Guide to Genealogical Research in Molise: Archives, Administrative Changes, and Municipalities
Molise presents a unique historical-administrative context for genealogical research. Formerly the Contado di Molise within the Kingdom of Naples and the Two Sicilies, the territory was administratively united with Abruzzo in the joint region Abruzzi e Molise until the recognition of regional autonomy established by Constitutional Law no. 3 of December 27, 1963 (O.G. no. 3 of 01/04/1964). Subsequently, in 1970, the provincial structure was modified with the establishment of the Province of Isernia, detached from the historical province of Campobasso.
- Napoleonic and Bourbon Civil Status (1809–1865): Birth, marriage, and death registers preserved in the State Archives of Campobasso and Isernia and in their respective municipalities.
- Italian Civil Status (from 1866 onwards): Post-unification vital records series located at the Civil Status Offices of individual municipalities.
- Diocesan Historical Archives: Dioceses of Campobasso-Boiano, Termoli-Larino, Trivento, Isernia-Venafro, and neighboring sections for parish registers prior to the 19th century.
THE PROVINCES OF MOLISE AND THEIR CHANGES
1. Province of Campobasso
The province of Campobasso constitutes the original historical core of the Contado di Molise. Until 1970, it encompassed the entire territorial extent of today's region, prior to the detachment of the municipalities that formed the province of Isernia.
List of Municipalities in the Province of Campobasso (84):
Acquaviva Collecroce, Baranello, Bojano, Bonefro, Busso, Campobasso, Campochiaro, Campodipietra, Campomarino, Casacalenda, Casalciprano, Castelbottaccio, Castellino del Biferno, Castelmauro, Castropignano, Cercemaggiore, Cercepiccola, Civitacampomarano, Colle d'Anchise, Colletorto, Duronia, Ferrazzano, Fossalto, Gambatesa, Gildone, Guardialfiera, Guglionesi, Jelsi, Larino, Limosano, Lucito, Lupara, Macchia Valfortore, Mafalda, Matrice, Mirabello Sannitico, Molise, Monacilioni, Montecilfone, Montefalcone nel Sannio, Montemitro, Montenero di Bisaccia, Oratino, Palata, Petacciato, Petrella Tifernina, Pietracatella, Pietracupa, Portocannone, Provvidenti, Ripalimosani, Roccavivara, Rotello, Salcito, San Biase, San Felice del Molise, San Giacomo degli Schiavoni, San Giovanni in Galdo, San Giuliano del Sannio, San Giuliano di Puglia, San Martino in Pensilis, San Massimo, San Polo Matese, Sant'Angelo Limosano, Sant'Elia a Pianisi, Santa Croce di Magliano, Sepino, Spinete, Tavenna, Termoli, Tufara, Ururi, Vinchiaturo.
Historical-Administrative Notes and Name Changes (Campobasso):
- Mafalda: Originally named Ripalta sul Sannio, it changed its name to Mafalda in honor of Mafalda of Savoy with Royal Decree no. 433 of August 3, 1893.
- Duronia: Formerly named Civitavecchia di Campobasso, it assumed its current name of Duronia to recall historical Samnite origins.
- Arbëreshe Municipalities (Campomarino, Portocannone, Ururi, San Felice del Molise, Acquaviva Collecroce, Montemitro): They preserve Albanian linguistic and historical traditions dating back to 15th–16th century migrations, with specific characteristics in parish registers.
2. Province of Isernia
The Province of Isernia was established by Law no. 43 of March 3, 1970 (O.G. no. 63 of 03/11/1970), through the separation of 52 municipalities previously belonging to the province of Campobasso.
List of Municipalities in the Province of Isernia (52):
Acquaviva d'Isernia, Agnone, Bagnoli del Trigno, Belmonte del Sannio, Cantalupo nel Sannio, Capracotta, Carovilli, Castel del Giudice, Castel San Vincenzo, Castelpetroso, Castelpizzuto, Castelverrino, Cerro al Volturno, Chiauci, Civitanova del Sannio, Colli a Volturno, Conca Casale, Filignano, Fornelli, Frosolone, Isernia, Longano, Macchia d'Isernia, Macchiagodena, Miranda, Montaquila, Montenero Val Cocchiara, Monteroduni, Pesche, Pescolanciano, Pescopennataro, Pettoranello del Molise, Pizzone, Poggio Sannita, Pozzilli, Rionero Sannitico, Roccamandolfi, Roccasicura, Rocchetta a Volturno, San Pietro Avellana, Sant'Agapito, Sant'Angelo del Pesco, Sant'Elena Sannita, Santa Maria del Molise, Scapoli, Sessano del Molise, Sesto Campano, Vastogirardi, Venafro.
Historical-Administrative Notes and Territorial Changes (Isernia):
- Establishment of the Province: Law no. 43 of March 3, 1970 (O.G. no. 63 of 03/11/1970). For historical periods prior to 1970, civil status and military draft records for these municipalities are found in the original collections of the province of Campobasso.
- Pettoranello del Molise: Originally named Pettorano di Campobasso, it assumed its current name to avoid confusion with other national towns.
Synoptic Table of Administrative and Regulatory Changes in Molise
| Entity / Territory | Type of Change | Variation Detail | Year | Official Gazette Reference | Impact on Genealogical Research |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Molise Region | Regional Autonomy | Administrative separation from Abruzzo (joint region Abruzzi e Molise) | 1963 | Constitutional Law no. 3 of 12/27/1963 (O.G. no. 3 of 01/04/1964) | Establishment of autonomous regional entities and archives |
| Province of Isernia | New Province | Establishment of the province through the separation of 52 municipalities from Campobasso | 1970 | Law no. 43 of 03/03/1970 (O.G. no. 63 of 03/11/1970) | Pre-1970 records of Isernia municipalities are preserved in the historical collections of Campobasso |
| Mafalda (CB) | Name Change | From Ripalta sul Sannio to Mafalda | 1893 | Royal Decree no. 433 of 08/03/1893 | 19th-century records bear the original historical toponym |