Italy, Waldensian Evangelical Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records

Title in the Language of the Records
Italia, Valdesi Records Evangelica Della Chiesa

Record Description
This collection includes church records (such as baptisms, marriages, and burials) of the Waldensian Evangelical Church (Chiesa Evangelica Valdese). These records have been digitally captured at the Archivio Tavola Valdese in Torre Pellice, Torino, Italy. Most of the records in this collection are written in French; some are written in Italian.

The Waldensian Evangelical Church is an Italian Protestant denomination that goes back to the Middle Ages. For centuries since its creation, members of the church were harshly persecuted until about 1848, when they were granted legal freedom to worship. Since then, the church has developed and spread through Italy and other countries.

For a list of records by localities and dates currently published in this collection, select the Browse link from the collection landing page.

This collection of Waldensian Church records covers the years 1632-1969.

Each parish kept a record of events such as baptism, marriage, and death in the life of their members.

These church records are reliable and an important source for family history.

Citation for This Collection
The following citation refers to the original source of the information published in FamilySearch.org Historical Records collections. Sources include the author, custodian, publisher, and archive for the original records.

Suggested citation format for a record in this collection.

Record Content
For help reading the records see the following wiki articles:
 * Italy Language and Languages
 * Italian Genealogical Word List

These baptism records generally contain the following information:


 * Place of baptism
 * Name of the child
 * Date of birth
 * Date of baptism
 * Parents’ names
 * Godparents’ names

These marriage records generally contain the following information:


 * Place of marriage
 * Groom’s and bride’s names
 * ages
 * statuses
 * Parents’ names on both sides
 * Witnesses’ names

These burial records generally contain the following information:


 * Place of death
 * Name of the deceased
 * Age of the deceased
 * Parents’ names
 * Place of burial

How to Use the Record
Fill in the requested information in the initial search page. This search will return a list of possible matches. Compare the information about the ancestors in the list to what you already know about your ancestors to determine if this is the correct family or person. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to find your ancestor.

Search the Collection
To search the collection image by image select "Browse through images" on the initial collection page ⇒ Select the appropriate "Nome della Provincia" ⇒ Select the appropriate "Nome del Comune o della Frazione" ⇒ Select the appropriate "Nome della Chiesa" ⇒ Select the appropriate "Tipo di Registro" which takes you to the images.

Look at the images one by one comparing the information with what you already know about your ancestors to determine which one is your ancestor. You may need to compare the information about more than one person to make this determination.

Begin your search by finding your ancestors in the census index. Use the locator information in the index (such as page number or family number) to locate your ancestors in the census. Some on-line indexes, such as indexes to FamilySearch Historical Records, will take you directly to an image. Be aware that as with any index, transcription errors may occur.

When you have located your ancestor in the census, carefully evaluate each piece of information about them. These pieces of information may give you new biographical details that can lead you to other records about your ancestors.

For example:


 * Use the age listed to determine an approximate birth date. This date along with the place of birth can help you find a birth record. Birth records often list biographical and marital details about the parents and close relatives other than the immediate family.
 * Use the race information to find records related to that ethnicity such as records of the Freedman’s Bureau or Indian censuses.
 * If they are subject to military service they may have military files in the State or National Archives.

Known Issues with This Collection
For a full list of all known issues associated with this collection see the attached Wiki article. If you encounter additional problems, please email them to [mailto:support@familysearch.org support@familysearch.org]. Please include the full path to the link and a description of the problem in your e-mail. Your assistance will help ensure that future reworks will be considered.

Related Websites

 * Chiesa Evangelica Valdese (English)
 * Waldensians
 * Finding Ancestors in the Waldensian Valleys (Roots Web)

Related Wiki Articles

 * Italy
 * Italy Church Records

Citing FamilySearch Historical Collections
When you copy information from a record, you should list where you found the information. This will help you or others to find the record again. It is also good to keep track of records where you did not find information, including the names of the people you looked for in the records.

A suggested format for keeping track of records that you have searched is found in the wiki article Help:How to Cite FamilySearch Collections.

Citation Example for a Record Found in This Collection
"Italy, Waldensian Evangelical Church Record, 1679-1969," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org: accessed 1 May 2012), Genova &gt; Genova &gt; Genova &gt; Morti 1854 &gt; image 3 of 16, Joseph Bruschi, died 30 July 1954; citing Archivio Storico della Tavola Valdese, “Italy, Waldensian Evangelical Church records.” Archivio Storico Tavola Valdese di Torre Pellice, Italy. FHL digital folders. Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.