How do I start?
The first thing to do is interviewing your family members who might know something about your ancestors
that has been passed down from one generation to the other and gathering all the information available both
documentary (family bibles, photographs, certificates, letters, diaries, deeds, perhaps - or a passport) and oral
(family stories and memories).
"‡It all started back in the early 1960's, when I first questioned my mother about my grandparents and other
family members. It was then that I learned of my grandparents' names. I started to write a family history based
on the age of my maternal grandfather's year of birth, 1846..." (L.S.)
This sounds pretty obvious, but it is not. Sometimes, a distant relative can be an extremely rich source
of information that you would have never expected.
Remember, in case you want to pursue your Family History also back in Italy, all documentary information can become
a powerful starting point for the genealogist. Sometimes also minor information can be extremely helpful to the research.
For instance: What was your Ancestor's first job when he/she came to the US?
Was he/she devoted to a particular Saint?
Useful TIP: To learn how to organize this information visit my Italian Family Academy space with Pier Felice
degli Uberti and his article on how to build your Family History Archive.
However, if this first step has been unsuccessful, do not discourage.
Here are the following steps to take:
Determine an approximate time for the transoceanic trip or trips (since many came for a while, worked,
returned home for a bride and then came as a family). Sources for this would include:
- Census information
- Naturalization Records (Declaration of Intentions)
- Death certificates
- Ships' Passenger Lists
- Passport applications
If you have questions regarding how to research your family information in countries other than North America,
e-mail ask@myitalianfamily.com
