Lynne, I actually have gotten prompt replies from all the various towns that I have written to as long as I gave them accurate info., meaning accurate year of birth. Maybe it is dumb luck but I have written to Sarno (in Salerno), Feroletto della Chiesa (in Reggio Calabria) and Paduli (in Benevento). I believe there is a law that they have to require to inquiries within 30 days. Riccardo once told me to include a photocopy of your driver's license. I can't remember the reason, but I have done so.

I have hired someone in Salt Lake City who speaks Italian to do microfilm research for me because frankly I don't have the time to do it myself. I have been quite happy with her services.

Poipu04 wrote:

Lynne, I actually have gotten prompt replies from all the various towns that I have written to as long as I gave them accurate info., meaning accurate year of birth. Maybe it is dumb luck but I have written to Sarno (in Salerno), Feroletto della Chiesa (in Reggio Calabria) and Paduli (in Benevento). I believe there is a law that they have to require to inquiries within 30 days. Riccardo once told me to include a photocopy of your driver's license. I can't remember the reason, but I have done so. I have hired someone in Salt Lake City who speaks Italian to do microfilm research for me because frankly I don't have the time to do it myself. I have been quite happy with her services.

Thanks for your reply, Poipu04. I have a feeling I'll need to resend my request as I didn't include a photocopy of my driver's license with my first letter. At that time, I was uncertain as to the exact surname of my MGGM, but since then I did find her ship manifest on ellisisland. org, so another reason for me to write back with the correct information. Did you send along any money or coupons? I sent a self-addressed envelope with my first letter, too. (I have also sent you a PM).

Hi, Lynne, no I sent nothing other than the letter with the photocopy of my license. I sent a self-addressed envelope to Salerno once and they returned it to me unused. The key is that your information has to be good info. If you don't have the right birth year, most places won't bother looking the year before or after.

When I first started my genealogy, in 1992, my moms town never replied and the FHL had no records for this town. I never bothered to write again until about 11 years ago. That time, I put a 10 dollar bill in the envelope. I got a reply within 2 weeks. I sent to them..about 4 more requests, each one with the 10 dollar bill. Each reply took 2 weeks.

I had to send for something last year. This time, it took longer for the reply (a couple of months, but someone told me it was because I wrote to them in the summer and perhaps people were on vacation). They send me the info, plus my 10 dollars back.

I dont think they are supposed to charge for this information. I read that someplace.

You're right - they are not suppose to charge for the info - in fact, if I remember correctly, it is illegal for them to take the money. BUT sending a SASE is not only acceptable but preferred because the comuni we write to are often poor and don't need the additional expenses of paying for stamps.

I think it depends on the comune office, the person receiving the request, time of year and just luck if you get an answer or not. I found some comuni respond very well to letters and emails while others do need a follow up phone call. I have had no luck with many of the comuni in Reggio Calabria lately - they have all been very slow.