Need to find family or family records for both sides of my husbands family in Messina. We are planning a fall trip and would like to either visit or do research while there. We do not speak Italian.

Well, first I suggest that you take a crash course on Italian. It is a very easy language to learn so I guess one month of learning will be fine.

Rather than trying to learn Italian fluently, hire a translator. Sometimes if you hire a driver they will translate. Go to the Comuni or if you know the local church. Don't accept it if they say they don't have records or that you can't see them. Not true. Even if it's in the 1800's...they have them. Stick to what you want. Be pleasant. Being rude will get you kicked out. It's worth the work. It's a very emotional experience and very rewarding. The rest of your family will love you. It fits all the pieces together. Good luck.

Hello andy, well I was going to post a suggestion but I see that Ann1 has.

I disagree that Italian is an easy language to learn, and believe me, a one month crash course will not do it.

Again, ann1's suggestion IMHO is the sensible way to procede.

Have fun planning your trip, and document any and all information that you have regarding your Italian family.
And best wishes with your venture.

I just returned from a trip to Sicily, where I got official copies of the records for my grandparents easily at the "Municipio"
(the municipal building) in the town of their birth, Ragusa.

They were friendly and helpful, and able to understand my very very rusty Italian (I live in France now and rarely speak Italian anymore). Because the records were from the late 1800s they had to mail them to me - but I received everything within a week of my return home.

PB

What an exciting trip! My trip to Sicily this May is also for a similar reason. I, too, don't speak any Italian, but have found my understanding of the Spanish language to be helpful as I have searched records.

A book I would recommend is "Finding Italian Roots" by John Philip Colletta. I checked it out from my local library, and decided it had enough valuable info that I purchased it through Amazon. His Italian roots are also in Sicily, so a lot of his examples tie into the island. He talks about what to do on your own before you go, and also tips on how to proceed once you are there.

Best wishes for your search! Family History websites will also provide you a wealth of information.

many thanks to all responders.

Actually, I suggest you first check with the genealogical library of a nearby to you Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormon Church). They won't have Sicily records on site, but I'm willing to bet they can order them for you.

Dave, Have tried that with no success.

Does anyone have hotel suggestions in Messina?

Not to vear off topic too much, but what range of years are you hoping to find records for?

As I have not been to Messina, I have no hotel recommendations.

Are you talking about the city of Messina, rather than elsewhere in the province of Messina?