A person is eligible for membership having an ancestor arriving or living in California before 1850, including Spanish and Mexican residents. Originally it was open to male ancestors and male members, but now women are eligible in both categories. Erin Doyle Ebeling is current president. I have the 2010 Membership Roster listing the original members and their descendents and will do look ups. Bill Pioneer web site. http://www.californiapioneers.org/