Italy, Messina, Civil Registration, State Archive - FamilySearch Historical Records/Known Issues

Known Issues
NOTE: Those who have not previously been able to access this collection, now have a third option for finding the images for which they are searching. When you attempt to view the images, you will be presented with a window with a list of options about how you can obtain access to the desired image. By clicking on the hyperlink “Il Portale Antenati,” you will be redirected to the URL which corresponds to the specific collection of browse-only images you have been searching. Each collection will have its own link.

Unfortunately, you will leave FamilySearch.org and will be taken to a different site (where fees may apply), and you will need to re-browse the collection from scratch to find the desired images.

NOTE: For a way to determine what digital records are likely to be found within a collection or how to find missing images elsewhere, see Article 56000, Using Film Notes in the Catalog to determine the content of a final browse point in Historical Records.

NOTE: Most missing records are available on microfilm which can be viewed at the Family History Library or some FamilySearch Centers.

Question #1: I get a message “This image is available when using the site at the family history center or to signed-in members of supporting organizations” I used to be able to view them. Has something changed? Can I view these records? Answer #1: FamilySearch has limited rights, granted by the record custodians, to publish images from the Italy, Messina, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1820-1865 collection for viewing online. Images for this collection are only available for viewing to members of the sponsoring organization (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), and at FamilySearch Centers. It is important to check with your FamilySearch Center before your visit, to verify that the center is equipped with the capability to view these restricted images on www.familysearch.org.

If you have an LDS account and are not able to view images after signing in, it may be due to a registration problem, not an image access problem. Please call 1-866-406-1830 1-866-406-1830  FREE   in the United States, or contact Patron Services at [mailto:support@familysearch.org support@familysearch.org]. Please include a brief description of the problem and steps taken thus far to resolve the issue.

Question #2: Even when I sign in using my LDS sign-in, I cannot find the images for which I am searching. Is there a way to find these images? Answer #2: Whenever possible, FamilySearch makes images available for all users. However, ultimate rights to view images on our website are granted by the record custodians. Italian Data Privacy rules prohibit viewing the following records:

All birth images must be 100 years or older; all marriage images must be 70 years or older, and all death images must be 70 years or older.

If any record on a digital folder contains birth records from the last 100 years, for example, the entire digital folder is restricted.

The Historical Records collections will be updated each year to show new unrestricted records. FamilySearch respects and strives to adhere to all privacy laws respective to preserving and providing access to genealogical records in its collection.

Question #3: When I go to print or save an image, the buttons are gray and it will not let me either print or save. Is there a way I can print and/or download from this collection? Answer #3: There is a no print/no save restriction with these collections at the request of the record custodians.

Question #4: Some records are missing. Where can they be viewed? Answer #4: See answers below for information about known missing records and their respective film numbers, if available, or alternate online location:


 * Messina &gt; Morti 1833 (Registro 402, Sezione quinta) &gt; Image 79 and 80 of 123, page 78, records 154 and 155 are missing – the bleed thru shows the page existed, but it is not available.

Question #5: The Event Type and Year Range (browse point) title does not properly reflect the actual digital record content. Is there a way to determine what digital records are likely to be found within a collection? Answer #5: The following list of known browse point discrepancies describes the event type or year range that actually exist in this collection:


 * Calvaruso &gt; Nati 1850 (Registro 180) should read as Matrimoni 1850 (Registro 180)
 * Calvaruso &gt; Matrimoni 1850 (Registro 180) should read as Nati 1850 (Registro 180).
 * Milazzo &gt; Nati 1830, 12/09/1830-31/12/1830 (Registro 662) are Nati 1829

Question #6: When searching for the index for the images in Milazzo &gt; Matrimoni 1839 and Matrimoni 1838, I cannot find all of the index pages for matrimoni 1838. Where will I find the remaining images? Answer #6: You will find the first part of the index for Matrimoni 1838 at the end of the 1838 collection, but only part of it. If you look at Matrimoni 1839, you will find the entire index for 1839 and the last half of the index for 1838. In the 1839 index, images from the index are included as numbers 1 through 44. Images 45 through 75 in the 1839 index are actually the end of the 1838 index.

If you encounter additional problems with this collection, feel free to report them to [mailto:support@familysearch.org support@familysearch.org]. Please include the following information:


 * When browsing this collection: please include full path you followed to where the problem occurred. The browse path is located above the Image viewer window. For example: Italy, Messina Civil Registration (State Archives), 1820-1865 &gt; Brolo &gt; Nati 1832 (Registro 1700 &gt; Image 5 of 31.
 * If you are reporting a technical issue: please include your operating system and browser, such as Windows 7 and Internet Explorer.

Your assistance will help ensure that future revisions will be considered.

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