RootsTech 2026 by FamilySearch, the world’s premier family history conference and celebration, has opened Relatives at RootsTech, its popular annual online family discovery activity. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to participate globally, with the aim of making new cousin connections. Anyone can join the experience for free at FamilySearch.org/Connect. It will be available through the end of March 2026.
The interactive discovery feature is offered annually as part of the premier global RootsTech conference. The experience enables participants to find and connect with living relatives. Millions have participated since the activity’s inception and have enjoyed how it can strengthen family connections and lead to new discoveries. In 2025, participants discovered nearly 5 million ancestral relationships.
How Does Relatives at RootsTech 2025 Work?
To join Relatives at RootsTech 2026 online:
- Go to FamilySearch.org/Connect.
- If you don't have a free FamilySearch account, create one when prompted.
- Add what you know to the FamilySearch Family Tree. The more relatives you have in your family tree, the greater the probability that cousin connections will be made.
The feature’s discovery technology will immediately begin using FamilySearch Family Tree information to search for and match any common ancestors with related participants worldwide and show how you are related. If desired, newly connected relatives can message each other through the website. Participants can also see how many relatives have joined the experience and filter them based on location, common ancestor, or family line.
The interactive experience will be available through 30 April 2026. Participate today to find new relatives and connect.
Join thousands around the world who are already making connections, and start discovering your cousins today.
RELATED
Look Who’s Coming to RootsTech 2026: Keynote Speakers Announced
Registration for RootsTech 2026 Is Now Open
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 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 plan to join us for our next virtual or in-person conference and celebration. RootsTech 2026 offers more than 200 sessions, exhibitors, and experiences to help attendees discover, remember, and share their stories.