About me

How I Work as a Professional Genealogist

My name is Eleonora Lesina, and I am a professional Italian genealogist based in Milan, Italy.
I help families worldwide discover their Italian heritage by accessing original records from civil archives, parishes, and local historical collections.
My work as a genealogy professional in Italy combines historical research with storytelling, giving families not only names and dates but the context and humanity behind every ancestor’s life.

I am also a proud member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), an international organization that promotes ethical standards and professional excellence in genealogical research.
This membership reflects my commitment to quality, transparency, and accuracy in every project I undertake, ensuring that my clients receive research grounded in integrity and historical authenticity

I currently study History at the University of Milan, where I specialize in archival research, paleography, and historical sources.
This academic background strengthens the precision and authenticity of my work, ensuring that every document I analyze is interpreted correctly and that each family history is grounded in verified evidence.

Before university, I studied Greek and Latin, which gave me the linguistic tools to understand and translate old Italian and Latin manuscripts.
This skill is crucial when working with early parish registers, notarial acts, and 19th-century civil records — the core materials of professional genealogical research in Italy.

eleonora lesina italian genealogist bw

My Journey and Passion for Genealogy

My interest in genealogy began with a family legend.
Part of my family believed that we descended from an Austrian princess who had renounced her privileges to marry one of my ancestors, a soldier serving in the Austrian army of the Lombard-Venetian Kingdom.
As I began to investigate this story, I discovered that the truth was different — and, in many ways, even more fascinating.
Through research, I found that a large branch of my family actually descended from a noble lineage from Pavia dating back to the 13th century.


That discovery marked the beginning of a lifelong passion: exploring family histories, uncovering forgotten lives, and understanding how the choices and journeys of past generations shaped the present.
For me, genealogy is not just about records; it is about memory, heritage, and identity — values that guide my work today as a professional Italian genealogist.

How I Work as a Professional Genealogist

For me, genealogy is not just about finding certificates. It is a form of historical storytelling, built on accuracy and empathy.
Every ancestor deserves to be remembered with dignity and truth.
As a professional Italian genealogist, I focus on both detail and narrative:
I verify every date, name, and place, cross-referencing multiple sources, and I craft clear reports that make complex historical information accessible and meaningful.

My process combines analytical rigor with emotional understanding:

  • Each document is transcribed and translated with care.
  • Paleographic precision ensures accurate reading of old handwriting.
  • Every report includes context — occupations, geography, and social history — to transform data into a complete life story.

I approach every project as if it were my own family, with attention, respect, and responsibility.

My Mission and Values

My mission is to uncover, preserve, and honor the lives of Italian ancestors.
As a professional genealogist, I believe that history is a living connection between past and present.
Through my work, I help families build bridges across generations.

Accuracy

Every date, place, and name is carefully verified.

Clarity

All reports are written in clear English.

Passion

Genealogy has been part of my life since childhood.

Connection

Research builds bridges across generations.

Respect

Every ancestor’s memory is treated with care.

Dedication

I handle each family as if it were my own.

My Journey

Age 12 – First discovery

My passion for genealogy begins with my own family’s papers.

Classical Studies (Greek & Latin)

Strong foundation for reading and interpreting old manuscripts.

University of Milan – History

Training in archival research, paleography, and historical methods.

Professional Genealogist

Helping families worldwide uncover their Italian roots.

Who I Work With

I collaborate with families and researchers from all over the world, particularly from the United States, Australia, and Europe, who wish to explore their Italian origins.
Many of my clients contact me to reconstruct their family history or to obtain certified documents required for Italian dual citizenship (jure sanguinis).

As a professional genealogist based in Italy, I can access local archives directly, providing faster, more reliable results than remote researchers abroad.

I regularly visit civil and parish archives, libraries, and diocesan repositories across Lombardy and other Italian regions.
My clients appreciate both the precision of the research and the personal care I bring to every collaboration.

United States

Most of my clients are American families searching for Italian records for both family history and dual citizenship.

Australia

I support descendants of Italian immigrants in Australia, obtaining certified documents from Italian municipalities and parishes.

Europe

I have successfully completed projects for families in Europe, delivering accurate records with clear English reports.

Every family has a story waiting to be told.

Every family has a story waiting to be told — sometimes hidden in an old parish book, other times in a faded signature at the bottom of a document.
Together, we can bring those stories to light.
If you are ready to begin your journey into your Italian heritage, contact me today and start uncovering your family’s past with a professional Italian genealogist dedicated to accuracy, empathy, and storytelling.

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