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

What is in This Collection?
The collection consists of of civil registration (stato civile) of births, marriages, and deaths within the custody of the State Archive of Biella (Archivio di Stato di Biella). Includes supplemental documents (allegati); residency records (cittadinanze); and marriage banns (pubblicazioni). It generally covers the years 1803 to 1815 and 1838 to 1942. However, the availability of records is largely dependent on time period and locality.

The civil registration records are an excellent source of accurate data on names, dates, and places for genealogical research in Biella. However, before 1860, when civil registration became law for the entire country, it is suggested to research the church records.

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, Biella, 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).

Reading These Records
These records are written in Italian; also see the section For Help Reading These Records for translation helps.

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 the Collection?
You can search the index or view the images or both. 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

View the Images
View images in this collection by visiting the  To search the collection by image:


 * 1) ⇒ Select Browse through images on the initial collection page
 * 2) ⇒ Select the Comune o frazione
 * 3) ⇒ Select the Registro e L'Anno which takes you to the images.

For Help Reading These Records
For help reading these Italian records, see the following resources: Reading Italian Handwritten Records
 * Italy Handwriting
 * FamilySearch Learning Center videos:

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 Who I was Looking for, What Now?

 * Add any new information to your records
 * Use the information to find more. For instance, use the age listed in the record to estimate a year of birth, if that is yet undetermined
 * Make sure to fully transcribe and cite the record entry for future reference; see the section Citing this Collection for assistance. Save or print a copy of the image
 * 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
 * Compile the marriage entries for every person who has the same surname as the bride or groom; this is especially helpful in rural areas or if the surname is unusual

I Can't Find Who I'm Looking for, What Now?

 * Consult the Italy Record Finder and Italy Research Tips and Strategiesto find other records
 * A boundary change could have occurred, and the record of you ancestor is now in a neighboring province. Search the records and indexes of neighboring cities, provinces, and regions
 * 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

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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