What is the “Certificato di Stato de Famiglia” and how do I obtain it?
Italian cities keep a record called “certificato di stato di famiglia” [Certificate of Family Status]. This document shows the composition of the family unit, including names and dates and places of birth, etc. of all family members living when the document was prepared. Although some towns kept this record from about 1870 on, the keeping of the ‘certificato’ did not become wide-spread until after about 1911. The certificato is obtained from the Ufficio di Anagrafe (Office of the Census) of the town or city. There may also be a second document with the same name prepared by the ufficio di stato civile {Office of Vital Records]. This document is sometimes called “stato di famiglia originario” [Original State of the Family]. This document includes not only those members present at the time the document was prepared but all members of the family, past and present, including those who have moved away or died. On rare occasions, even where the document does not exist, the archivist may sear
