First Families of San Joaquin County Certificate Program

The San Joaquin Genealogical Society and the San Joaquin County Historical Society have partnered to offer First Families of San Joaquin County Certificate Program.

This project has been a long time in coming.  I don't usually like to toot my own horn, however - TOOT, TOOT, TOOT!

I have worked for over a year to make this happen.  Many thanks to Dave Stuart (CEO) and Leigh Johnsen (Archivist) from the San Joaquin Historical Society and Jacqi Stevens and Harvey Williams from the San Joaquin Genealogical Society.  The project wouldn't even have got off the ground if not for these wonderful people.

There are three categories of First Families that your ancestor may qualify for:

FOUNDING FAMILY:  Settled in San Joaquin County before 1860.

PIONEER FAMILY: Settled in San Joaquin County between 1860 and 1880.

CENTURY FAMILY:  Settled in San Joaquin County after 1880 but before 100 years fro the current year.

We hope to identify pioneers and early residents and to honor their lasting contributions to the history of San Joaquin County by recognizing their descendants who submit genealogical information.

All applications and documentation submitted will be housed in the San Joaquin County Historical Museum Research Library to preserve your family's history and will be made available for public research.

For each qualifying ancestor, an 8 1/2” x 11” certificate, suitable for framing, numbered and signed, will be issued.   $10 for members of the San Joaquin Genealogical Society or San Joaquin County Historical Society; $15 for non members. 

For instructions and application form, click HERE.