy. The data for each family is typed and presented on family
group sheets, and a pedigree chart and a typed report of the research is
included. It is also possible, at times, to photograph or photocopy the
documents. The photo are black and white 10cm x 15 cm reproductions of the
original document, and since the cost 
runs about 1.50 per photo,
they will be taken only on request of the patron, when research conditions
permit. Where possible postcards and illustrative material will be included in
the report.
If
a patron desires just a completed pedigree chart and not complete families, or
any other variation in the above stated procedure, this should be specified,
and will be performed. Heraldic research will be performed on request,
including coat-of-arms, but only if there is proven evidence of noble origins,
as anything else would be false and misleading. There are many who have the
same or similar surnames as noble families without being related.