Italy did not become a nation, as we know it today, until 1860. The first “Italians” to migrate to the America’s came during colonial times, coming predominately from the northern region of modern Italy. These first immigrants would have identified themselves with towns or regions, rather than a country. There were, in all, very few early immigrants. However, towards the end of the 19th century, and moving into the 20th century, Italian immigration expanded dramatically. Genealogy at a Glance: Italian Genealogy Research covers key resources and research skills useful in tracing these early Italian immigrants, as well as those who arrived more recently.
Like all the Genealogy At A Glance sheets, this guide is a four-page, full-color limited brochure meant to be easily stored and sized to take with you when conducting related research. And, like each At A Glance, the top of the first page provides Contents and Quick Facts. Some of the “Quick Facts” from this guide include:
- 1806 Civil record keeping begins in Italy
- 1861–1870 Italy is unified
- 1871 Nationwide census
- 1901-1910 Peak immigration to America of more than two million Italians
Italian Genealogy Research was put together by Sharon DeBartolo Carmack, author of:
- Genealogy At A Glance: Ellis Island Research
- Genealogy At-A-Glance: Immigration Research
- and many article, some of which can be found in The Genealogy Magazine Heritage Quest on CD
The guide helps the reader begin their search utilizing American sources, tracing towns of origin and finding and searching Italian sources. Interesting topics include such concepts as identifying the patron saints of different towns and using food preferences in research. This guide is great for both the novice and the experienced researcher. Following is a complete topic list for this guide:
Italian Immigration and Social History
- Return Migration and Chain Migration
- Ports of Departure and Arrival
- Settlement Patterns
- Social Customs
Starting Your Search in America
Finding the Italian Town of Origin
- Italian-American Neighborhoods and Little Italys
- Death Matters
- Patron Saints
- Food Preferences
Resources in Italian Civil Records
- Using Civil Records
Online Sources
Writing to Italy
Additional tips and further references provide the reader with additional help and sources to records.
Find the help you need, and carry it with you, with your own copy of Genealogy at a Glance: Italian Genealogy Research available at Family Roots Publishing; Item #: GPC881, Price: $8.77