Hello,
There is one particular branch of my family which I would like to learn more about, however I've essentially reached the end of the line. The records on Portale Antenati only go as far back as about 1810 (at least in our city), and fortunately I've been blessed enough to find my ancestors from then.
What would be my next steps for going further past 1810? Do I need to write letters? Hire a genealogist? I've heard there's such a thing as parish records, but I have no idea what they are or where to start. Any tips?
Thank you,
Danile
Records pre-1800s?
Re: Records pre-1800s?
You can try contacting the town parish Catholic church. Most will ignore you, but some will respond. I had links for finding how to contact each town, but they do not work anymore.
Keep in mind that for those born before 1810, there may be marriage and/or death civil records for them after 1810. Also some of the marriage records for their children, depending on the town, can be as long as 3 pages long and list parents and sometimes grandparents on page 2 or 3.
A genealogist is always an option, but they may or may not be successful. Question them first about the specifics of what parish records they have access to especially how far back they go. Marriage records are usually best. Many birth and death church records do not list parents. there was no set formats for parishes. They did it any way they wanted to. often they left out maiden names for women.
Ron
Keep in mind that for those born before 1810, there may be marriage and/or death civil records for them after 1810. Also some of the marriage records for their children, depending on the town, can be as long as 3 pages long and list parents and sometimes grandparents on page 2 or 3.
A genealogist is always an option, but they may or may not be successful. Question them first about the specifics of what parish records they have access to especially how far back they go. Marriage records are usually best. Many birth and death church records do not list parents. there was no set formats for parishes. They did it any way they wanted to. often they left out maiden names for women.
Ron
Re: Records pre-1800s?
Thank you Ron! I appreciate your response 
As for the marriage or death records for those born before 1810, I have actually managed to find those ancestors as well. So to correct my previous post, I suppose I've traced this particular line back to the 1770s latest. I managed to use the Matrimoni Processetti to do that.
And thank you for the tips on hiring a genealogist! It didn't occur to me that parishes didn't have some kind of standardization, but it makes sense.
Best,
Danile
As for the marriage or death records for those born before 1810, I have actually managed to find those ancestors as well. So to correct my previous post, I suppose I've traced this particular line back to the 1770s latest. I managed to use the Matrimoni Processetti to do that.
And thank you for the tips on hiring a genealogist! It didn't occur to me that parishes didn't have some kind of standardization, but it makes sense.
Best,
Danile
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darkerhorse
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