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If the records you want are not available through the Family History Library, you can use this guide to help you write to a church or a civil registration office to obtain information. The Italy Research Outline can help you decide whether church records or civil registration records will be more helpful to you. | If the records you want are not available through the Family History Library, you can use this guide to help you write to a church or a civil registration office to obtain information. The Italy Research Outline can help you decide whether church records or civil registration records will be more helpful to you. | ||
== Before You Write == | == Before You Write == | ||
Before you write a letter in Italian to obtain family history information, you should do three things: | Before you write a letter in Italian to obtain family history information, you should do three things: | ||
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*Determine where records from your ancestor’s hometown are stored. Records for smaller localities may be stored in repositories in nearby larger villages. You can use a gazetteer to determine which parish or civil jurisdiction serves your ancestor’s locality. You may also use the Italy Research Outline for help in locating records. | *Determine where records from your ancestor’s hometown are stored. Records for smaller localities may be stored in repositories in nearby larger villages. You can use a gazetteer to determine which parish or civil jurisdiction serves your ancestor’s locality. You may also use the Italy Research Outline for help in locating records. | ||
== Research by Mail == | == Research by Mail == | ||
Church records are obtained from parishes, and civil records are obtained from civil registration offices. Both kinds of records may be stored in archives. Genealogical societies may also be able to help you find some of the information you need. | Church records are obtained from parishes, and civil records are obtained from civil registration offices. Both kinds of records may be stored in archives. Genealogical societies may also be able to help you find some of the information you need. | ||
=== Parishes === | === Parishes === | ||
Most of the earliest church records date from the mid-1500s, and some were kept even earlier. The records may be stored in a local parish or a regional archive. You should request information from the local parish first. In your letter, ask where you can write to request records that are no longer stored locally. | Most of the earliest church records date from the mid-1500s, and some were kept even earlier. The records may be stored in a local parish or a regional archive. You should request information from the local parish first. In your letter, ask where you can write to request records that are no longer stored locally. | ||
=== Civil registration offices === | === Civil registration offices === | ||
Civil registration records begin in 1866 in most of Italy and as early as 1809 in some areas. In Switzerland they begin in 1876. They are generally kept at a local civil registration office (''Ufficio dello Stato Civile''), but older records are sometimes deposited in provincial or district archives. These records include birth, marriage, and death records as well as family certificates, known as stato di famiglia storico or stato di famiglia originario certificates. Write to local offices first. Registrars may be able to tell you where to write to obtain records they no longer have. | Civil registration records begin in 1866 in most of Italy and as early as 1809 in some areas. In Switzerland they begin in 1876. They are generally kept at a local civil registration office (''Ufficio dello Stato Civile''), but older records are sometimes deposited in provincial or district archives. These records include birth, marriage, and death records as well as family certificates, known as stato di famiglia storico or stato di famiglia originario certificates. Write to local offices first. Registrars may be able to tell you where to write to obtain records they no longer have. | ||
=== Archives === | === Archives === | ||
If the records you need have been deposited in an archive, you may ask the archivist to recommend a private researcher you can hire. Archivists usually do not have time to search records. | If the records you need have been deposited in an archive, you may ask the archivist to recommend a private researcher you can hire. Archivists usually do not have time to search records. | ||
=== Genealogical societies === | === Genealogical societies === | ||
Genealogical societies usually collect genealogies, periodicals, and some original records from their area and recommend researchers you can hire to search local records. | Genealogical societies usually collect genealogies, periodicals, and some original records from their area and recommend researchers you can hire to search local records. | ||
== How To Address the Envelope == | == How To Address the Envelope == | ||
You can find some archive and society addresses in the Italy Research Outline, or you can call the Family History Library at 801-240-3433. | You can find some archive and society addresses in the Italy Research Outline, or you can call the Family History Library at 801-240-3433. | ||
=== For a Catholic parish === | === For a Catholic parish === | ||
:Reverendo Parroco <br>(Street address, if known) <br>(Postal code followed by the name of the locality, including the province abbreviation) <br>ITALY | :Reverendo Parroco <br>(Street address, if known) <br>(Postal code followed by the name of the locality, including the province abbreviation) <br>ITALY | ||
=== For a Protestant parish === | === For a Protestant parish === | ||
:Reverendo Viccario <br>(Street address, if known) <br>(Postal code followed by the name of the locality, including the province abbreviation) <br>ITALY | :Reverendo Viccario <br>(Street address, if known) <br>(Postal code followed by the name of the locality, including the province abbreviation) <br>ITALY | ||
=== For a civil registration office === | === For a civil registration office === | ||
:Sindaco <br>Commune di (name of the locality) <br>(Street address, if known) <br>(Postal code followed by the name of the locality, including the province abbreviation) <br>ITALY | :Sindaco <br>Commune di (name of the locality) <br>(Street address, if known) <br>(Postal code followed by the name of the locality, including the province abbreviation) <br>ITALY | ||
== Postal Codes == | == Postal Codes == | ||
Every Italian town (comune) has a post office. Smaller villages, known as frazioni, fall within the jurisdiction of a comune. If you cannot locate a postal code for your locality, check a gazetteer to determine the comune (see the Italy Research Outline). | Every Italian town (comune) has a post office. Smaller villages, known as frazioni, fall within the jurisdiction of a comune. If you cannot locate a postal code for your locality, check a gazetteer to determine the comune (see the Italy Research Outline). | ||
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When addressing your letter, write the postal (zip) code in front of the name of the town to which you are writing. For help in finding postal codes, use a gazetteer or call the Family History Library at 801-240-3433. | When addressing your letter, write the postal (zip) code in front of the name of the town to which you are writing. For help in finding postal codes, use a gazetteer or call the Family History Library at 801-240-3433. | ||
== How To Send Return Postage and Money == | == How To Send Return Postage and Money == | ||
When you write to someone in Europe, send an international reply coupon (available at most large post offices) to pay for return postage. When writing to Italy, some people have had more success sending an international bank draft. | When you write to someone in Europe, send an international reply coupon (available at most large post offices) to pay for return postage. When writing to Italy, some people have had more success sending an international bank draft. | ||
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'''Writing to other offices or organizations.''' Some researchers do not send money when writing to a civil registration office, archive, or genealogical society for the first time. These organizations may prefer to bill you for their services. Some may ask you to make the check payable to their account number. If you want, you may write an institution to determine their fees before making a request. However, this will significantly increase the time it takes to get information. | '''Writing to other offices or organizations.''' Some researchers do not send money when writing to a civil registration office, archive, or genealogical society for the first time. These organizations may prefer to bill you for their services. Some may ask you to make the check payable to their account number. If you want, you may write an institution to determine their fees before making a request. However, this will significantly increase the time it takes to get information. | ||
== Checklist for Mailing a Letter to Europe == | == Checklist for Mailing a Letter to Europe == | ||
*Keep a photocopy of your letter. | *Keep a photocopy of your letter. | ||
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*Mark the envelope Air Mail. | *Mark the envelope Air Mail. | ||
== What To Expect == | == What To Expect == | ||
It may take six months or longer for you to receive a reply to your request for information. The results of writing to parishes or civil registration offices can vary greatly. You may get a great deal of information, or you may get no answer at all. Some pastors and civil registrars are willing to do considerable research. Others will not answer until money is sent or offered. Some may be unable to provide information. | It may take six months or longer for you to receive a reply to your request for information. The results of writing to parishes or civil registration offices can vary greatly. You may get a great deal of information, or you may get no answer at all. Some pastors and civil registrars are willing to do considerable research. Others will not answer until money is sent or offered. Some may be unable to provide information. | ||
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If you do not receive an answer, write again and send a copy of your first letter. Do not send more money unless you verify that your first letter did not arrive. | If you do not receive an answer, write again and send a copy of your first letter. Do not send more money unless you verify that your first letter did not arrive. | ||
== How To Write a Letter in Italian == | == How To Write a Letter in Italian == | ||
Your letter should include: | Your letter should include: | ||
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Do not use this guide as the letter itself. That might insult the recipient and lessen the chance of a reply. | Do not use this guide as the letter itself. That might insult the recipient and lessen the chance of a reply. | ||
=== Writing Dates === | === Writing Dates === | ||
Write dates in the European style: day, month, year. Write the month and the year in full. For example, for December 10, 1889, you would write 10 dicembre 1889, not 12-10-89 or 10-12-1889. | Write dates in the European style: day, month, year. Write the month and the year in full. For example, for December 10, 1889, you would write 10 dicembre 1889, not 12-10-89 or 10-12-1889. | ||
{| width="40%" | {| class="FCK__ShowTableBorders" width="40%" | ||
|- | |- | ||
| '''English''' | | '''English''' | ||
| '''Italian''' | | '''Italian''' | ||
|- | |- | ||
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|} | |} | ||
=== English Italian Greetings === | === English Italian Greetings === | ||
1. Dear Sirs | 1. Dear Sirs | ||
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2. Reverendo Padre, | 2. Reverendo Padre, | ||
=== Introductions === | === Introductions === | ||
3. My name is _______. I am researching my ancestors and need information from your records. | 3. My name is _______. I am researching my ancestors and need information from your records. | ||
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3. Mi chiamo ________. Sto facendo una ricerca sui miei antenati e ho biosgno delle informazioni dai vostri registri. | 3. Mi chiamo ________. Sto facendo una ricerca sui miei antenati e ho biosgno delle informazioni dai vostri registri. | ||
4. My ancestors come from (locality). I would like to know more about them. | 4. My ancestors come from (locality). I would like to know more about them. | ||
4. I miei antenati provennero da ________. Vorrei sapere di più di loro. | 4. I miei antenati provennero da ________. Vorrei sapere di più di loro. | ||
5. The following individual is my ancestor. Below is all the information I have about this person: | 5. The following individual is my ancestor. Below is all the information I have about this person: | ||
5. L’individuo seguente è il mio antenato. Quanto segue è tutto ciò che so di questa persona: | 5. L’individuo seguente è il mio antenato. Quanto segue è tutto ciò che so di questa persona: | ||
=== Biographical Information === | === Biographical Information === | ||
[Give information about your ancestor using the terms from the following list.] | [Give information about your ancestor using the terms from the following list.] | ||
6a. Given name and surname: | 6a. Given name and surname: | ||
6a. Nome e cognome: | 6a. Nome e cognome: | ||
6b. Date of birth: | 6b. Date of birth: | ||
6b. Data di nascita: | 6b. Data di nascita: | ||
6c. Place of birth: | 6c. Place of birth: | ||
6c. Luogo di nascita: | 6c. Luogo di nascita: | ||
6d. Father’s given name and surname: | 6d. Father’s given name and surname: | ||
6d. Nome e cognome del padre: | 6d. Nome e cognome del padre: | ||
6e. Mother’s given name and surname: | 6e. Mother’s given name and surname: | ||
6e. Nome e cognome della madre: | 6e. Nome e cognome della madre: | ||
6f. Husband’s given name and surname: | 6f. Husband’s given name and surname: | ||
6f. Nome e cognome del marito: | 6f. Nome e cognome del marito: | ||
6g. Wife’s given name and maiden surname: | 6g. Wife’s given name and maiden surname: | ||
6g. Nome e cognome della moglie: | 6g. Nome e cognome della moglie: | ||
6h. Date of marriage: | 6h. Date of marriage: | ||
6h. Data di matrimonio: | 6h. Data di matrimonio: | ||
6i.Place of marriage: | 6i.Place of marriage: | ||
6i. Luogo di matrimonio: | 6i. Luogo di matrimonio: | ||
6j.Date of death: | 6j.Date of death: | ||
6j. Data di morte: | 6j. Data di morte: | ||
6k. Place of death: | 6k. Place of death: | ||
6k. Luogo di morte: | 6k. Luogo di morte: | ||
6l. Date of emigration: | 6l. Date of emigration: | ||
6l. Data d’emigrazione: | 6l. Data d’emigrazione: | ||
=== Genealogical Requests === | === Genealogical Requests === | ||
7. Could you please check your birth registers from (year) to (year) for the birth or christening record of this person? | 7. Could you please check your birth registers from (year) to (year) for the birth or christening record of this person? | ||
7. Potreste cercare l’atto di nascita o battesimo di questa persona nei vostri registri dal _______ fino al ____? | 7. Potreste cercare l’atto di nascita o battesimo di questa persona nei vostri registri dal _______ fino al ____? | ||
8. Please send me a complete extract of the birth or christening record (1) of this person. (2) of these persons. | 8. Please send me a complete extract of the birth or christening record (1) of this person. (2) of these persons. | ||
8. Vi chiedo di spedirmi l’estratto completo dell’atto di nascita o battesimo di 1) questa persona. 2) queste persone. | 8. Vi chiedo di spedirmi l’estratto completo dell’atto di nascita o battesimo di 1) questa persona. 2) queste persone. | ||
9. Please send me a complete extract of the marriage record (1) of this person. (2) of this person’s parents. | 9. Please send me a complete extract of the marriage record (1) of this person. (2) of this person’s parents. | ||
9. Vi chiedo di spedirmi l’estratto completo dell’atto di matrimonio 1) di questa persona.2) dei genitori di questa persona. | 9. Vi chiedo di spedirmi l’estratto completo dell’atto di matrimonio 1) di questa persona.2) dei genitori di questa persona. | ||
10. I believe that (name of ancestor) died in your locality about (year). I would like a complete extract of the death record. | 10. I believe that (name of ancestor) died in your locality about (year). I would like a complete extract of the death record. | ||
10. Credo che _____ sia morto/a nel vostro paese verso l’anno ____. Vorrei l’estratto completo dell’atto di morte. | 10. Credo che _____ sia morto/a nel vostro paese verso l’anno ____. Vorrei l’estratto completo dell’atto di morte. | ||
11. I would like to know more about the family of this person. I would be grateful if you would provide the names and birth dates of the brothers and sisters and an extract of the marriage record of the parents. | 11. I would like to know more about the family of this person. I would be grateful if you would provide the names and birth dates of the brothers and sisters and an extract of the marriage record of the parents. | ||
11. Vorrei sapere di più della famiglia di questa persona. Sarei grato/a se posteste fornire i nomi e le date di nascita dei suoi fratelli e sorelle, e anche l’estratto dell’atto di matrimonio dei genitori. | 11. Vorrei sapere di più della famiglia di questa persona. Sarei grato/a se posteste fornire i nomi e le date di nascita dei suoi fratelli e sorelle, e anche l’estratto dell’atto di matrimonio dei genitori. | ||
12. I would like to locate any relatives who may live in (town). My ancestor was (name). If you know any relatives of the family, I would be grateful if you would give this letter to them so that they can contact me. | 12. I would like to locate any relatives who may live in (town). My ancestor was (name). If you know any relatives of the family, I would be grateful if you would give this letter to them so that they can contact me. | ||
12. Vorrei trovare parenti miei che abitano ancora a_____. Il mio antenato si chiamò ________. Se conoscete parenti della famiglia, sarei grato/a se deste loro questa lettera affinchè possiamo metterci in contatto. | 12. Vorrei trovare parenti miei che abitano ancora a_____. Il mio antenato si chiamò ________. Se conoscete parenti della famiglia, sarei grato/a se deste loro questa lettera affinchè possiamo metterci in contatto. | ||
13. Please send me a copy of the family information on (husband’s name) and (wife’s name). They were married (1) (date). (2) approximately (date). | 13. Please send me a copy of the family information on (husband’s name) and (wife’s name). They were married (1) (date). (2) approximately (date). | ||
13. Per favore, vi chiedo di spedirmi una copia delle informazioni familiari su e. Si sono sposati il 1) 2) verso il . | 13. Per favore, vi chiedo di spedirmi una copia delle informazioni familiari su e. Si sono sposati il 1) 2) verso il . | ||
14. For my family research I need information from the Jewish records of births, marriages, and deaths from your community. Do you know where such records were created and where they are currently located? | 14. For my family research I need information from the Jewish records of births, marriages, and deaths from your community. Do you know where such records were created and where they are currently located? | ||
14. Per la ricerca sulla mia famiglia ho bisogno delle informazioni dai registri ebrei delle nascite, dei matrimoni, e delle morti dalla vostra communità. Sapete dove tali registri sono stati mantenuti, e dove attualmente sono collocati? | 14. Per la ricerca sulla mia famiglia ho bisogno delle informazioni dai registri ebrei delle nascite, dei matrimoni, e delle morti dalla vostra communità. Sapete dove tali registri sono stati mantenuti, e dove attualmente sono collocati? | ||
15. Would you please inform me if it is possible to obtain photocopies of your records and tell me the cost of such copies. | 15. Would you please inform me if it is possible to obtain photocopies of your records and tell me the cost of such copies. | ||
15. Vi prego di informarmi se sia possibile ottenere delle fotocopie dei vostri registri e di farmi sapere il costo delle copie. | 15. Vi prego di informarmi se sia possibile ottenere delle fotocopie dei vostri registri e di farmi sapere il costo delle copie. | ||
=== Referral Requests === | === Referral Requests === | ||
16. If you do not have the necessary records, could you provide the address of the place where the records can be found? | 16. If you do not have the necessary records, could you provide the address of the place where the records can be found? | ||
16. Se non avete i registri corrispondenti, potete fornire l’indirizzo dell’archivio dove in cui i registri possano essere trovati? | 16. Se non avete i registri corrispondenti, potete fornire l’indirizzo dell’archivio dove in cui i registri possano essere trovati? | ||
17. If you are unable to do this research for me, could you please recommend a local researcher I could hire for this purpose—someone who speaks some English if possible? | 17. If you are unable to do this research for me, could you please recommend a local researcher I could hire for this purpose—someone who speaks some English if possible? | ||
17. Se non potete farmi questa ricerca, potete raccomandare un ricercatore locale che potrei impiegare a questo fine—qualcuno che parlasse un pò d’inglese se sia possibile? | 17. Se non potete farmi questa ricerca, potete raccomandare un ricercatore locale che potrei impiegare a questo fine—qualcuno che parlasse un pò d’inglese se sia possibile? | ||
=== Payment === | === Payment === | ||
18. To cover your expenses, I am enclosing a donation to your parish as well as payment for the return postage. | 18. To cover your expenses, I am enclosing a donation to your parish as well as payment for the return postage. | ||
18. Per coprire le vostre spese, sto accludendo un contributo alla vostra parrocchia ed il pagamento per l’affrancatura di ritorno. | 18. Per coprire le vostre spese, sto accludendo un contributo alla vostra parrocchia ed il pagamento per l’affrancatura di ritorno. | ||
19. Please let me know the cost of your help and how I can pay. | 19. Please let me know the cost of your help and how I can pay. | ||
19. Vi prego di farmi sapere il costo del vostro aiuto e come posso effettuare il pagamento. | 19. Vi prego di farmi sapere il costo del vostro aiuto e come posso effettuare il pagamento. | ||
=== Closing Remarks and Return Address === | === Closing Remarks and Return Address === | ||
20. I thank you in advance for your help. | 20. I thank you in advance for your help. | ||
20. Vi ringrazio in anticipo per il vostro gentilezza e premura. | 20. Vi ringrazio in anticipo per il vostro gentilezza e premura. | ||
21. Sincerely, | 21. Sincerely, | ||
21. Distinti saluti, | 21. Distinti saluti, | ||
22. My address: | 22. My address: | ||
22. Il mio indirizzo: | 22. Il mio indirizzo: | ||
=== Follow-Up === | === Follow-Up === | ||
[Use these sentences in follow-up letters as needed.] | [Use these sentences in follow-up letters as needed.] | ||
23. Thank you for the information you sent on (date). It has helped me very much. | 23. Thank you for the information you sent on (date). It has helped me very much. | ||
23. Grazie per le informazioni che avete trasmesso il _____. Mi hanno aiutato molto. | 23. Grazie per le informazioni che avete trasmesso il _____. Mi hanno aiutato molto. | ||
24. I need further information about one of the individuals you mentioned in your letter: (name). | 24. I need further information about one of the individuals you mentioned in your letter: (name). | ||
24. Ho bisogno d’informazioni addizionali su uno degli individui che avete accennato nella vostra lettera: _________. | 24. Ho bisogno d’informazioni addizionali su uno degli individui che avete accennato nella vostra lettera: _________. | ||
25. I have already received from you the following information about this person: | 25. I have already received from you the following information about this person: | ||
25. Ho già ricevuto da voi quanto segue su questa persona: | 25. Ho già ricevuto da voi quanto segue su questa persona: | ||
26. I am enclosing a copy of a letter I sent you on (date). Please write and tell me if you can do this research. | 26. I am enclosing a copy of a letter I sent you on (date). Please write and tell me if you can do this research. | ||
26. Sto accludendo una copia della lettera che vi ho trasmesso il ___________. Vi prego di scrivere per farmi sapere se potete fare questa ricerca. | 26. Sto accludendo una copia della lettera che vi ho trasmesso il ___________. Vi prego di scrivere per farmi sapere se potete fare questa ricerca. | ||
=== Example Letter === | === Example Letter === | ||
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'''Return Address'''<br>Jane Doe <br>334 G Street <br>Salt Lake City, UT 84103 <br>USA | '''Return Address'''<br>Jane Doe <br>334 G Street <br>Salt Lake City, UT 84103 <br>USA | ||
[[Category:Italy|L]] [[Category: | [[Category:Italy|L]][[Category:Letter_Writing_Guides|Letter Writing Guides]] | ||