To honor those who contributed to our state’s rich history, the Illinois State Genealogical Society issues Prairie Pioneer Certificates to direct descendants of early pioneers who settled in Illinois prior to 31 Dec 1880. There are three categories of certificates issued to descendants of pioneers who resided in Illinois (1) prior to statehood, (2) 1819-1850, and (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.