RootsTech 2025 is coming up soon, and we are looking forward to hosting our annual Family Discovery Day on Saturday, 8 March 2025, during the conference.
Come and visit the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, and take part in a full day of free activities, games, and inspiration! Discover, connect, and experience the impact of family with your loved ones this year at Family Discovery Day.
Family Discovery Day is free for everyone, and no registration is needed to attend. Those hoping to attend the full RootsTech event, not just Family Discovery Day, should register at RootsTech.org.
If you cannot join us in person at Family Discovery Day 2025, participate online by tuning in to live-streamed events on the main stage.
Elder Neil L. Andersen's Family Discovery Day Message
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Sister Kathy Andersen, will attend Family Discovery Day on 8 March to share a message focused on accessing the promised blessings of the temple and family history.
Sister Andersen will share the story of her own ancestors and the blessing of sacrifice her family has experienced from attending the temple.
Elder Andersen will let us in on his journey back to his family's dairy farm, where fond memories of his formative years were made. Elder Andersen will draw a meaningful connection between his experiences on the farm and Family Discovery Day, including blessings of temple and family history work, while reminiscing on lessons he learned as a child.
A musical performance by The Piano Guys will follow Elder Andersen's message. Tune in at RootsTech.org to hear both the address and the performance.
Family Discovery Day 2025 Activities
In addition to Elder Andersen's address, an abundance of family-friendly activities and games are available for in-person attendees to enjoy. Activities will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (mountain time) on 8 March 2025, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, during Family Discovery Day 2025.
These interactive experiences will leave your family with new discoveries about their own heritage and an eagerness to learn more about who they are. The experiences will also provide tools to help your family record the stories of their own lives. The day's activities will include games, art projects, and even balloon art and face painting!
Below is a list of just a few activities that will happen during Family Discovery Day at the Salt Palace Convention Center.
- Blast From the Past: Experience old-time technology by making calls to loved ones using rotary phones, typing on a typewriter, and even playing the classic computer game Oregon Trail.
- Jelly Genes: Discover the process of gene inheritance using jelly beans in this interactive DNA learning activity.
- Ojo de Dios (Eye of God): Try out the traditional weaving technique originating from the Huichol people of Mexico and learn about the cultural significance of the symbol.
- Corn Husk Dolls: Create your own traditional corn husk dolls and learn the significance of the centuries-old craft rooted in Native American and Latin American cultures.
- Korean Calligraphy: Watch skilled artists write names in Hangul, the alphabet of the Korean language, using traditional painted calligraphy.
Discover the heartbeat of RootsTech as you explore the RootsTech Expo Hall, learning what is new in the world of technology and family discovery. Hundreds of vendors and exhibitors will have demonstrations, giveaways, and more!
Come early on Saturday to experience all that Family Discovery Day has to offer your family!
Family Discovery Day Classes
Free RootsTech classes are offered on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (mountain time) to all those who attend Family Discovery Day. If you join online, all you have to do is register for the free online event!
You'll be able to learn from genealogy experts how to get started on the journey of discovering who you are. They will take you on an experience of self and family exploration to help you better understand where you come from.
Classes range from "Creating Vibrant Connections with Your Ancestors," taught by H. Wallace Goddard, to “Beyond Basics: Empowering and Engaging Teens in Family History,” taught by Taralyn Parker, Bonnie Dimond, and Sara Yates Bolton. There will also be free classes, geared toward the youth, with a special session with film director T. C. Christensen. The table below showcases just a sample of the classes available at Family Discovery Day 2025. You can see the full list of classes here.
If you are just beginning to tap into your family story, you will find something helpful at Family Discovery Day! If you are interested in more advanced tracks for family history, check out our other classes at RootsTech.org.
At FamilySearch, we care about connecting you with your family, and we provide fun discovery experiences and family history services for free. Why? Because we cherish families and believe that connecting generations can improve our lives now and forever. We are a nonprofit organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To learn more about our beliefs, click here.
