The La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society has announced an expansion of its First Family Certification Program:

First Family certificates are available for families that arrived in La Porte County on or before 31 December 1840.  The program is being expanded to include Pioneer Families (1841-1860), Settler Families (1861-1880, and Civil War Ancestors (1861-30 April 1865).  To qualify for a Civil War Ancestor certificate, the Civil War ancestor must have been a resident of La Porte County prior to or at the time of enlistment in the military.  Family certification is now available in these classifications, which encompass the county's earliest residents through 31 December 1880.

Applications may be obtained upon request from the La Porte County (IN) Genealogical Society, 904 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, IN 46350-3464.  Newcomers to genealogical research can receive assistance from members at any of the Society's meetings which are held at 7:00 p.m. the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Swanson Activity Center for Older Adults, 910 State Street, La Porte, IN.