Membership Options
Are you interested in joining the oldest historical organization west of the Mississippi? Would you like to aid us in our efforts to preserve and promote California history through our free museum, research library, and public programs? We invite you to join us!
Membership
Membership in The Society of California Pioneers is open to all who are direct descendants of people who were in California prior to January 1st, 1850. All spouses of members may choose to join The Auxiliary. If you do not qualify as a Pioneer descendant but are interested in participating and supporting the work we do, our Friends of the Museum & Library program offers opportunities to be involved with the organization.
The Society of California Pioneers
Membership in The Society of California Pioneers is open to direct descendants of pioneers who arrived in California prior to January 1st, 1850. An annual or lifetime membership entitles you to receive:
- An 11″ x 14″ calligraphic membership certificate stating your pioneer ancestry
- Invitations to all events and programs, including several exclusive, annual events: The President’s Picnic, The Christmas Convivium, The Discovery of Gold Convivium, and the Annual Meeting
- The Society’s annual report, The Pioneer, featuring a membership roster, articles on The Society’s projects and activities throughout the year, as well as paintings, artifacts, manuscripts, and photographs from the Society’s collection
- The Society’s digital newsletter, The Online Pioneer, featuring upcoming events and activities, ongoing public and collections projects, and other Society news
- The Society’s digital installments of History@Home, which showcase interesting events and aspects of California history
If you are eligible for membership and wish to join, please complete the form below and we will contact you as soon as possible.
Friends of the Museum & Library
If you want to get involved but do not qualify as a Pioneer descendant, our Friends of the Museum & Library membership offers many opportunities to get involved with The Society. The support of our friends and members offsets the cost of the free museum exhibitions and programs we provide to the public. Friends of the Museum and Library are entitled to benefits such as:
- Invitations to exhibition receptions, lectures, and public programs
- The Society’s digital newsletter, The Online Pioneer, featuring upcoming events and activities, ongoing public and collections projects, and other Society news
- The Society’s digital installments of History@Home, which showcases interesting events and aspects of California history
Please e-mail us to join the Friends of the Museum and Library.
Our Friends of the Museum and Library membership is open to anyone who pledges to support The Society with an annual donation of $25.00 or more.
Auxiliary of The Society of California Pioneers
Auxiliary membership is open to all spouses, widows, and widowers of The Society of California Pioneers members.
Formally organized as the Woman’s Auxiliary in 1901, the Auxiliary’s mission is to promote interest in and knowledge about California history. This includes aiding in the conservation of historical objects, pictures, artwork, manuscripts, and documents by raising funds for The Society’s conservation projects and museum exhibitions.
In addition, Auxiliary events are held to advance our mission of promoting historical understanding of California’s rich heritage. Topics include California’s historical contributions to science, technology, and the arts, as well as cultural landmarks. Annual events include:
- February luncheon with a distinguished speaker on California history
- Annual event with a docent tour at a California site of historical interest.
Please e-mail [email protected] with any inquiries for the Auxiliary of The Society of California Pioneers.
