First Families & Early Settlers of Montana

The Montana State Genealogical Society issues First Families of Montana certificates to descendants of residents who arrived before statehood on 8 November 1889.

The Montana State Genealogical Society issues Early Settlers of Montana certificates to descendants who arrived between 9 November 1889 and 31 December 1929.

Family descendant certificates will also be issued to those who provide satisfactory proof that a sister or brother of a direct descendant who meets the qualifications of either a First Family or Early Settler of Montana.

Successful applications that were approved before March 2020 are included in our five-volume series of print books, titled First Families and Early Settlers of Montana, Volumes I – V. 

Click here to Download the Order Sheet to purchase Volume I, II, III or V with a check, or click the button below to order and pay online.

We’re sorry, Volume IV is sold out.

MSGS will continue to accept applications, but the publication of a Volume VI is not guaranteed.

To Submit an Ancestor: (* Required Forms for Application)

Eligibility & Instructions

The Application * (Adobe Acrobat Reader Required)

Pedigree Chart * (Adobe Acrobat Reader Required)

Sample Certificate * Please show us how you would like your name spelled on the certificate.

Send Applications to:

First Families of Montana Applications
PO Box 1012
Condon MT 59826

Surnames O – Z