RootsTech—the largest genealogy conference in the world—is just around the corner! FamilySearch has a bundle of virtual activities to help you prepare for and enjoy this worldwide event taking place on 6–8 March. Each activity centers around the 2025 conference theme of “Discover.”
Choose an activity (or two) that interests you from the list, and spend a few minutes discovering more about your family story—the one that started with your ancestors and continues today with you and your loved ones in starring roles.
And don’t forget to register for RootsTech—online or in person! With hundreds of classes, workshops, presentations, and activities to help you discover (and celebrate) the different, wonderful connections in your family story, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Relatives at RootsTech
A crowd favorite at RootsTech for several years, Relatives at RootsTech analyzes your family tree and identifies virtual and in-person attendees you’re related to. It also gives you an option to message these relatives and introduce yourself to them.
At a family history conference where the theme is “Discover,” you probably can’t find a better or more appropriate virtual activity than this, right? What better way to find out more about your family tree than to meet other members of it? You may even learn some new stories to share.
Look-Alike
Question: What’s a doppelgänger? Answer: Someone who looks like you! Have you ever wondered if you have a doppelgänger hiding in your family tree? With the FamilySearch Look-Alike activity, you can find out.
This virtual activity analyzes a photo of you and then scans your family tree in search of a match. If you don’t have an account or there’s not enough information, the activity will search for a famous person who looks like you. Either way, it’s a fun way to remember your family tree and the people who came before you.
Famous Relatives
For those who frequent FamilySearch.org, Famous Relatives is what you might call a family history classic. The activity analyzes your family tree forward and backward and shows you the connections you have with famous people from around the world.
Even if you’ve tried this one before, it's worth another click to see if any new famous relatives have popped up. We’re constantly adding new information to the FamilySearch Family Tree—information that could lead to new connections for you. If your roots intersect, you could be in for a surprise.
MyMatch
While you may not be related to any famous individuals, you can still be like them! Answer a few questions in this simple quiz to see what personality traits you share with notable figures in history. This is a perfect activity for anyone to enjoy—no sign-in or family tree required.
Shared Surname
What are the odds that someone with your last name and your best friend’s last name would meet? And even if you aren't distant cousins, do you have any common geographic ties? You can find out with Shared Surname.
This activity analyzes your last name and your friend’s last name. It then tells you where those names come from and the top 3 countries where they are commonly found together.
Are your names well known in, say, England? Who knows, there may be 2 friends with your same last names in Spain!
Top Contributors
The Top Contributors activity shows you some of the recent additions people have made to your ancestors' pages in the collaborative Family Tree. It then gives you an option for sending a thank you to those folks for taking the time to share what they’ve discovered. You also might get to see if and how you’re related to them!
Top Contributors is a fun way to see how your family story is expanding and to see details about ancestors you might not have known. It’s also a fun way to meet and learn about new relatives, since anyone interested in your ancestors might be a descendant—and therefore your cousin!
Other Experiences FamilySearch and RootsTech Offer
Keepsakes
Discover new ways to view your genealogy by putting your family's names in a printable family tree—perfect for gifting or hanging on a wall. This keepsakes activity works whether or not you have an FamilySearch account, and it has many fun and creative designs to choose from.
If you have a FamilySearch account, the keepsakes activity will automatically start filling your keepsake tree for you. Depending on how much information is there, you’ll have a tree ready to print before you can correctly spell the word “genealogy.”
If you don’t have an account, don’t panic. Instead, just click Continue, and the activity will walk you through the steps of building the keepsake tree yourself. All designs are completely free to use.
Photo Collage Creator
Do you ever have a hard time knowing what to do with all the cool photos stored on your phone? Take advantage of the FamilySearch's photo collage activity, and create something to help you remember all your favorite memories.
Whether or not you have a FamilySearch account, this activity is super simple. Upload your photos, click a couple of buttons, and just like that, you've made your first collage.
Discover RootsTech 2025
RootsTech 2025 hasn’t started yet, but already there’s lots you can discover!
- Register for RootsTech, and discover exciting classes to fill your schedule.
- Discover unexpected family connections from around the world.
- Discover which cool activities you like the most from the list above.
- Most of all, prepare yourself to discover new friends, family, and fun!
Learn more about all this worldwide conference has to offer by visiting RootsTech.org today.
What Is RootsTech?
RootsTech is a place to learn, be inspired, and make connections through family history. Hosted by FamilySearch and sponsored by other leading genealogy organizations, we have hundreds of expert classes, tips and tricks videos, and inspiring stories that can help you experience family history like never before. Visit our on-demand learning library, or make plans to join us for our next virtual or in-person conference event.
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