First Families of Western Pennsylvania

The First Families of Western Pennsylvania (FFWP) is a lineage society open to any WPGS member who can prove their descent from an ancestor who resided in what is now Western Pennsylvania (the 26 counties west of Centre County) before 31 Dec 1810.

How Do I Join?

If you believe that your ancestor qualifies you for membership in First Families of Western Pennsylvania, you can download the application form and send it, along with a nonrefundable, one-time fee of $40.00 (check payable to WPGS-FFWP) to:

First Families of Western Pennsylvania
c/o WPGS
4400 Forbes Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA  15213-4080

You may submit as many applications as you desire. After the initial application, there is no additional fee. Each application is considered individually.

Applications are due by 30 November of each year. New members are inducted at a meeting or seminar held in the spring of each year. For the 2005-2006 membership year only, the application deadline is extended until 30 April 2006. New FFWP members will be inducted at the Statewide Pennsylvania Genealogy Conference which WPGS is co-hosting in Pittsburgh during September, instead of the spring seminar.

Who Qualifies?

The first family ancestor must have been a resident of one of the 26 Western Pennsylvania counties (or in the appropriate section of the parent county) by 31 December 1810. Counties are listed below. Evidence submitted as proof must be sufficient to prove that the applicant is directly descended from the claimed ancestor, and that the ancestor resided in the Western Pennsylvania area prior to 1811. See Rules of Evidence for further details.

Download FFWP Application