THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY PIONEER RECOGNITION PROJECT RELEASE
Danville, Ill. — In celebration of Vermilion County, Illinois’ upcoming 200th anniversary in 2026, the Illiana Genealogical and Historical Society (IGHS), in partnership with the Vermilion County 200th Anniversary Committee, has launched the Illinois’ Pioneer Recognition Project.
The project honors early settlers who established residency in Vermilion County by 1876 and the descendants who continue their legacy today. Through this initiative, IGHS will issue commemorative Pioneer Certificates to direct descendants of qualifying pioneers, recognizing the families who helped shape the county’s history.
Certificates will be awarded in three historical categories: Trailblazers (before 1826), Early Pioneers (1826–1850), and Old Settlers (1851–1876). Each certificate is printed on archival-quality parchment, features historic Vermilion County imagery, and is suitable for framing and long-term preservation.
Applicants are not required to reside in Vermilion County or be members of IGHS. A separate application is required for each pioneer, and supporting documentation showing Vermilion County residency by 1876 or earlier must be submitted. The cost per certificate is $10.
“This project provides a meaningful way for families to honor their ancestors while contributing to the documentation and preservation of Vermilion County’s rich history,” said Mark Denman, representative of the Illiana Genealogical and Historical Society.
Applications and project information are available through IGHS. Approved applications will become part of the Society’s permanent research archives in Danville.
For more information, contact IGHS at 217-431-TREE (8733) or IGHS.research@outlook.com.
Vermilion County, Illinois’ Pioneer Recognition Project In Collaboration With the County’s 200th Anniversary
About the Project
In honor of Vermilion County, Illinois’ Bicentennial Celebration in 2026, the Illiana Genealogical and Historical Society (IGHS), in partnership with the Vermilion County 200th Anniversary Committee, sponsors the Pioneer Recognition Project.
IGHS issues Pioneer Certificates to direct descendants of individuals who settled in Vermilion County by 1876. Certificates are 8½ x 11 inches, printed on heavy parchment, and feature historic Vermilion County imagery.
Certificate Categories
• Trailblazers – before 1826
• Early Pioneers – 1826 to 1850
• Old Settlers – 1851 to 1876
Cost per certificate: $10.00
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be direct descendants of a qualifying pioneer. Applicants do not need to reside in Vermilion County or be members of IGHS.
A separate application is required for each pioneer. A pioneer’s spouse may be listed on the same certificate if desired.
Acceptable Proof of Residency
Submit legible copies of one of the following documents showing Vermilion County residency by 1876 or earlier:
• Birth, Marriage, or Death Certificate
• Tombstone Inscription
• School or Church Record
• Dated Newspaper Article
• Undertaker’s Record
• Probate, Will, or Administration File
• Land Record
• Census Record
• City or County Directory
• Military Record
County history books are not considered primary sources and will not be accepted.
Do not send original documents. All materials become the property of IGHS and may be used for research or publication purposes.
CLICK HERE FOR PIONEER CERTIFICATE APPLICATION: file:///C:/Users/dnv1bcp/Downloads/Pioneer%20Certificate%20Application.pdf
Application Information
Applicant Name
Address
Phone
Email
Pioneer Ancestor Name
Earliest Year in Vermilion County
Town/Township of Residence
Certificate Preference (Individual / Spouses Together)
Line of Descent
Generation 3
Father Birth (Date/Place) Marriage (Date/Place) Death (Date/Place)
Mother
Generation 4
Father Birth (Date/Place) Marriage (Date/Place) Death (Date/Place)
Mother
Generation 5
Father Birth (Date/Place) Marriage (Date/Place) Death (Date/Place)
Mother
Generation 6
Father Birth (Date/Place) Marriage (Date/Place) Death (Date/Place)
Mother
Generation 7
Father Birth (Date/Place) Marriage (Date/Place) Death (Date/Place)
Mother
Mail application and $10.00 check payable to IGHS to:
IGHS Pioneer Certificate Committee
215 W. North St.
Danville, IL 61832
Questions: 217-431-TREE (8733) | IGHS.research@outlook.com
