First Families of Gwinnett
The Genealogy Committee of the Gwinnett Historical Society is pleased to present the First Families of Gwinnett County program. First Families of Gwinnett will recognize members of the society whose ancestors, who lived in Gwinnett County between 1818 and 1880.
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These families who arrived in Gwinnett during the earliest periods had a very special role in establishing the foundation of the county, while those who came to Gwinnett in the three decades after 1850 played a part during a turbulent and difficult time.
GOLD
For ancestors who were here by 1820. Primary sources include the 1820 Census, Land Lottery, and surviving court records.
SILVER
For ancestors who were here by 1850. Primary sources include the 1830 - 1850 Censuses, Land Lotteries, Marriage Licenses, and surviving court records.
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BRONZE
For ancestors who were here by 1880. Primary sources include the 1860 - 1880 Censuses, Freedmen's Bureau Records, Reconstruction Registration Oath Books, Returns of Qualified Voters, Marriage Licenses, Death Certificates, and property records.
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Members interested in being recognized as descendants of families that resided in Gwinnett County during it's infancy may obtain an an application package from our office or by filling out the initial application, including a $5 fee and mailing it to the address below. You can also email the application to: ghs@gwinnetths.org
Gwinnett Historical Society
P.O. Box 261
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Attn: First Families
What's Involved?
All generations must be filled in and proven from you to your ancestor. Proofs will be seen only by officials of the Gwinnett Historical Society who may examine and approve the application. These current proof documents (primary birth certificates of living persons) will be returned to you, if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your application. Your application will be filed with others who register their ancestors and may be available (with your address, email, and phone number removed) for others researching early Gwinnett County residents.
Acceptable proofs include: birth and death certificates; Bible records (with dated title page); will and estate distribution records; census records; approved records from other genealogical organizations; land records; etc.
The cost to register your first ancestor is $25 – ($5 for application package and $20 application processing fee). Additional ancestors may be registered for $20. Please make checks or money orders payable to the Gwinnett Historical Society.
If your application is approved, descendants receive a First Families Pin and a certificate naming you as a descendant of one of the First Families of Gwinnett County, Georgia, and are recognized at the annual award ceremony usually held in December. As of June 2024, categories are: GOLD, if here by 31 December 1820; SILVER, if here by 31 December 1850; and BRONZE, if here by 31 December 1880.
We hope our members will be as excited over this program as we are and encourage you to become one of the proven family lines of Gwinnett County.