The study of Italian roots through primary sources preserved in State Archives
Discover your Italian Roots: The Ancestors Portal makes available online civil status records, draft lists and matriculation roles preserved in the Italian State Archives, providing access to an enormous documentary heritage of personal and genealogical interest, which is essential for conducting research on family and individual history.
The Ancestors Portal has two main purposes:
• allow users to consult, free of charge, the digital reproductions of civil status registers, military service lists, matriculation roles and other documents of a genealogical and personal nature, kept in the individual Italian State Archives, and also, where available, the databases of names cited in the registers, via the functions Search by Name and Search Registries;
• provide extensive information on documentation useful for genealogical research, personal data, and the history of families and individuals, kept in the Italian State Archives (civil status records, draft lists, matriculation roles, etc.), as well as on nominative databases derived from this documentation, which can be consulted online or in the reading rooms of the individual State Archives, through the Explore the Archives section.
Italea: the program to promote roots tourism
Italea is an initiative promoted by the Italian government as part of its “roots tourism” program, implemented through regional networks and partners. The project aims to attract Italians abroad and people of Italian descent intending to discover the places and traditions of their origins, providing a set of services to facilitate travel in Italy, also thanks to the widespread organisation of 20 groups, one in each Italian region, which will take care of informing, welcoming and assisting travellers in exploring their roots.
The project is dedicated both to those who already know their Italian origins and want to organise a trip to discover and rediscover the places, customs and culture of their ancestors, and to those who need to identify them, and who will be able to make use of a network of reliable genealogists.
Italea Card: advantages and benefits for those travelling to Italy
The Italea Card offers a range of advantages and discounts for those travelling to Italy to discover their roots. By registering and obtaining the card, users can access exclusive offers and benefits at hospitality facilities, companies, organisations and professionals within the Italea network. In addition, the card provides opportunities to participate in events and activities organised for roots travellers, enhancing the overall experience in Italy.
