Holtz Research Services

Specializing in Italian Genealogical Research

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Italian Americans have a unique and rich heritage.  Now several generations past their immigrating ancestors, more and more Italian Americans are wanting to know more about their ancestors' lives and the families they left behind.  Amongst this group are many who are seeking to reclaim the Italian citizenship of their ancestors.  As a researcher in Italian genealogy, I've found great satisfaction in reuniting Italian descendants with the heritage and culture of their ancestors.  Italians and their descendants have played an integral part in all aspects of life here in the United States.

 

A typical research project usually starts by researching in certain United States records [census, immigration, naturalization, etc.] to provide a reasonable starting point within the Italian records.  If you don't know where in Italy your ancestors originated from, research in the U.S. records will often point us in the right direction.

 

My reports are usually transmitted via email unless an actual physical copy of a record is required.  With each report you are provided with source-cited copies of any documents found, a detailed analysis of the research, an abstraction of the documents into English, and recommendations for future research.

The majority of my work is performed using the records microfilmed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS).  For a large portion of Italy, especially in the southern portion and in Sicily, the original civil vital records for the years 1820-1910 have been microfilmed and are available for researching.  Additionally, a small amount of  ecclesiastical and military records are becoming available by microfilm or online.  

 

If records for your town of origin are not available by microfilm, research may still be able to be conducted with the help of colleagues I work closely with in Italy, through postal or email inquiries, or on-site during one of my research trips to Italy. 

 

What do you need to begin?

 

Please provide a detailed summary of your previous research and what your research goals are.  For example, are you looking to find who your great-grandparents were or would you like to trace your family back as far as records will allow?  Would you like a specific record for use towards your Italian dual citizenship application? 

 

You can provide this summary using my online form, by email or by postal mail.  I will then evaluate  the project and prepare a research plan and estimate for you.   Once a research plan is agreed upon, and the retainer received, your research will begin.  I look forward to hearing from you!

 

Italian-American Dual Citizenship

 
There is a growing interest within the Italian-American community in pursuing dual citizenship.  I can help you acquire the Italian records needed for your dual citizenship application.  I am skilled in finding those hard-to-find records that other services can't acquire Email me and we'll discuss the specifics of your project!
 
 

 

 

 

What are my fees?

 

A full Schedule of Fees can be found by following the tab on the top left of this page.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

 

Why should you hire a Professional Genealogist?

 

"Hiring a Professional" brochure from the Association of Professional Genealogists

 

I abide by the Association of Professional Genealogist's Code of Ethics

 
 
 
Check out my blog!
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Melanie D. Holtz, CGSM
Holtz Research Services
106 Disney Lane
Benson, NC  27504 
 
I am a Certified Genealogist specializing in Italian research.  CG and Certified Genealogist are Service Marks of the Board for Certification of Genealogists, used under license by board certificants after periodic competency evaluations by the Board. 
 
I certified using Italian research.  Information about me can be found on the websites of the Board for the Certification of Genealogists and the Association of Professional Genealogists.