Preserve Your St. Louis Family Story
First Families of St. Louis is a lineage group of the St. Louis Genealogical Society. Its purpose is to identify and recognize descendants of historical St. Louis families and archive their documented lineages for future generations.
If you can document your direct descent from an early St. Louis resident, we invite you to become part of this continuing record of the people who shaped the region.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must be members of the St. Louis Genealogical Society and must document a straight-line descent from an early St. Louis resident who qualifies in one of the following categories.
Founding Families
Recognizing the families whose lives formed the foundation of St. Louis between 1765 and 1804.
Pioneer Families
Recognizing the families who helped establish and expand St. Louis during its early American years.
Immigrant Families
Recognizing the immigrant families who made St. Louis their home during a period of remarkable growth and change.
Enslaved Families
Recognizing the enslaved families whose lives and experiences are an essential part of St. Louis history.
If you are not yet an StLGS member, learn about St. Louis Genealogical Society membership.
Why Apply?
Your research represents more than names and dates. It tells the story of people who built families and communities through migration, uncertainty and enormous change.
An approved application ensures that your documented family history becomes part of the society’s permanent collection, where it can assist and inspire future researchers.
Benefits of Joining
- Your documented family history will be archived for the future.
- You will receive a certificate suitable for framing for each approved application.
- You will receive a First Families lapel pin with your first approved application.
- Your qualifying lineage will be recognized in society publications.
How to Apply
- Download the application.
Download the four-page First Families application, or request a copy from the StLGS office. - Document your lineage.
Complete the application and include documentation connecting each generation to the next. The Guide for Completing a First Families of St. Louis Application provides detailed instructions. - Submit your application.
Send the completed application, supporting documentation and the $30 non-refundable application fee to the St. Louis Genealogical Society. Checks should be payable to “St. Louis Genealogical Society.”
Help Is Available
You do not have to complete the process alone. StLGS volunteers are available to answer questions and assist you with the application and documentation requirements.
Contact First Families
St. Louis Genealogical Society
#4 Sunnen Drive, Suite 140
St. Louis, MO 63143
Telephone: 314-647-8547
Email: [email protected]
Share the Program
Introduce a friend or relative to the program by sharing the First Families of St. Louis brochure. Printed copies may also be requested from the society office.
Last modified: 14-Sep-2026 08:23
