Family Search ( or familysearch.org ) is a free service provided by the Church of Latter Day Saints. Although free it does require you to register. I have been on a long time, so I am not sure, but they may try to up sell some products.
I have used this site many many times, the last time I used it I found that while they have many records that you can view online at home, just as you can on the Antenati, they also have records that are NOT on the Antenati that you can view by going to one to the LDS research center. They have them all over the world and I’ll show the steps below on how to find people using family search and how to find a research center
Catch our podcast on the topic Familysearch.
Family Search Log In
When you first access the site you will see a screen similar to this one. I get logged in automatically so your screen may appear a little different. It only takes a minute to register and you will be on your way.
Family Search Records
Costanza Saluzzo is my paternal grandmother’s grandmother. I searched the Antenati for her and found some records, but not all her records show. So how did I figure that out? Here is my initial search on the Family Search site. The first screen is my search and the second screen is the results returned.
As you can see, there were 1065 records returned. That’s an awful lot to parse through, however, since I knew her husband was Luigi Caracciolo and that she was born in 1790 I refined the search. The refined search returned only 18 records.
Only one of these records, the very first one, did I find on the Antenati site. I would also point out that even if you want to look on the Antenati, Family search is a good first step. When you click on the record icon on the far right you get the results below. Which is helpful in and of itself, but can also help narrow down your Antenati search.
Clicking on the tree icon will open a pop up window that shows any information connected with the record. In this case you can see that there are 14 sources. You can view these sources and correct information on the record.
Family Research Centers are available globally. I suggest you call like I did before you go.
One final bit of information is that you can create your tree and it will populate ancestors automatically if it finds matches. We will get more into this in our next post.
Hidden Roots: A Journey to Italy and Self-Discovery
In this episode, Christine McBurney shares her journey of discovering her Italian roots later in life, the impact of DNA testing on her identity, and her creative projects inspired by her heritage. A compelling story of self-discovery, family secrets, and cultural reconnection. Key Topics Discovering Italian heritage late in life The role of DNA testing in genealogy Family secrets and their impact on identity Travel to Italy and ancestral villages Creating a film based on
Discovering Italy: Roots, Traditions, and Cultural Revival
Viviana Altieri, founder of the Italian radio and Istituto Mondo Italiano, shares her journey from Italy to Pittsburgh, exploring Italian culture, traditions, and the importance of preserving heritage through food, language, and community initiatives. Viviana’s family origins in Foggia and Rome Her move from Italy to Pittsburgh in 1993 The rich diversity of Italian regions and traditions The role of food and festivals in cultural identity The founding and mission of Istituto Mondo Italiano The
The Hidden Stories Behind Italian Folk Dances
Explore the rich history and cultural significance of Italian folk dances, especially the Tarantella, through the insights of Anna Harsh, an expert in Italian dance traditions. Discover the stories, regional variations, and modern adaptations of these vibrant dances. Key Topics History and origins of the Tarantella Regional variations and stories behind Italian dances The cultural and healing significance of dances like the Tarantella Anna Harsh’s journey from research to dance company The role of dance
Children’s books about Italian heritage
In this episode, we explore Italian heritage, family stories, and cultural traditions through the personal experiences of Diana Pishner Walker. Discover how her children’s books and community efforts help preserve Italian roots in West Virginia and beyond. Italian immigration history in West Virginia Children’s books about Italian heritage Family recipes and traditions Italian dances and regional differences Community festivals and cultural preservation Click here to join our group on Facebook Video
Gilded Palazzos & Stolen Glances
Representative Photo Gilded Palazzos & Stolen Glances: The Aristocratic Saga of the Piromallo Capece Piscicelli Line Behind the cold, bureaucratic ink of 19th-century Italian civil records lies a world of immense wealth, rigid social codes, and a deeply personal piece of my own family history. To trace the lineage of Count Nicola Piromallo and his wife Maria Emilia Caracciolo di Torchiarolo is to step directly into the glittering heart of the Neapolitan Belle Époque—but
Uncovering Your Italian Roots: Secrets from Experts
Click here to join our group on Facebook Video In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of Italian genealogy with experts Laura Stella and Giosia Calio from Italian Roots Discovery. They share insights on discovering Italian roots, navigating archives, and preserving family history, emphasizing the emotional and cultural significance of understanding our ancestors. Start your journey to discover your Italian heritage and connect with your family history. Learn how to trace your ancestry today.Finding
This is great information but please mention that there are thousands of un-indexed records that one can access through the Catalog. You can search by Province and “city” if you know from where your ancestors came.