RootsTech Reminds the World that Family History Matters

RootsTech, a family history conference sponsored by FamilySearch, will unite people across the globe at a free virtual event for three days from 2 March, 2023. The wide scope of online classes and keynote speakers make the event accessible to all ages and all experiences in a variety of languages.

Thousands of participants will be enriched by the wide assortment of classes which will help them to be united with family, to be connected to generations, to gain a sense of belonging, to discover and preserve precious memories, and to explore family stories and culture.

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Adding to the excitement of the RootsTech experience is the concurrent live aspect of the conference. Participants can attend virtually or in-person in Salt Lake City, Utah for Main Stage events and to hear speakers.

Keynote speakers will include Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his wife, Sister Susan Gong; actor Sean Astin of Lord of the Rings fame; singer Jordan Sparks; photographer Me Rah Koh; and others.

With 200 plus new on-demand virtual classes, RootsTech will engage interests at every level including how to help children and teens appreciate their family histories.

Researchers are finding that family stories make children more resilient. Those connecting stories guide us and help us make sense of our experiences. When we don’t know what to do, we can look to stories that teach how our families have coped in both good and hard times. Perspective and understanding will empower and strengthen all of us, especially our children.

Both Joy Campbell Pearson and Susan Guthrie of Dunedin, New Zealand, have sought out their families across the generations and have found that their children and grandchildren love to hear the stories and see the pictures they have uncovered. “They always ask me to tell them more,” Joy said laughing.

She also offered this advice to newcomers to the RootsTech conference: “Pick some classes, get a comfortable chair and be prepared to be blown away. You’ll hear from people around the world, and you will pick up things that will open up whole new avenues and you will make connections. You’ll love it!”

Family history also encourages us to preserve our own experiences to share with future generations. “Your story matters because nobody else is you,” Devin Ashby, a 2022 RootsTech presenter, said.

RootsTech classes will share tips for researching family details as well as writing and preserving your own stories. The learning opportunities are expansive and uplifting.

RootsTech virtual classes will be available on RootsTech.org after the event. Several hundred classes are on the website now from the previous two virtual events. The free registration is quick and simple. It can be accessed here.

Jane Furey, of the Gold Coast, Australia, noted the quality and the convenience of the classes and keynote talks. “I was so grateful—abundantly grateful—to be able to attend during lockdown and now beyond that. There is a wonderful sense of involvement regardless of being online or not.”

Paul Bennallack, from FamilySearch in the Pacific Area, issued this invitation to all: “This year RootsTech will be bigger and better than ever before. People from all round the world can participate virtually from the comfort of their homes, offices, or even on their phones. Help discover and unite your family by being part of the world’s largest family history conference.”

Content specific to the Pacific Area can be accessed here.