Root Cellar Pioneer Certificates

Since 1980 Root Cellar – Sacramento Genealogical Society has issued Pioneer Certificates to qualified applicants.

If you have a pioneer ancestor who settled in California before the completion of the First Continental Railroad on May 10, 1869, and can furnish proof of this, Root Cellar will inscribe a certificate, suitable for framing, with the name of your ancestor, and send it to you or the recipient of your choice. Your ancestor's name will be added to the Pioneer Database maintained by Root Cellar and posted on this website. 

Please follow the application instructions  and submit the application form  and information packet with your check ($5.00 for Root Cellar members, $10.00 for non-members) to Root Cellar – Sacramento Genealogical Society, PO Box 265, Citrus Heights, CA 95611-0265.

Pioneer Certificate Database

A list of all pioneers whose heirs have received Pioneer Certificates has been compiled into a database found on this website. and available to the public.

If you wish to have the documentation supporting a Pioneer Certificate, Root Cellar will furnish copies of whatever material is in the file.

To receive the documentation, please follow the instructions here and submit your request with your check for $15.00 to Root Cellar – Sacramento Genealogical Society, PO Box 265, Citrus Heights, CA 95611-0265.

See the application instructions and get an application for a Pioneer Certificate

See the Pioneer Certificate Database

Request the background material on a Pioneer