FamilySearch CEO Steve Rockwood gave 2 important addresses at the beginning of RootsTech 2023—one which he delivered virtually for the online segment of RootsTech and another which he gave on stage at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake during the in-person event.
In both presentations, Steve talked about the conference theme of uniting. He said that uniting leads to more innovation in the family history industry—and that more innovation means more people being able to discover and unite their families.
Why the World Needs Family Discovery More Than Ever
In his virtual address, Steve said that the purpose of FamilySearch is to unite the human family by building a family tree for everyone who has ever lived—“an audacious pursuit,” he admitted, requiring “a united effort” from everyone in the industry.
“We honor the archives who have been the trusted guardians of your family stories for centuries. We marvel at our many industry friends like Ancestry, My Heritage, Google, and others around the world who are making significant investments to create innovative ways to unlock those stories and bring them to you when and where you need them most. And we are all indebted to those brilliant genealogists and geneticists who meticulously research and stitch your family tree together one precious person at a time.”
Steve also highlighted some of the mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits that people experience when they engage in family history. He said that learning about ancestors results in a greater sense of connection, which in turn “helps us maintain a sense of well-being,” especially in young people. Steve said that studies have shown that when young people know their family narrative, they become more resilient to challenges and triumphs in life.
According to Steve, these same feelings of connection can likewise improve the way we see and interact with others. “When young and old connect through family history,” he said, “we all feel we are part of something bigger than ourselves. We understand ourselves. We understand each other.” After that, “we treat each other differently,” he said.
In Steve’s view, this makes family history more than an interesting hobby or pastime. “It truly has the power to change lives,” he said.
First Connect, Then Unite
During his live address, Steve noted the important role family history played during the COVID-19 pandemic. Three years ago, RootsTech was an “in-person” event, with roughly 30,000 attendees. But in 2021, when the conference moved entirely online, more than a million people tuned in. Then came 2022, and the number surpassed 3 million.
“Out of the tragic, cataclysmic chapter in history we all experienced these last few years, family history—the industry and all of you contributing—provided wonderful lights of connection and belonging that the world needed,” he said.
Still, connection was merely “a good first step,” and the focus now should be on uniting—uniting traditions, resources, knowledge, communities, technology, and access—so that more people can experience the benefits of knowing their family story. He encouraged people and the organizations, companies, and societies they represent to work together when they can.
Family History through Daily Push-Ups
As CEO of FamilySearch International, Steve doesn’t shy away from making the most of someone else’s technology—especially if it makes uniting with his own family more memorable and fun. In fact, for the past month, he and his grandson have been doing push-up challenges together on Marco Polo. Each day, they do one more push-up than the day before. They use the Marco Polo app to record themselves and prove that they’ve completed the challenge.
During his address, Steve asked for someone to hold his phone while he completed his daily push-up challenge on stage. Afterwards, he held the phone up and asked the crowd to say hello before sending the video on to his grandson!
“Now, let me ask you, do you really think this is all about pushups? Granted, my grandkids do need to develop a love for exercise,” Steve said. “What we really need is to connect, though—frequently, conveniently, doing good, fun, constructive things. What we really need are the conversations before, during, and after the pushups and jumping jacks where we can learn together who we are, where we come from, and perhaps, most importantly, from whom we come.”
Turn On Your Flashlight: We All Have a Role to Play
Steve ended his in-person keynote with an invitation to show the power of unity. One by one, he asked different groups in the audience to shine the flashlights on their phones toward him—first archivists, then librarians, professional genealogists, geneticists, business representatives, regular conference attendees, and more.
At first, the individual points of light were clearly visible, but soon they began to merge. “Each of your individual contributions unite to become one light,” he said, when the image on screen of the many flashlight shining back at him was almost too bright to look at.
“And imagine all of the other million points of light from our friends online,” he said. “Together we can light the whole world and unite families—past, present, and future!”
Watch RootsTech 2023 Any Time You Want
FamilySearch CEO Steve Rockwood gave 2 exciting keynote addresses to help kick off RootsTech 2023. Both versions were recorded, and you can watch either one of them—the virtual address or the in-person address—from the RootsTech 2023 website.
And while you’re there, take a look at some of the other classes and presentations that are available. Way back in the old days—like in 2020 for example—you could enjoy RootsTech for only 3 days a year. Now you can enjoy RootsTech any time you want.
Watch the Other Keynotes from RootsTech 2023
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.
