Adopt a tree. Honor your roots. Forever.
Help us build Ancestors Park
Places change. Houses disappear. Names are forgotten. Trees remain. Every adopted tree goes directly toward building the park, its cultural spaces, and ongoing genealogical research.
18% of our first goal reached — and every single tree makes a difference.
Places change.
Houses disappear.
Names are forgotten.
Trees remain.
Ancestors Park is located in Padula, southern Italy, near the Certosa di San Lorenzo — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — across 40,000 square meters of land that has been lived and farmed for centuries. Ancient oaks, chestnuts and olive trees already grow here, silent witnesses to the very generations we are trying to remember.
“When I’m gone, who will carry my ancestors’ memory forward? Will anything remain of them?”
Ancestors Park is the answer. Every adopted tree becomes a living memorial — a place your children, grandchildren and descendants can always return to.
Three steps to leave your mark.
Choose your tree
Olive trees aged 20, 40 or 60 years, plus oaks, maples, ash trees and birches. Each species carries its own symbolic meaning.Dedicate it to someone you love
A personalised plaque with your family name or the name of the ancestor you want to honour is placed at the base of the tree.Stay connected
The adoption lasts 99 years. You can add a Time Capsule with letters, photos and family keepsakes for future generations to discover.Choose your tree
Every adopted tree goes directly toward building the park, its cultural spaces, and ongoing genealogical research. Adopt your tree for 99 years!
20-Year-Old Olive Tree
- Personalised plaque
- Adoption certificate
- GPS coordinates of the tree
- Annual photo updates
- Listed in the Founders' Register
40-Year-Old Olive Tree
- Personalised plaque
- Adoption certificate
- GPS coordinates of the tree
- Annual photo updates
- Listed in the Founders' Register
60-Year-Old Olive Tree
- Personalised plaque
- Adoption certificate
- GPS coordinates of the tree
- Annual photo updates
- Listed in the Founders' Register
Ash tree
- Personalised plaque
- Adoption certificate
- GPS coordinates of the tree
- Annual photo updates
- Listed in the Founders' Register
Oak
- Personalised plaque
- Adoption certificate
- GPS coordinates of the tree
- Annual photo updates
- Listed in the Founders' Register
Maple
- Personalised plaque
- Adoption certificate
- GPS coordinates of the tree
- Annual photo updates
- Listed in the Founders' Register
Fruit trees
- Personalised plaque
- Adoption certificate
- GPS coordinates of the tree
- Annual photo updates
- Listed in the Founders' Register
Birch
- Personalised plaque
- Adoption certificate
- GPS coordinates of the tree
- Annual photo updates
- Listed in the Founders' Register
Time Capsule
Voluntary donation
What we are building — with your help
Ancestors Park was born from a desire to preserve family memory for future generations. At the same time, its spaces and services will be open to anyone who wants to explore their roots or simply connect with this world.
A 40,000 square meter park where every tree tells the story of an ancestor, a family, a bond that has crossed time.
Surname Museum
Active for over 15 years, a worldwide reference point for Italian genealogy.
Genealogy Academy
The heart of the park: a place to learn or deepen your knowledge of genealogy and family history.
Digital Archive
To preserve and pass down family stories and data for generations to come.
Library
A rich collection of historical volumes for scholars, researchers and passionate family historians.
Restoration Lab
A dedicated space to safeguard ancient books and documents at risk of being lost forever.
Genealogy Think Tank
A meeting place for researchers and experts to share ideas, findings and collaborate.
Didactic Orchard
An area of the park devoted to the local flora and its traditions.
Garden
The vegetable garden, the flower garden and the hydrangea garden — a peaceful retreat for rest and connection with nature.
Everything you need to know.
What happens after I adopt?
Can I visit my tree?
Absolutely. The park is in Padula, southern Italy, and is open to visitors at any time. Those who adopt a monumental olive tree also receive a complimentary private guided visit.
How long does the adoption last?
99 years. Your tree and your plaque will remain in the park for nearly a century, becoming a landmark for future generations of your family.
Where do the funds go?
A special container where you can place your family tree, vintage photographs, letters or personal keepsakes. It will be kept beside your tree, to be opened one day by your descendants.
A cosa servono i fondi raccolti?
Directly toward building the park and its cultural spaces: the Genealogy Academy, the library, the restoration lab, the digital archive, and all ongoing genealogical research and outreach.
Can I adopt a tree in someone else's name?
Yes, absolutely. You can dedicate a tree to a family member, an ancestor, or someone you love. It’s a one-of-a-kind gift that lasts for generations.
Who we are
We are genealogists, researchers and guardians of family memory. Since 1984 we have been exploring archives, surnames and stories to rebuild connections that span centuries.
In 2012 we founded the Surname Museum in Padula — now also housed inside the Certosa di San Lorenzo (UNESCO World Heritage Site) — to make genealogy accessible, alive and shared.
We believe every surname tells a story, and that knowing your roots is a way to give meaning to the present and build toward the future.
