Goodbye to another amazing day at RootsTech 2024! Today was chock-full of messages and experiences on how "ordinary" people can make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others through family history. We hope all our in-person and virtual attendees were able to take away lessons, tips, and stories to bring home!
Let's take a moment to rewind and remember all the highlights of today's events.
After a warm welcome back from emcee Kirby Heyborne and exciting family history tool updates from sponsor MyHeritage, we had Lynne M. Jackson, President and Founder of The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation, joining us on the main stage for our first keynote.
Lynne chronicled her family history journey by sharing stories, locations, records, and pictures with the audience. She shared the story of feeling prompted to research her ancestor, Dred Scott, and his family's resilience on the road to the emancipation of slavery. In 2006, Lynne founded the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation, which is dedicated to "commemoration, education, and reconciliation."
"Do your homework," she told attendees, encouraging them to love one another and enjoy the journey when it comes to family history research.
After Lynne's presentation, American Ancestors President and CEO Ryan Woods came onstage to talk about the 10 Million Names project. Born to multiracial parents, he shared the complexity of answering the often-asked question "what are you?" However, Ryan says that "'what are you?' becomes 'who are you?'" and that everyone deserves to know who they are.
The 10 Million Names project helps individuals of African descent do just that by finding the names of their ancestors who were enslaved in pre- and post-colonial America, in the area that is now the United States. Ryan shared a video that introduces the project with insights from Chief Historian Dr. Kendra Field.
Joining the stage next was Pictureline-sponsored, world-renowned Sony Artisan photographer Nancy Borowick, who talked about the importance of documenting precious relationships in spite of heartbreaking trials.
Participants were captivated by her emotional keynote, accompanied with stunning photography detailing her mother and father's battles with cancer. "I needed to hold on to them as much as I could for as long as I could," Nancy expressed. So, Nancy turned to photography (as she usually does in challenging situations), as a way to keep them close.
"When you're faced with your own mortality, you begin to truly believe and understand what it means to be alive," she reflected. As her parents' health declined, Nancy gained a new perspective on what it meant to truly live.
There was hardly a dry eye in the room as she shared vulnerable photos capturing moments in her parents' last years of life. Nancy Borowick is living proof that the people you love can live inside you even after they're gone.
Find links to re-watch all these messages in the Top Videos section below or click the button to watch the full general session.
Make it to the Expo Hall Before it's Too Late!
There's still time to make it to the Expo Hall! The past 2 days have been filled with hands-on demonstrations, giveaways and special deals, and immersive activities for attendees of all ages to enjoy. Make sure to stop by platinum sponsors' FamilySearch, Ancestry, Findmypast, MyHeritage, and Storied booths for classes, tips, and tricks on how to expand your family tree.
The Expo Hall has also been creating opportunities for interaction between family members and friends (old and new) at every stage of their family history journey, from beginners to experts and enthusiasts! If you make it to the hall, remember to look for chances to connect. Who knows? You might find a best friend or a cousin!
The in-person Expo Hall also features virtual viewing areas where in-person and online attendees can gather for enlightening and interactive discussions—and a heritage stage where dancers, musicians, and other performers have been sharing the traditions of their ancestors. Whether you're here in Utah or joining RootsTech on your screen thousands of miles away, make sure you remember to visit the Expo Hall.
Need In-Depth Help? Visit the FamilySearch Library!
If you're looking for a little extra assistance, you can get personalized help from a network of experts and volunteers at the FamilySearch Library!
The week of RootsTech, the FamilySearch Library is operating on special hours. From Monday, February 26, through Saturday, March 2, you can visit the library and discover more about your family. You can also access a world-renowned collection of books, images, and documents, access thousands of recorded classes and articles, and even work with a research consultant in-person or virtually—all for free!
Videos You Won't Want to Miss
Don't miss out on the best content at RootsTech! Here are some top videos from day 2 of RootsTech.
The Young Adult After-Party
Day 2 of RootsTech went out with a bang! Thousands of young adult attendees came together this evening for the Young Adult After-Party. This energetic in-person event was filled with live entertainment, socializing, and inspiring speakers.
Elder Kevin S. Hamilton and Sister Kristin M. Yee of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, gave uplifting messages about the importance of family history and the role we can each play in connecting and remembering our roots. Their addresses are available to re-watch on the RootsTech website.
The audience also heard a message from Puerto Rican born Elder Jorge M. Alvarado and Sister Cari Lu Alvarado, who spoke about their family history and introduced the service project of the evening.
After a special video message from Elder Ulisses Soares, attendees took to the dance floor to celebrate and party to live music, including hit band 19 Miles Per Hour. Young adults also participated in family discovery activities throughout the evening.
A live Puerto Rican band played music while participants had the opportunity to use FamilySearch in real-time to contribute to the Puerto Rican family tree, expanding the records of over a thousand names! The Young Adult After-Party also included food vendors, games (life-sized chess, giant Connect Four, bean bag toss, etc.), and even a speed-dating event. It remains one of the most exciting and lively portions of RootsTech.
Our Top Class Picks
Don't forget to check out the full schedule for RootsTech and make a list of all the classes and workshops you'd like to re-watch after the conference is over!
If you're feeling indecisive on what sessions to watch first, here is a list of our recommendations, including some that have been most-watched so far!
how to use the FamilySearch wiki, tips for finding language translation aids, and how to build meaningful stories and connections even if you can't find your ancestors!
Remember to keep sharing your favorite RootsTech moments online! Use the hashtag #RootsTech so we can see all the memories you're making and keep an eye on RootsTech social media @RootsTech for more announcements and surprises!
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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