Italy, Lecce, Civil Registration, State Archive - FamilySearch Historical Records

What is in This Collection?
The collection consists of civil registration (stato civile) of births, marriages, and deaths within the custody of the State Archive of Lecce (Archivio di Stato di Lecce). Includes supplemental documents (allegati). Availability of records is largely dependent on time period and locality.

Image Visibility
Whenever possible, FamilySearch makes images available for all users. However, rights to view images on our website are granted by the record custodians. Italian Data Privacy rules prohibit making certain records publicly available for viewing. This includes birth records under 110 years old, and marriage or death records under 70 years old. The Italy, Lecce, Civil Registration, State Archive collection is available to the Family History Library, FamilySearch Centers, and to members of the supporting organization. The images are also available to all viewers at The Portale Antenati (Ancestors Portal).

For additional information about image restrictions, please see the Restrictions for Viewing Images in FamilySearch Historical Record Collections page.

Reading These Records
For help reading these Italian records see the following wiki articles:
 * Italy Language and Languages
 * Italian Genealogical Word List

What Can These Records Tell Me?
The following information may be found in these records:

Birth Records
 * Birth date and place of birth
 * Name of child
 * Names of witnesses
 * Gender
 * Names and occupation of parents

Marriage Records
 * Name of bride and groom
 * Date and place of marriage
 * Names and residences of parents
 * Groom's birth place and residence
 * Bride's age and occupation
 * Names of witnesses

Death Records
 * Name, age, and occupation of deceased
 * Date and place of death
 * Residence and birthplace of deceased
 * Name and occupation of father/name of mother

Collection Content
For details about the contents of these records, their history, and help using them see the wiki article: Italy, Civil Registration (FamilySearch Historical Records).

How Do I Search This Collection?
Before searching this collection, it is helpful to know:
 * Your ancestor's given name and surname
 * Identifying information such as residence
 * Estimated marriage or birth year
 * Family relationships

View the Images
View images in this collection by visiting the 
 * 1) Select Province
 * 2) Select Comune o frazione
 * 3) Select Registro e L'Anno to view the images.

How Do I Analyze the Results?
Compare each result from your search with what you know to determine if there is a match. This may require viewing multiple records or images. Keep track of your research in a research log.

I Found the Person I Was Looking For, What Now?

 * Add new information to your records
 * Use the age of your ancestor to find an approximate birth year to begin your search in church or civil records
 * Continue to search the records to identify children, siblings, parents, and other relatives who may have moved, been recruited or lived nearby. This can help you identify other generations of your family. Repeat this process for each new generation you identify
 * Compile the entries for every person who has the same surname; this is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual. This compiled list can help you identify possible relations that can be further verified by researching vital records indexes in the country

I Can't Find the Person I'm Looking For, What Now?

 * Italy Church Records are also a good substitute when civil records of births, marriages, and deaths cannot be found or are unavailable
 * Check for variants of given names, surnames, and place names. Transcription errors could occur in any handwritten record; also, it was not uncommon for an individual be listed under a nickname or an abbreviation of their name
 * Your ancestor may have immigrated to another country. Search the records of nearby areas or Italy Emigration and Immigration records
 * Search the indexes and records of local genealogical societies
 * Remember that sometimes individuals went by nicknames or alternated between using first and middle names
 * New information is constantly being indexed, microfilmed or updated. Periodically check back to see if your ancestor’s records have been added.  You can see if the area you’ve been looking in has been recently updated by going to Historical Records Collections.  Watch for an asterisk for recently added or updated records

Research Helps
The following articles will help you in your research for your family in Italy.
 * Italy Guided Research
 * Italy Record Finder
 * Research Tips and Strategies

Citing This Collection
Citations help you keep track of places you have searched and sources you have found. Identifying your sources helps others find the records you used.

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