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Record Requests

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Obtaining civil records from a "comune" (municiple office) is not as straightforward as you might think. There are many hoops to jump through--all in Italian, of course. I can make the request(s) on your behalf.

 

The Process: 

You'll need to complete a standard form, sign a letter of authorization, and provide a digital copy of your photo ID. These documents, along with a copy of my own ID, will be submitted to the relevant records office.

Please note that follow-up calls are often required to ensure the request is processed. If the office charges an administrative fee, I will inform you in advance. With your approval, I can cover the cost upfront.

Once the records are obtained, they will be delivered to you via email and/or private courier if you need a physical copy.

Record Types

Civil Registration

  • Birth

  • Marriage

  • Death

  • Historical State of the Family (Stato Storico della Famiglia)

Parish Records

  • Baptismal

  • Marriage

  • Death

  • Church Census Records (Stato delle Anime)

Military

  • Enlistment

  • Conscription

  • Service

  • Discharge Papers

Parish Records and Repositories

Since the late 1500s, Italian parishes have meticulously recorded baptisms, marriages, deaths, first communions, and even local “census reports” known as stato delle anime. These parish archives are rich with clues about Italian ancestry—true hidden gems for family historians.

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But here’s the catch: access to these records is entirely up to the parish priest. And for good reason. These centuries-old books are delicate, often stored in less-than-ideal conditions, and in some cases, they’ve been lost or damaged over time. Even with a willing priest, there are no guarantees.

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That said, trust goes a long way. Building a respectful relationship with the parish is key—and with a bit of patience and persistence, it’s often possible to uncover remarkable details about your family’s past.

Every parish is different. Every record is unique. But when the stars align, the discoveries can be extraordinary.

On Site

  • Local municipalities

  • State archives

  • Parish archives

  • Diocesan archives

Online

Expertise

Since I am based in the cities of Florence and Lucca, I conduct most of my work in the region of Tuscany.

 

When records cannot be obtained online or by written request, it is often necessary to travel to one or more repositories to conduct research onsite.

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Onsite research can yield exciting results in terms of the types of records available and by gaining access to the historical context of the place itself.

Geographic Area of Specialization

Tuscany, Italy

18th, 19th, 20th Century 

Time Periods of Focus

Languages (Written and spoken)

English/Italian - Bilingual

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