DIY ROADMAP

1.1  Select the ancestor you want to search.
1.2  Gather as much info as you can, e.g. father and mother.
1.3  Identify the town and province where this ancestor lived or was born.
1.4  Decide the year, or estimated year, for your search.
​1.5  Decide whether you are looking for a birth, marriage, or death record.
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​There are two sources for records you should search. You may need to search both of these databases, and should become familiar with the types of records presented in each and how to access them.
        2.1  FamilySearch's ITALY HISTORICAL RECORD COLLECTIONS.
        2.2  The National Archives of Italy's ANCESTORS PORTAL. ​​
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When you access ITALY HISTORICAL RECORD COLLECTIONS, you will see FamilySearch has provided records (Indexed and Image-Only) for many provinces and towns in Italy. Here is an overview:
  • The "Title" column is sorted by PROVINCE, TOWN.
  • In the "Records" column, you will see either "Browse Images" or a "Specific Number." You need to know the difference.
  • "Browse Images" means this is a collection of Image-Only ​records that have not been indexed. You will have to browse them manually. These are scans of the original records.
  • "Specific Number" means the collection has been Indexed. Key facts (name, etc) have been extracted and indexes created. With Indexed records, you will see a search box, and can input criteria that will take you directly to the specific record. 
  • The "Last Updated" column shows date updated. It is a sortable column. Click the header to sort and see the most recent updates
Now scroll to find your PROVINCE, TOWN.​​​
Tip - You may find one, or more, collections for your Town. Or you may only see your Province listed. Regardless, explore all possible collections to see if your Town is listed. It may be included under the wrong collection.
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When you access a collection with Indexed Records, you will see a screen like the one on the right.
  • In the search box (#1), input Last Name and First Name. If records exist, you will be taken directly to them.
  • You can narrow your search results by adding additional search criteria (#2).
  • If you want to browse though the Image-Only records, see #3.
  • "Learn more" provide detailed information about this particular State Archive. It is always good to review this information.
When ...
NOTE – You will be able to freely access most of the collections provided by FamilySearch. However, some collections have rights restrictions due to the licensing agreement between FamilySearch and the particular State Archives (Archivio di Stato). And there is no way to know which collections are restricted until you access them.
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Tip: Below are the three periods for Italian Civil Records with approximate range of years:                    
            1.  Napoleonic  1806 - 1815.
            2.  Restoration  1816 - 1865.
            3.  Italian  1866 - early 1900’s.
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Tip - Read all the information screens provided.
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  • These are Indexed Records.
  • Check the list of State Archives (#1) to see if the records for your Province have been indexed and included in this database. If yes, continue. If no, try BROWSE.​
  • It is possible your Province is included but not your Town.
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  • These are Image-Only Records.
  • Check the list of State Archives (#1) to see if the images for your Province have been included in this database. If yes, continue. If no, try FIND NAMES.
  • It is possible your Province is included but not your Town. 
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Add words ...
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