If you registered for RootsTech with a Getting Started pass, take advantage of these classes. The 2017 version of the RootsTech family history conference has arrived. Over the course of the next four days, thousands of genealogists and family historians will gather in Salt Lake City, Utah to enhance their research skills and grow their professional networks.
But you don’t have to be an expert genealogist to find value at RootsTech! In fact, you don’t have to be a family historian at all. RootsTech has been proven to be a useful conference for anyone interested in family heritage—regardless of age or research skill!
“RootsTech is Disneyland for anybody who loves photos and stories,” said popular blogger Stacy Julian at the 2016 conference. “One of the things I learned from a speaker at RootsTech is that when families talk about family and family history, their kids are happier, they’re more confident, they’re more resilient. I learn all kinds of stuff like that at RootsTech!”
So if you’ve just started exploring your family’s story, and you’ve registered for RootsTech with the Getting Started pass, take advantage of these 10 classes. If you see a class you like, add it to your schedule in the official RootsTech app. Remember, these classes are only available to attendees with the Getting Started pass.
Thursday, February 9
Getting Started in Genealogy
In this class, you will be introduced to the broad field of genealogy, and given resources and information to use to start telling your family’s story. The class will answer questions such as, “How do I get started in genealogy?” and “How do I organize what I already know?” You’ll learn tools for success such as pedigree charts, useful family history software, and how to avoid common beginner mistakes.
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: Room 155
Going Digital: Bringing Your Family Photos into the Digital Age
Do you have dozens of print photos that you’ve been wanting to digitize? This class will teach you how to plan and execute a basic digitization project using live and recorded demonstrations throughout the presentation. The class will focus on family photos and documents, so you can bring your family history into the digital age.
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Place: Room 155A
Which one? Comparing Ancestry, Findmypast, FamilySearch and My Heritage
Ancestry.com, Findmypast.com, FamilySearch and MyHeritage.com each offer valuable tools and records to help you research your family. But if you’re new to family history, you’ve probably wondered, “Which one—or ones—should I use?” This class will introduce you to the important features of each and will help you see how each site can be useful to you in your research. You’ll learn the general geographic strengths and how to find specific geographic content on each.
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Place: 155D
Genealogical Research: Online Resources—for Free!
Learn how to surf the Internet to find websites offering hold free digital images, databases, text files, and more. You’ll come away with a list of popular, and not so popular, websites that offer free records and information.
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Place: 155A
Friday, February 10
Everyday Family History for the Crazy-Busy Life
Do you want to get more involved with family history but just can’t seem to find the time? In this class you’ll learn useful ways to incorporate family history into the busy moments of life by using your smartphone and tablet. You’ll come away with tips and tricks that you’ll use to participate in family history on the go, at your children’s soccer games, or even while waiting at the doctor’s office!
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: 155A
Online Journaling Tools and Apps You Should Try
Capturing today’s important moments is as easy as ever, thanks to technology such as the Internet and smartphones. Learn how to use these tools and mobile apps to keep a journal that can be easily saved, preserved, and shared.
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Place: 155D
Presenting and Preserving Your Family History
Presenting and preserving your family history are related activities. In this class you’ll learn about backing up and storing your data, collaborating with other researchers, and having your data in a form that you and others can easily access. You’ll also come away with knowledge about how to digitize your documents and name the files so that each can be individually identified and preserved.
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Place: 155D
Writing Your Childhood Memories and Family Stories
In this class you’ll learn how to write your family memories before they disappear. You’ll learn useful strategies that will help improve your ability to write and think like a family historian. You’ll also have time to practice your writing technique during the class.
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Place: 155D
Saturday, February 11
Capture Anyone’s Life History in 30 Minutes
Find out how to capture a meaningful life’s history in as little as 30 minutes! In this class, you’ll learn how stories, journals and photographs can be used to inspire, uplift and strengthen family bonds. Discover the traits of influential stories and their positive impact on teens, aduls and seniors. You’ll leave knowing the tools to easily and quickly record the story of a lifetime.
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Place: 155D
7 Tips for Making Sense of a Box of Snapshots
Do you have a box of photos that you’re unsure what to do with? In this class you’ll learn seven tips for making sense of the photo mess: Look for handwriting matches; study the background; examine caption format; photo format clues; organizing by number; creative album creation clues; and playing the game of concentration with dogs, cars and people in the pictures.
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Place: 155A
Questions? Tweet us @RootsTechConf.
