Genealogy Research
in Palermo, Sicily
Family history research
If you are looking for an ancestor who was born, married or died in Palermo or elsewhere in its province, I can research your family using the information you already possess. I identify relevant sources, document verifiable family connections and, when needed, locate the offices responsible for issuing historical records.
I am Giuseppe Sorbello, founder of Sicilian Ancestry. Based in eastern Sicily, I provide genealogical research throughout the island, including for clients who live overseas. You can commission the work without visiting the archives in person.
My Genealogy Research Experience in the Province of Palermo
My professional research has included families from Palermo and numerous towns across the province, from investigations into individual ancestors to the reconstruction of several generations.
I have worked on family histories connected with Palermo, Corleone, Termini Imerese, Cinisi and Cefalù, as well as Partinico, Caccamo, Lercara Friddi, Bagheria, Camporeale and Montelepre. My documentary research has also involved Misilmeri, Carini, Bisacquino and Petralia Sottana.
In the Palermo area, a family’s records may be distributed across different municipalities or several parishes within the same city. Establishing where each event occurred, comparing the information in the registers and selecting sources appropriate to the time period are essential to tracing a reliable lineage.
My services include family tree reconstruction, research into ancestors who emigrated overseas, and the retrieval of birth, marriage and death records. I can also investigate branches of an existing family tree to test a connection or identify earlier generations.
I undertake genealogical research throughout the province of Palermo for people seeking to document their Sicilian roots.
Where Are Palermo Genealogy Records Kept?
Civil Registration Records
The State Archive of Palermo holds civil registration records from the Restoration period (1820– 1865) for the city and municipalities in the province. There are gaps in the collection, so its overall date range does not guarantee the survival of every annual register. Some records can be consulted through the Italian Antenati Portal.
For later periods and official extracts or certificates, the relevant municipal Civil Registry Office must be identified. Municipal historical archives may also hold useful material. The Termini Imerese branch of the State Archive preserves collections relating to its territory, including notarial records; reading-room procedures and appointments may vary.
Parish Registers and Diocesan Archives
For generations predating civil registration, parish records can document baptisms, marriages, burials and sometimes residence or family relationships. The province includes different ecclesiastical jurisdictions, notably the Archdiocese of Palermo, the Archdiocese of Monreale and the Diocese of Cefalù.
The correct parish or diocesan archive depends on the locality and historical period, not simply on today’s provincial boundary. Before planning an ecclesiastical search, I verify the repository, available years and access conditions.
Other Historical Sources
The Riveli di beni e anime, historical tax and population declarations, are particularly relevant to research in the Palermo area and may provide information about households before civil registration began. In 2026 the State Archive of Palermo made several Riveli series available through the Antenati Portal; other material may still require on-site consultation or remain unpublished.
Depending on the research question, notarial records, marriage supporting documents, land registers and military records can also be useful. These sources provide different types of evidence from standard birth, marriage and death acts.
From Palermo to Termini Imerese and Inland Towns
A search within the city of Palermo may involve numerous parishes, whereas research in Corleone or Lercara Friddi requires the records of those particular communities. If a passenger list or naturalization record says only “Palermo,” I first assess whether it means the city, the wider province or a port of departure.
Research before 1820 generally requires a different approach from requesting an official municipal certificate. The known details help narrow down the town, parish and time frame before the investigation begins.
Genealogy Services in the Province of Palermo
Family Tree Research
Starting from an identified ancestor, I can trace earlier generations and reconstruct family relationships supported by historical records. My family tree services offer different levels of research. Depending on the project and the records found, the final materials include a genealogy research report, family tree and digital copies of original sources. The depth of any family line depends on the surviving evidence.
Italian Record Retrieval and Citizenship Documents
You can commission the search for one or more birth, marriage or death records, even if you only know an approximate time frame. The work may include identifying the appropriate office, preparing document requests and checking the records received. Official certificates and extracts are issued by the competent public authorities.
For Italian citizenship applications, I offer a dedicated document research and retrieval service. It does not include legal advice or an assessment of citizenship eligibility.
Targeted Archival Research
If you already have a partial family tree, or need to verify one specific connection, I can investigate an individual, family, record or locality without undertaking a complete genealogical reconstruction. Research may involve digital collections, enquiries to record repositories and, where necessary and possible, in-person archive visits. DNA findings can also be considered through the appropriate specialist service alongside documentary evidence.
How to Start Your Palermo Family History Research
Provide the ancestor’s name, an exact or approximate date, and, if possible, the municipality or parish. A passenger manifest, naturalization record or older certificate may help distinguish the city of Palermo from another community in the province.
Following the preliminary review, I define the research objective, the records realistically available and the appropriate service. Fees and terms are agreed before the research starts.
Contact Me About Genealogy Research in Palermo and Its Province →