Illinois State Genealogical Society
Prairie Pioneer LogoPrairie Pioneer Certificates
 
This project was organized for the Bicentennial, and the first pioneer was certified in 1982. This is now a very popular project with over 4,000 pioneers certified. There are three categories of certificates issued to descendants of pioneers who resided in Illinois:
 
(1) prior to statehood.
(2) 1819-1850.
(3) 1851-1880.
 
Documentation proving the pioneer's date of residency in Illinois, along with documentation proving the applicant's lineage to the pioneer, must accompany the application. The fee for each application is $30.00. One certificate is included in the fee. Fees are non-refundable. Full instructions and fee schedule are available on the application form.
 
View ISGS's current Index of Certified Prairie Pioneers here.
 
 
If you have previously honored your ancestor as a Prairie Pioneer, you may purchase a lapel pin for $10 using this order form and mailing a check to the ISGS Office. Click HERE to download the order form.