Join us in documenting the family histories of every man, woman and child that lived in Washington Territory on or before Statehood was declared on November 11, 1889 -- and win a prize!

The Washington State Genealogical Society invites all genealogical societies, historical societies and individuals to research and document every Pioneer who resided here on or before November 11, 1889, and two subsequent generations of their descendants. As an incentive, prizes will be awarded to societies and individuals who submit the most entries.

Contest Rules

Submission Instructions

Submission Form (PDF and Word)

Submission Example

Frequently Asked Questions (updated 08 May 2023)

Contest Flyer

Hints and Helps for Researchers

Pioneer Pursuit Index

The contest runs from November 1, 2022 until October 31, 2023. For more information, email WAPioneerPursuit@gmail.com.

Click HERE for a video presentation explaining Pioneer Pursuit and answering questions.

This video recording is from the Pioneer Pursuit Roundtable discussion, 24 Apr 2023.