News Flash! Second Annual First Families of Bay County Certificates Award Ceremony
During the past year this program has generated a huge amount of interest in the history, heritage, and pioneers of Bay County. We presented 83 certificates to 54 descendants honoring 17 Bay County pioneers. We also presented 15 researcher certificates.
The awards were presented at the Annual Pioneer Picnic on June 13, 2009, which was sponsored by the Historical Society of Bay County, at the Trinity Center, First Methodist Church, 903 E. 5th Street, Panama City, Florida, beginning at 11:00.
If you missed this event last year, please take a look at our
First Families 2008 photo review from the Pioneer Picnic when the very first certificates were awarded to the charter members of the First Families of Bay County.
Certification Program
The First Families of Bay County, Florida, Certification Program seeks to identify and
honor the first families of Bay County, recognize their proven descendants, and promote
interest in the rich genealogical heritage and history of Bay County. This program is
administered by the Bay County Genealogical Society of Florida.
First Families of Bay County Certificate
The certificate will be awarded to any person who shall provide documentary evidence sufficient to
establish that said person is credibly descended directly from a pioneer who settled within
the present-day boundaries of Bay County, Florida, before the county was created.
The evidence submitted must establish, in the opinion of the First Families Committee,
that the specified pioneer was, in fact, a bona-fide resident of what is now Bay County
on or before 24 April 1913; and that the applicant is credibly descended from that pioneer.
Requirements
The applicant need not be a resident of Bay County.
The applicant need not ever have been a resident of Bay County.
The applicant must submit a complete package of information, as described below, that credibly
establishes residency of the pioneer and descendancy of the applicant.
The applicant must include a non-refundable fee of $25 with the application.
However, if the applicant is a member in good standing of BCGS, the fee will be $15.
Applications may be submitted at any time. Initial applications must be postmarked by 31 January, and revisions, if any, must be submitted by 30 April to be eligible for the annual June awards ceremony.
Decision of the judges regarding the adequacy of the submission is final.
Rules of Evidence
The Bay County Genealogical Society places great emphasis on the credibility of its
certificate program. We believe that to be meaningful, each certified pioneering family
and its descendant connection must be historically accurate. Therefore, BCGS adheres to
the highest standards presently in effect for genealogical evidence.
How to Apply
You may download a complete application package in PDF form here: Application Package. Study the instructions carefully.
When you are ready to begin filling out your application, you have several choices.
Most applicants prefer to type their information into their computer using one of these forms: Application Forms for WordPerfect; Application Forms for Word.
You may also download the forms in PDF format and fill them in with a typewriter or pen (please print clearly): Application Forms for PDF.
Research Assitance
If you feel you need help with your family research or with filling out the forms, here
are a few researchers who may be able to help.
You are our 2045 visitor -- We appreciate your interest in our Bay County community programs!
