Deciphering 18th- and 19th-century handwriting can feel like solving a puzzle, especially in Italian. Handwriting styles varied widely across the peninsula, and church records often included abbreviations that add an extra layer of complexity. It takes a trained eye and deep understanding of historical context to bring these records to life.

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Personal correspondence, though rare in earlier centuries, became more common as Italians began emigrating overseas. Letters were their lifeline to loved ones back home, but they often reflect the challenges of the time—low literacy rates, limited schooling, and the use of regional dialects. Even those who could write often did so in ways that are difficult to comprehend today.

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If you’re fortunate enough to have personal correspondence or historical records from your ancestors, you hold a treasure trove of family history. These documents are more than just words on paper—they are windows into the lives, emotions, and connections of the generations that came before you.

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At The Italian Genealogist, I specialize in transcribing and translating these precious pieces of history. Whether it’s a church record, a handwritten letter, or a family document, I’ll help you uncover the stories hidden within the text, preserving them for future generations to cherish.