What do you do with boxes and albums of old photographs, letters, drawings, slides, negatives, and similar family memorabilia that are tucked away, yellowing with age and collecting dust? These treasures might be stored in grandma's attic, grandpa's closet, or even your elderly neighbor's basement. Children, grandchildren, and generations to come can discover their heritage with these documents as they learn about the memories preserved by them. However, the task of storing, sorting, and sharing such fragile, precious items can be daunting.
Why not make these memories permanently available for all family members to discover now and in the future? At RootsTech 2025, a free scanning center will be available in the Expo Hall for you to digitally preserve these keepsakes!
Make an Appointment to Use a Scanner
It’s easier than you might think to make these collections of “stuff” into a treasure trove of family history. Each RootsTech attendee may sign up for one 30-minute session, and expert help will be available during each session. A few slots will also be available so those who find the center at the conference have a chance to sign up.
Friday: 9:15 AM–5:15 PM
Saturday: 9:15 AM–2:15 PM
Friday: 9:15 AM–5:15 PM
Saturday: 9:15 AM–2:15 PM
Please be prompt to your appointment, as session time is limited. If you know you will not be able to attend, please cancel your session in advance. Don't forget to bring your photos, documents, and personal thumb drives!
If scanning center sessions in the Expo Hall are full, don't fret. Just two blocks from the Salt Palace is Memory Lane at the FamilySearch Library. At Memory Lane, equipment is available to reserve for digitizing photos, documents, slides, negatives, tapes, reels, and film.
Where Can I Find the RootsTech 2025 Scanning Center?
The scanning center will be located in the Society Pavilion at the northeast corner of the Expo Hall—near the escalators in the main hallway. If you enter the Expo Hall through the main doors, turn right immediately, and follow the aisle to the Society Pavilion.
Why Should I Scan My Pictures?
Everyone benefits from digitizing photos! Older generations get to share their treasures with family and talk about the memories these treasures evoke. In turn, as younger generations discover more about their heritage, they can feel a greater sense of belonging, higher self-esteem, and more resiliency.
Digitizing your mementos also means they will be shareable via computer, tablet, cellphone, and the like. Everyone in the family can save a copy to a personal device! You can also save these images to FamilySearch Memories so they can be easily accessible online.
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, RootsTech has 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.
Related Articles
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.
