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Franchesca Werden is a professional genealogist with more than thirty-five years of experience, specializing in Italian genealogical research and forensic genealogy. She works with clients seeking to learn more about their Italian ancestry and those pursuing recognition of Italian citizenship by descent. In addition to traditional lineage research, Franchesca has particular expertise in identifying and locating missing heirs, beneficiaries, and heirs-at-law for probate, estate, and legal matters. Through her company, Breakthrough Genealogy, she provides probate and estate research services to several law firms. Franchesca frequently lectures on Italian research methodology and dual citizenship, and taught the dual citizenship module for the institute course Beyond Fundamentals: Hands-on Forensic Genealogy, presented at both the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) and the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP). Franchesca has been a member of the teaching team for Boston University’s online genealogy courses since 2018. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Broadcasting and Film from Boston University and is a graduate of Boston University’s Certificate in Genealogical Research program and ProGen 46.

Geographic Specialities
Italy
Sicily
Campania
Abruzzo
Basilicata
Salerno
Potenza
Calabria
Toscana
Chieti
Palermo
Messina
Catania
New York City
New York State
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
Connecticut
California

Additional specialities or search keywords
Italy, Italian, Italian dual citizenship, mineral, oil, gas, real estate, probate, copyright

Lectures
Jure Sanguinis: Deciphering the Complexities of Citizenship by Descent" - Part of the Beyond Fundamentals - Hands-On Forensic Genealogy course at GRIP and SLIG
"Finding La Famiglia: The basics of Italian Genealogical Research"
"Naming the Nameless: Using Genetic Genealogy to Bring Victims Home"

Repositories
Any in Southern California

Research Time Periods

• 21st Century
• 20th Century
• 19th Century
• 18th Century

Languages
English
Italian

Certificates
Certificate in Genealogical Research (Boston University)
ProGen 46

Degrees
Bachelor of Science (Communications)