Colorado Council of Genealogical Societies

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Family Recognition Program

The Family Recognition Program was started by the Council in 1983. There are three categories of certificates: First Family, Territorial and Centennial. As of December 31, 1997 we have issued 394 certificates. The certificates are numbered and show the ancestor's name and the name of the applicant. If both husband and wife qualify, both names may be on the certificate. The certificates are suitable for framing and include the signature of the governor (copied) and the council president.

Applicant need not currently reside in Colorado, but must be a direct descendant of an ancestor who qualifies. Applicant must submit proof of relationship between generations, from applicant back to the earliest Colorado ancestor. See the application for types of acceptable proofs.

Your certificate is proof to qualify for the Colorado Pioneers license plates program.

Eligibility for the certificates is as follows:

• First Family: Ancestor must have been born in, or settled in, the land area of what is now Colorado before 1861. Certificate numbers start with F, for example F-987.
• Territorial Family: Ancestor must have been born in, or settled in, a territory that is now Colorado between 28 February 1861 and 01 August 1876. Certificate numbers start with T, for example T-987.
• Centennial Family: Ancestor must have been born in, or settled in, Colorado at least 100 years prior to the date of this application. Certificate numbers start with C, for example C-987.