ItalianSide.com is built on a network of experienced researchers working across the entire Italian territory.
Our selected local genealogists are true professionals: highly skilled, rigorously trained, and—most importantly—holders of university degrees in History and/or Archival Science.
We Are in Italy (Where the Documents Truly Are)
Libraries, archives, registers, parish books, civil records—every original document relating to the life of your Italian ancestors is stored in Italy, and nowhere else.
In most cases, the original record is kept in the municipality where the event occurred.
For example, the original birth record of your great-grandfather is kept in the town hall of his birthplace.
A second copy is typically preserved in the State Archive (Archivio di Stato) of the provincial capital.
Religious records follow the same logic: original parish books remain in churches or in the Diocesan Archives.
Military files, notarial deeds and “marriage contracts” are stored in the State Archives as well.
Our researchers work directly on site in these archives every day—
no intermediaries, no outsourcing, no remote guessing.
Reliability and Respect for Historical Documents
Online, anyone with free time can claim to be a “genealogy expert”, often causing disappointing results, incorrect trees, wasted money—or worse, scams.
This is why ItalianSide works exclusively with genealogists whose skills and academic training can be verified.
(A yearly membership fee to an association does not guarantee competence and does not meet our standards.)
There are two fundamental reasons behind this choice:
1. Ensuring Reliable, Professional Research
Old Italian documents are complex: handwriting, local dialects, obsolete terms, unusual spellings.
Even reading a parish register correctly requires training.
A certified academic background is the foundation for the accuracy and effectiveness of the research we provide.
Take a look at our clients’ feedback to see the results for yourself.
2. Protecting Italy’s Archival Heritage
Every historical document is unique and irreplaceable.
It must be handled with knowledge and care.
Only trained specialists—graduates in archival or historical studies—should work with such fragile materials.
Incorrect handling can damage or destroy a document forever.
Preservation is a responsibility we take seriously.
Local Genealogists: The Key to Our Success
Because they are natives, our researchers know exactly where to search and whom to speak with.
They are trusted by municipal officers, priests, archivists and local institutions.
Every village, every parish, every archive requires deep familiarity with local history and administrative practices. (Take a look at the reviews of our customers).
Our Commitment
Quality research and the preservation of Italy’s historical archives are at the heart of everything we do.
This is the ItalianSide method—and why families around the world trust us with their heritage.