Russo, Molinaro(i), Scalesi, Basile from Calabria

[RizRich]

I have re-started researching the Family Tree that I started in the late 90's. Once I reach the Ellis Island and the Italy search I reach a block. I have input all my data into Roots Magic.

Listed in the subject line are the names I have come up with on my Mother's side. My mother was born Teresa Russo in Phila. Her father was named Guiseppe Russo, born 2-20-1895 in Italy, died 4-20-1984 in New Jersey. He emigrated sometime before 1920 because he married in Feb. 1920 in Phila., PA. Guiseppe's parents were Antonio Russo & Teresa or Mary Basile.

Her mother was Filomena Molinaro(i). Born 6-1-1900 in Italy, died 2-20-1973 in NJ. She emigrated sometime before 1920 because he married in Feb. 1920 in Phila., PA. Filomena's parents were Peter/Pietro Molinaro(i) and Angelina Scalesi (DOD 11-24-1944 in either Phila. or NJ). Filomena lived in Serrastretta, Catanzaro, Italy.

I do not have the town/s where they were born or the year the emigrated from Italy. I believe they initially lived the Calabria region.

Can anyone point me in the right direction. I have been on the Ellis Island website, but I find it difficult to pinpoint who I am looking for.

[vj]

...I do not have the town/s where they were born or the year the emigrated from Italy. I believe they initially lived the Calabria region...

Hello!
What records did these folks miss?
It appears that they've pretty much answered your questions?
Thanks!

link to research on another forum:
http://www.gentedimaregenealogy.com/ind ... sc&start=0

[RizRich]

Hi VJ:

I was trying to get information going farther back that I already have.

[vj]

... get information going farther back that I already have.

This may help, the post is a bit long.
Also, I believe Cathy mentioned the Cosenza Archives on the other post,
and Jim has transcribed marriage records for Serrastretta?
Valarie
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From Biff's 1913 manifest find, it appears that the Scalise and Molinaro families were from Serrastretta, Catanzaro, Calabria

From Giuseppe Russo's WWI & WWII Draft Registration Cards, also found by Biff, it appears he was from Guardia Piemontese, Cosenza, Calabria

You could write to both comunes for records:

Italian form letter generator with instructions:
http://www.circolocalabrese.org/resourc ... civile.asp

Or other helpful form letters:
http://www.angelfire.com/ok3/pearlsofwi ... tters.html

Addresses:

Ufficio dello Stato Civile
Comune di Serrastretta
Via Municipio 1
88040 Serrastretta CZ
ITALY
http://www.tuttitalia.it/calabria/51-serrastretta/


Ufficio dello Stato Civile
Comune di Guardia Piemontese
Via Municipio 1
87020 Guardia Piemontese CS
ITALY
http://www.tuttitalia.it/calabria/71-gu ... iemontese/
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Website for finding comune addresses:
http://www.nonsolocap.it/
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You could also review your family’s records on microfilm.
For Serrastretta from 1809-1860 and Guardia Piemontese from 1809-1910.

Your nearest Family History Center has these records for on microfilm.
The cost is about $6 mo (rent), you’ll need to go to the center to order & view them.

Family History Library Catalog:
http://www.familysearch.org/eng/Library ... t_fhlc.asp

Film notes for Serrastretta:
http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library ... +Serrastre &columns=*,0,0
Topic:
Italy, Catanzaro, Serrastretta - Civil registration
Titles:
Registri dello stato civile di Serrastretta (Catanzaro), 1809-1860 Serrastretta (Catanzaro).
Ufficio dello stato civile

and
Film notes for Guardia Piemontese:
http://www.familysearch.org/eng/library ... +Guardia+P &columns=*,0,0
Topic:
Italy, Cosenza, Guardia Piemontese - Civil registration
Titles:
Registri dello stato civile di Guardia Piemontese (Cosenza), 1809-1910 Guardia Piemontese (Cosenza).
Ufficio dello stato civile

You can also view the records that have been transcribed for Cosenza here:
ARCHIVIO DI STATO DI COSENZA: http://88.59.143.158/ascs_web/index.fac ... 397A.node1
- you'll need to register with a valid email address
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In case you aren’t familiar with the Family History Center & Italian records

FamilySearch Home Page
Includes how to find your nearest local Family History Center

A helpful essay written by Trish, one of our forum members:
Steps for Finding Microfilm at the Family History Center
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Italian Record Research from FamilySearch guides:
Italy Research Outline
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Also from FamilySearch (PDF format)
Italian Records Extraction - An Instructional Guide
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Three terrific books
to help you find, read & understand your records:

Italian Genealogical Records
How to Use Italian Civil, Ecclesiastical, &
Other Records in Family History Research
By Tafford R Cole
google book link

A Genealogist’s Guide to
Discovering Your Italian Ancestors
How to find and record your unique heritage
By Lynn Nelson
google book link

Finding Italian Roots
By John Philip Colletta, PhD
google book link