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Once the exclusive privilege of kings and aristocrats, a knowledge of family history is now within the grasp of most for whom it holds an interest. Whatever changes take place in society, your ancestral heritage remains a special mark of distinction. Each of us has many ancestors, often from different lands, but today most genealogies are traced along the paternal line – the same lineage through which family names are usually inherited. What follows is a general guide to our work, methods and services. We welcome you to the ever-growing family of Italian descendants interested in discovering their family history and roots.
Record Sources in Italy
You are particularly in that Italy has a rich tradition of culture , art and history, recorded in many written sources. Among these priceless sources for genealogical information are: civil records, 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 to the Unification of the country circa 1865, but in the South and Sicily can be found as early as 1809 – either in the town office or at the provincial state archive of any kind. Prior to the civil records, the most available source is the parish records, which often date back to the 1500's. These are hand-written registers of the baptism, marriage and death of each parishioner, providing al the information needed to complete family group sheets. Since in many areas the family lived and married within the same parish or town for centuries, research can be pursued successfully on several family lines.
The Institute
Research in historical sources requires specialist in genealogical research methods, trained in palaeography, Latin, Italian and local dialects. To establish accurate family lines, finding complete documentation for each ancestor, requires patient, thorough, insightful and painstaking effort-especially for periods prior to the 1800's, when scarce information is given, handwriting is nearly illegible and the records are in poor condition, without indexes. While many can have a passion for genealogy, most research should be performed by professionals.
Augmented by a capable staff of genealogists, historians, archivists and heraldic, the Institute is operated by three Directors.
Research Procedures
Genealogical or heraldic research is conducted according to your specifications. Usually, the birth or baptismal records are searched to find the name and birth date of each member of the family unit. It is some times possible to photograph or photocopy documents. The photos are 10 x 15 centimetres, and as the cost of each runs to $1.50 (all costs expressed in U.S. dollars), they will be taken only at your request when conditions permit. Where possible, postcards and illustrations will be included with your report.
If you desire only a completed pedigree chart, and not complete families, or any other variation in the above procedure, please specify this.
Fess and Expenses
We charge according to the number of hours spent in research, rather than a fixed rate for number of names or families completed. This policy allows us to avoid haphazard or careless research conducted in attempting to find as many names as possible, whether directly related or not. Also, in some cases, many hours are spent in preliminary research to determine the precise locality of origin or family line. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that the town office will reply to our inquiry; the town will be solicited twice, and then the client will be charged regardless of whether a certificate has been obtained.
Research Costs
Microfilming of civil vital records has just begun, and Italy lacks central archives. This means that to conduct research e trip must be made to the individual village or parish. Parish pastors are no way obligated to allow access to their records, and often much persuasion and an offering are necessary for our researchers to enter and research. As travel expenses are a considerable portion of each bill, the more client's project pursued for trip, the lower the cost to you. Therefore, we suggest, if funds permit, that as much work as possible be combined into one trip, rather than pursued piece by piece. The Institute requires a $ 800.00 deposit to begin research; this is the minimum necessary. Obviously, the more funds that are available, the more extensive the research that can be conducted. In the space provided on the enclosed contract form, please indicate the maximum amount you wish to sped on your family history project. Normally, research will be completed within twelve months of written commission of our services, Delays sometimes occur to accommodate schedules of parish priests and civil officials. Combined summer projects reduce the travel time and expenses billed to each client, but may entail occasional delays due to closed offices.
To begin
To commence your family genealogical research, please send with first class mail:
1) Photocopies of all information and documents already in your possession. Do not send original documents.
2) If available, the name, birth date and birthplace of the Italian-born ancestor whose lineage is to be traced.
3) A signed and completed contract form (enclosed)
4) A retainer fee of $800.00, which will be credited to your account. You will be billed after each phase of research. Payment should be in a bank draft, money order or personal check.
Heraldry
The distinguished art of heraldry harks back to the Age of Chivalry, when armoured knights carried their colourful shields, surcoats and banners into combat. Your coat of arms is part of a traditional, enduring legacy. Today, most coasts of arms are inherited along direct, paternal lines by the nobility or person descended from that class. It is no unusual, in the course of genealogical research, to discover the coat of arms borne by an ancestor. Because the right to use a coat of arms is inherited along paternal lines, many persons presume that everybody bearing the same surname is entitled to the same coat of arms – a false assumption since certain common surnames are linked to hundreds of unrelated families.
Although one might not inherit the full right to use the armorial insignia of a great grandmother, it would certainly be appropriate to display a painting of these arms. In the case of patrilineal arms (inherited through the family of your father's father, etc.) it is appropriate also to make use of the design on writing paper and jewelry and, of course, to pass along the right to the armorial bearings to your descendants. Italy has no official College of Arms; Collegio Araldico merely records the names and racks of living nobles and governs these matters on behalf of the Royal Family. As Italy is a democratic republic, it has only limited authority to authenticate armorial claims. Italy does not issue new arms. E provide heraldic services consistent with historical accuracy. We do not market “arms for your family name”. While we can render a coat of arms drawn from a personal source, such as inherited paintings or jewelry already in your possession, we reserve the right to decline to design a coat of arms derived through random (non genealogical) methods.
Because each heraldic function is a custom service, fees can vary somewhat, but each artistic project is rendered in the unique Italian manner using the best materials available, faithful to established norms. Here is a general guide:
Painting of full arms (shield, helmet, etc) on genuine goatskin parchment, approximately 8½ x 11 inches, including motto, if any. $530.00
Line drawing of arms in Italian style (shield only) for graphic reduction and reproduction on stationery. $400.00
Line drawing for crest for graphic reproduction. (Most Italian coats of arms lack crest, the ornamental symbol atop the helmet). $325.00
Heraldic research is conducted in conjunction with genealogical research. The basic heraldic record is a written description of the coat of arms called a blazon. Blazons are provided (in Italian and English) with all heraldic services.
Inquiries for all heraldic services should be addressed to the attention of the President, in care of one of the other Directors.
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