Italy is not only a country to me but part of my existence even though I live in the United States.
Many years ago I started to discover my family history through genealogy. It soon became a full-time avocation.
About ten years ago I decided I could not be interested in any other pursuit and began devoting all my time to genealogical studies, particularly Italian family history.
In the early 1990's it was difficult to find other people doing Italian genealogy and there were few books or articles available on the subject.
As I am a very active person of the self-starter variety, I embarked upon setting up my own organization for
Italian genealogy. I attended many genealogical fairs, seminars and meetings where I would sit at a table with
a sign-up sheet and a large Italian flag to attract people. By January of 1995 I had assembled enough names
in the New York metropolitan area to call a meeting. I had also garnered the support and longtime friendship of another like soul, John Martino.
Together we inaugurated an Italian genealogical organization in 1995, the Italian Genealogical Group, which has met monthly since that time.
This organization today has over 600 members from all over the world.
Once the organization became well established I was able to spend full time researching and helping other Italian Americans who wish to find their roots in Italy.
Each one, I have found, has a fascinating story. I have researched almost all areas of Italy for many Americans over the years.
I become very attached to these families even if I do not know them personally. Each family story is different and interesting. I consider the difficult cases a challenge to research and solve.
A case of this type would be one where an ancestor came to the United States, does not appear in official records and the town of origin is not known. Every person in his lifetime has to make his
mark whether it be in official documents or through interaction with other neighbors, co-workers or friends. No one can live on this earth, particularly in 20th Century United States, and not leave some impression somewhere on someone.
It is the job of the professional genealogist to find that family story.
I am presently a member of many organizations such as the National Federation of Genealogists,
the American Italian Historical Association, the Sons of Italy,
and the Association of Professional Genealogists as well as many local groups.
A few years ago, I was accredited by the Board for Accreditation of Genealogists in Washington, D.C.,
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one of two major organizations created to uphold high standards of competency and ethics in the field
of genealogy.
My special field of competency was Italian genealogy.
Articles on Italian genealogy written by me have been published in several national genealogical magazines.
I also lecture regularly on the topic.
I might add that all of this work has been fully supported by my husband and five children as well as their spouses.
They actually are part of my network of United States sources since they are spread out all over the east coast.
Doing Italian genealogy is the most rewarding of all pursuits
to me since it unites people in the United States with those in Italy, past and present.
The warmth and kindness of all those I work with have always made this more like a great
adventure rather than a cold pursuit of knowledge.
The service you provide me is one of my very few indulgences and greatly appreciated.
You are a godsend and where only a short time ago I knew precious little of my father's father, I now know my parents names,
their village and the date of their marriage. B.C.
Your work has been great! Many thanks! M.R.
Thank you for your report on the progress you have made. I thought it was very well done as it gave me a view of the family that I not only was not aware of, but it also made me feel confident in its accuracy. T.A.R.
