Heritage Album

Easiest way to track non-American genealogy?

I have always been interested in my heritage and family tree and can only make it to my great-great-grandparents. I'm 4th generation American and unfortunately my roots go back to Poland (father's side) and then Naples, Sicily, Venezuela and Brazil on my mother's side. What is the best means of obtaining any form of records of my ancestors without having to actually go to the cities they came from? Ancestry.com seems only best for English/Irish/American ancestry but it seems nearly impossible for anyone coming from the wave of immigration during the early 20th century. Any ideas? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Public Comments

1. Genealogy is important in the Mormon church, so the Mormons have microfilmed the church records throughout much of Europe. Those records will allow you to find birth, death and marriage records and trace back your ancestors if you know where in those countries they came from. You can access those records at one of the many family history centers operated by the Mormons (and located in Mormon churches -- check your local phone book for the closest one). The librarians there will show you how to get started and how to access other records that they may have as well. They also have quite a bit of information available online at their genealogy site -- www.familysearch.org. Good luck!