Italian Genealogy

The path to finding one’s ancestors is rarely walked alone. So, what better way to carry out this undertaking than to collaborate with others on the same journey?

Research Assistance

Need help tracing your family’s roots? Can’t translate that Italian document? Don’t know where to go to find a vital certificate? We can help.

In addition to our annual Italian Genealogy Class, our library and museum holds numerous resources available for researching your family history.

For more information, please contact  Kathy Foggia

American Citizen Newspaper Archives

The weekly Italian language newspaper Il Risveglio (The Awakening) was first published in Des Moines in 1922 by Anthony Sarcone. In 1925, he changed the name of newspaper to the American Citizen. During the late 1920’s the newspaper gradually converted from Italian to English, mimicking the Italian immigrants’ own language transition.

We are thrilled to announce that we have the entire collection of the American Citizen on CD. And they are fully searchable! These newspapers cover 50+ years and are a wealth of information, not only for the genealogist, but anyone interested in local and world history.

Interviews of Italian-Americans

Genealogy Website Links