An Opportunity to Be Part of Realizing the Dream!

Posted on January 20, 2024 by Lynn Broderick @thesingleleaf

The NFL Wild Card games illustrated so profoundly the “thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat.” While the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, L.A. Rams, and Philadelphia Eagles participated in exit interviews this week, the remaining teams prepared for their next opponent. It’s work. Only eleven Wild Card teams have ever made it to the Super Bowl—seven actually won the Lombardi. It’s not easy, but there is hope!

And, hope is fuel for the present that shapes our future. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream that now lives on through his oldest son, Martin Luther King III, his wife, Arndrea Waters King, the only granddaughter, Yolanda Renee King and many others. They were special guests at Raymond James Stadium Monday night when my beloved Eagles lost their bid for the Super Bowl this year.

All weekend the players wore the initials “MLK” as well as the words “Be Love” on the back of their helmets. The only one who is “Love” in the NFL is Jordan. I don’t know if this affirmation worked to the Packer’s advantage in an earlier game, but I do know that love “Hurts,” and by this I mean Jalen of the Eagles. As I mentioned, he, the team, and Eagle fans experienced a heartbreaking loss to the Buccaneers. Also, in honor of the holiday and MLK’s legacy, the NFL has partnered with a new initiative, Realizing the Dream, a movement to “rally communities to perform 100 million hours of service by the 100th anniversary of Martin Luther King’s birth.” The website says that it’s “a call for us all to reach out to people and causes in need — and make a difference through acts of love, compassion and goodwill.”

I was surprised to meet Martin Luther King, III at RootsTech in 2019. Even with media designation I was not provided with advanced information. He was on hand when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gave a two million dollar donation to establish a family history center as a part of the International African American Museum (IAAM). This Museum is located at the site of Gadsden’s Wharf at 14 Wharfside Stree in Charleston, South Carolina. According to the website, the museum itself “tells the unvarnished stories of the African American experience across generations, the trauma and triumph that gave rise to a resilient people.” The Center is now open and virtual consultations are available. A visit to the Museum ensures a deeper understanding of this period of history, the travail of the Africans brought to America as “Cargo,” and an opportunity to educate our humanity and live with compassion. In addition, onsite at RootsTech this year, Brian Sheffy, the Director of the Center for Family History, IAAM, will be presenting a session about the resources available, Thursday, February 29th at 8 a.m. MST.

This brings me back to the newest initiative, Realizing the Dream. Again, the goal is for “communities to perform 100 million hours of service by the 100th anniversary of Martin Luther King, [Jr’s] birth.” The RealizeTheDream.org website provides Points of Light as a place to identify opportunities. JustServe.org is another well-known website. Both websites list opportunities to serve in your area. As always, read the terms of service and any guidelines provided. Use these websites at your own discretion.

According to census.gov, the United States population is estimated to be 335,000,000 and counting. Realizing the Dream only asks for 100 million hours of service during the next five years. As a people, we can do it. Let the NFL lead the way!

As genealogists and family historians, we have an opportunity to impact this goal as well. With the rise of the business of genealogy, organizations have felt the decline of volunteerism. If your circumstances permit, will you consider volunteering time and skill to make a difference in your communities? Our community has done it before. We can do it again. Opportunities abound. Make a difference!

On a personal note, if you feel that your Family History Bowl has been thwarted this year, consider attending RootsTech online or onsite this off season. The conference will be held Thursday, February 29th through March 2nd. Online attendance is free. An onsite ticket costs $109 for the keynote presentation each day, three days of instruction, and an opportunity to experience the latest innovations in the field of family history and genealogy. Yours truly will be hosting a session on Thursday beginning at 4:30 p.m. titled, Ethics in the Family History Community: Town Hall Discussion. I’ll be joined by David Rencher, Chief Genealogical Officer (CGO) at FamilySearch, Robert Bristow, a licensed psychotherapist from the U.K, and others. It is slated to be a very interesting discussion. Contact me and let me know your greatest concerns about ethics in our genealogical community. We’ll do our best to address them.

This weekend it’s the NFL Divisional Rounds. Eight teams will be battling for their chance to realize their dream of winning a Supper Bowl for the 2023 season. For family historians, remember what Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International, once said, “Family history is not a spectator sport.”

Research responsibly. :-)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I am designated as media and a compensated speaker for RootsTech 2024. Nevertheless, I have been with RootsTech since its inception and with its predecessor for many years as a paid participant. As always, my coverage and opinions are my own and are not affected by my current status. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

RootsTech Is Coming March 2-4, 2023

Posted on October 31, 2022 by Lynn Broderick @thesingleleaf

Good news! RootsTech is back in person as well as virtual, Thursday, March 2nd through Saturday, March 4th, 2023! More good news! The ticket price for all three days onsite at the Salt Palace Convention Center decreased to $98 with the Expo Hall now free and virtual attendance also free!

What’s the advantage to being onsite? There will be a few more presentations available onsite and the Expo Hall will host hands-on demonstrations. One of the major benefits for avid family historians is access to the Family History Library and in-person research assistance.

For those who register for virtual attendance, there will be over 200 new on-demand sessions, main stage presentations and keynote speakers, online research consultations and a virtual expo hall. You can read more about it here.

I have loved watching the conference AND the Salt Palace Convention Center grow as genealogy and technology intertwine. The conference is a little less “techie” as developers are usually found in the Expo Hall now and not hosting sessions themselves. Unconferencing, where groups gathered in classrooms at specific times to discuss wishlists, is somewhat a thing of the past, although many informal gatherings do take place.

RootsTech has become a little more vibrant as these transitions have created a more user-friendly experience. Now in its 13th year, RootsTech, with the past theme “Connect. Belong.” has become its own family with the conference as its annual reunion. It’s been a joy to watch this family grow!

This year’s theme is “Uniting.” Whether or not your family roots leave you feeling warm and cozy, it’s helpful to know where you come from so you can set sights on who you want to be and where you want to go.

Similar to last year, I am facilitating a panel discussion titled, “Dealing with Ethical Dilemmas in the Family History Community.” Last year the panel discussed bullying, Find-a-Grave policies (and its abbreviation), copyright, contract law (terms of service), investigative genetic genealogy (IGG), societies, and the many roles that genealogists fulfill in our community. Judy Russell’s closing remarks wrapped it up: “Let’s do it right to protect everything for the future.” The recording is available via this link or at RootsTech.org.

“Let’s do it right to protect everything for the future.”
Judy G. Russell, “Dealing with Ethical Dilemmas in an Online World,” RootsTech 2022

Ethics may be considered an “eat your vegetables” kind of topic, BUT it is foundational to facilitate sharing, collaborating and enjoying new discoveries. It is “uniting” when individuals follow the ethical code.

If last year is any indication and polls accurate, Find-a-Grave may qualify for a session of its own. The pain close family members suffer as their loved one’s memorial is hijacked and held hostage by a “gamer” is the greatest ethical complaint in the family history and genealogy community. Many influencers continue to encourage Find-a-Grave and its parent company, Ancestry, to modify this particular policy to abate these relational violations. The more stories we share, the more we increase awareness and understanding as we become proactive in protecting the legacy of our loved ones.

Last year attendees shared in chat many ethical experiences and it was reported that the session was very helpful. So, in preparation for RootsTech 2023, would you share your ethical concerns that can be addressed by the panel in March? I can be contacted via the Let’s Talk Family History link. (Examples of what has been helpful and/or what not been helpful are welcome.) Let us learn from one another and, as Judy says, “Let’s do it right to protect everything for the future.”

Whether you decide to attend in person or virtually, don’t forget to register today!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I am designated as an official influencer and compensated speaker for RootsTech 2023. Nevertheless, I have been with RootsTech since its inception and with its predecessor for many years as a paid participant. As always, my coverage and opinions are my own and are not affected by my current status. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Turn Around—Two Words That Have Changed Many Lives

Posted on February 28, 2020 by Lynn Broderick @thesingleleaf

Yesterday Leigh Anne Tuohy gave an inspirational keynote on the RootsTech main stage. Her story made some of us laugh and some of us cry. Some of us laughed and cried. She was so gracious in her presentation and she was most gracious when she first met Henry the Sleuth!

“Turn around”—two words that altered Leigh Anne and her family’s life. Those words brought Micheal Oher into her family and made the difference that inspired the movie, The Blind Side, through a series of miracles.

She praised the audience for the genealogical research that they do to help others find family. She encouraged the audience to “Write [their] story.” RootsTech has posted the recording. I highly recommend it for your viewing.

Today’s live-stream sessions at a glance are as follows:

This is brief. More to come. It’s Friday! Two more days of this fabulous conference! Whatever your plans, have a wonderful day!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I am designated as an official ambassador to the RootsTech Conference and, as such, I am provided complimentary admission and other services to accomplish my duties. Nevertheless, I have been with RootsTech since its inception and with its predecessor for many years as a paid participant. As always, my coverage and opinions are my own and are not affected by my current status. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

RootsTech Celebrates 10 Years!

Posted on February 27, 2020 by Lynn Broderick @thesingleleaf

Yesterday was the first day of RootsTech 2020. Sessions were held as early as 8 a.m. and the keynote address was delivered in the afternoon. It was no surprise that we would reminisce about the first ten years. “The idea of a technologist getting together with a genealogist is the reason RootsTech is here today,” said Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International. “Family history is continuously being written. Your story matters. We don’t just study family history. We live family history.” If you missed the #RootsTech10 Years celebration and Steve Rockwood’s keynote address, it is now available at RootsTech.org.

It’s another day of live-streamed sessions. Just log on to RootsTech.org.Also, if you love Relative Race, and you are at the Salt Palace Convention Center, you’ll want to catch the Relative Race session at 1:30 p.m. TODAY in Ballroom B! You may also like the Relative Race challenge offered in the Expo Hall. There’s some great swag for those who complete this challenge.

Jenna Mills, a.k.a. Seeking Surnames, found me in the Media Hub. It’s time for #GenChat photos! There are new signs, so no #GenChat attendee will get away with an old photo. (Using an old photo is kind of like some women in the U.S. Federal Census—they get younger than ten each census year!)

It’s great to catch up with friends and make new ones. Jenna and I met at RootsTech in person a couple of years ago, but this was the first time I had the opportunity to meet Diana Richie. Connect. Belong. at RootsTech. Here they displayed their signed copies of Nathan Dylan Goodwin’s mystery novels. Have you read them?

Besides Nathan and many other vendors in the Expo Hall, you can record “The Story of You” just like the segments shown in the opening keynote address. Once your story is filmed, it is sent to you via email as a keepsake.

Finally, at the end of the day, interviews began in the Media Hub. First up was Thom Reed from FamilySearch. Thom has been active in promoting Black History Month. You can read more about it here.

I do my best to follow what’s happening on social media during the conference and on Twitter it was mentioned that “#NotAtRootsTech FOMO” (Fear of Missing Out) was “currently happening.” I could only reply that even if you are at RootsTech, there is so much going on that a person still might suffer FOMO! RootsTech: Truly amazing! Potentially overwhelming! Very rewarding! (Or, would “exhausting” be a more accurate term?)

With day one in the books, this post may be an example of the potpourri of activity going on at RootsTech. It’s onto Day 2!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I am designated as an official ambassador to the RootsTech Conference and, as such, I am provided complimentary admission and other services to accomplish my duties. Nevertheless, I have been with RootsTech since its inception and with its predecessor for many years as a paid participant. As always, my coverage and opinions are my own and are not affected by my current status. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Ready or Not, It’s Time for RootsTech 2020

Posted on February 26, 2020 by Lynn Broderick @thesingleleaf

RootsTech 2020 is underway at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. It’s an amazing conference whether you are onsite or participating remotely. This year’s theme is “The Story of You” and last night Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International, encouraged those of us in attendance at the media dinner to tell not only ancestor stories but our own.

This is my tenth year at RootsTech and Henry the Sleuth joins me for the first time. He has already met a friend, #MiniTGS. It is just one example of RootsTech’s tagline, “Connect. Belong.” There are a lot of people to meet in the next four days. Participants are coming from 49 of the United States and 55 countries!

RootsTech is a fast-paced conference so I will be communicating mostly in photos on this blog. I post to Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @thesingleleaf, so follow me for the latest updates. Follow the hashtags #RootsTech and #RootsTech10Years on social media to hear from all of the RootsTech ambassadors.

Today’s live-streaming schedule is as follows. Just log on to RootsTech.org and you’ll be virtually onsite. It’s a great opportunity to expand your genealogical education. Don’t forget to download the RootsTech app for access to all of the handouts.

There is always someone who can offer assistance at the Help Desk. In addition, there are people in RootsTech “Ask Me Anything” turquoise t-shirts and the RootsTech Crew ruby t-shirts who can provide just about anything you need.

Don’t miss Steve Rockwood’s keynote address as he highlights #RootsTech10Years and delivers an important announcement.

The Expo Hall opens at 5:30 p.m. tonight right after the keynote address.

RootsTech knows how to make the best of a situation. With the south end of the Salt Palace under construction, they’ve had to make accommodations since the former restrooms are out of order. I took the “toilet quiz.” It says I’m a “Modern Toilet.” Ha! Ha! An essential piece of information to include in “The Story of Me.”

It’s on to day one of RootsTech 2020! If you can’t view the live-streaming today, RootsTech will be posting the sessions on the website for later viewing. Enjoy your day!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I am designated as an official ambassador to the RootsTech Conference and, as such, I am provided complimentary admission and other services to accomplish my duties. Nevertheless, I have been with RootsTech since its inception and with its predecessor for many years as a paid participant. As always, my coverage and opinions are my own and are not affected by my current status. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

#RootsTech10Years: a Compendium of Content

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Lynn Broderick @thesingleleaf

RootsTech is a family history, genealogy, storytelling, technology conference hosted by FamilySearch International each of the past nine years at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. It has become the premiere event in the industry and a big family reunion. It attracts people from all, or almost all, 50 United States and dozens of countries. In honor of this year’s #RootsTech10Years celebration, I created a page listing a compendium of RootsTech content. It’s always convenient to have material available all in one place.

This year is destined to the best yet as RootsTech will host a look back from the beginning and host keynote speakers: Leigh Anne Tuohy, David Hume Kennerly, and Emmitt Smith. It seems like RootsTech organized this year’s event perfectly for my game—genealogy football!

There is still time to register for onsite attendance and/or register for the virtual pass which will provide delayed recorded sessions for the coming year! In addition, there is always live-streaming of keynote and other sessions of the conference. Unfortunately, I have confirmed that the entertainment portion of the conference, Ryan Hamilton on Friday night, will not be live-streamed or recorded for later viewing.

RootsTech has helped people make many family connections and find relatives around them right at this event. In the process it has supported an environment in which many people have formed lasting friendships and helped propel the genealogy community into the global sphere. This year’s theme is “The Story of You” and complements my essay, The Story of the Single Leaf. Won’t you join us for this epic event?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I am designated as an official ambassador to the RootsTech Conference and, as such, I am provided complimentary admission and other services to accomplish my duties. Nevertheless, I have been with RootsTech since its inception and with its predecessor for many years as a paid participant. As always, my coverage and opinions are my own and are not affected by my current status. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

BYU Forum With Henry Louis Gates, Jr.

Posted on November 21, 2019 by Lynn Broderick @thesingleleaf

Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. is a favorite PBS show among genealogists and family historians. The show chronicles the ancestry of many noted Americans and brings historical context to these ancestral stories. At the end of the show Professor Gates provides each of his guests with an ancestral chart and a Book of Life. We were fortunate when Professor Gates gave the keynote address at RootsTech in 2018. He received a standing ovation for his remarks. I was fortunate once again this week when I had the opportunity to hear him speak at a BYU Forum.

His lecture was titled, “Reconstruction, White Supremacy, and the Rise of Jim Crow.” He began by saying that, “I love being in Utah. I love being in Salt Lake City because I love genealogy.” He also shared a preview of the upcoming 6th season of Finding Your Roots. In the local market, the first two of 16 episodes have already aired. The remaining episodes resume January 2020. He mentioned that Nancy Pelosi is one of the guests and quickly add that Mitt Romney will be featured in the 7th season, stressing that PBS is bipartisan.

He recounted the reconstruction period and the pushback freed black men experienced, including high fees to exercise their right to vote and the abhorrent act of lynching. He said we must address “the past that haunts our present” and enlightened the audience about the necessity of the civil rights movement.

Henry the Sleuth, my plush associate, had the honor to meet Professor Gates after the forum.

He observed that history is repeating itself once again and that as a people we need to be vigilant about protecting our rights. “Now it’s time to change the narrative. History repeats itself only if we let it.”

Once he shared his prepared remarks, students were given the opportunity to ask questions of this accomplished educator, author, and Emmy award-winning filmmaker. Only a handful of students were able to ask questions because of limited time, but here is what I was able to capture from Professor Gates’ responses to specific questions:

Dr. Gates recommends reparations in the form of affirmative action. He believes that “guilt is not inherited”, but “social issues have a traumatic effect.” He encourages leveling the playing field and providing equal opportunity. He suggested that, as a nation, we should provide an equal amount of money spent per child for education eliminating rich and poor districts. He reminded the audience there was a time when if you obeyed the law and worked hard your children would do better in life, but it’s “not true anymore.”

He believes that “every woman, no matter race, has benefited from affirmative action.” He encouraged that we “be vigilant about the Supreme Court. Pressure the court to defend the rights of the individual.”

His call to action is, “We must suppress white supremacy whenever it rears its ugly head.” In context he acknowledge that white supremacy is not related to skin color as much as it is an attitude.

He said, “Racism is racism…if you say bad things about people and characterize them as a group, that’s racism.”

Henry the Sleuth shares a sweet moment with Professor Gates after the forum.

“We have to fight racism whether it’s coming out of the mouth of a white person or black person.”

“We all come from the same pie. We all come from Africa. Mormons are big genealogists…Do that tree back 50,000 years ago, everybody would look like Michael Jordan walking around here.”

“Racism and oppression were not invented in America. It is enormously complicated.”

“Be honest about the past, admitting it [racism] was wrong and ugly in the sight of God.”

“Talk about it [the past].”

“Be open to it [concerns and conversations about the past].”

“Confession is very powerful.”

“We all have to be aware we have blind spots.”

Professor Gates suggested that oppression is economically motivated. “Every society has demonized someone else within that society for economic reasons.” Then he asked, “Who is going to have access to the pie? What happens when there’s only one piece of pie?”

I appreciate his remarks and provoking the conversation. War, law, and social history played out through the individual and collective lives of our ancestors. This period of history affected every ancestor who lived through the Civil War and every generation since that time.

Genealogists and family historians must avoid presentism and glean insight through understanding the time period while also addressing the impact of past actions on the struggles of the current day.

Which of your ancestors were alive and involved during this period of time? What records are available to recount their experiences? What you can learn about them? What can you learn from them?

It’s the Premiere of RootsTech 2019!

Posted on February 27, 2019 by Lynn Broderick @thesingleleaf

RootsTech Ambassadors 2019!

It’s a wrap for the Oscars and the premiere of RootsTech 2019! The Media Banquet was held last night at the Salt Palace Convention Center and it did not disappoint. Those who have been with RootsTech from its inception and those who are new this year joined together to listen to Jason Hewlett, emcee of RootsTech, Jen Allen, Director of Events, and Tom Gill, Vice President at FamilySearch.

For those not at RootsTech, log in at FamilySearch.org/discovery

Check-in is a breeze this year—no lines anywhere! Individuals with turquoise t-shirts that boldly say “Ask Me Anything” are everywhere to direct you to the appropriate meeting place. The dinner was delicious and it provided an opportunity to visit with old friends and meet new ones.

Relatives at RootsTech is back and Jason Hewlett demonstrated the unique features of this app. Integrated sections like All About Me, Record My Story, Picture My Heritage, and Compare-a-Face allow anyone to preserve family information and have fun with their ancestors on FamilyTree. Family Search encourages everyone to download the app or log in at FamilySearch.org/discovery. Two things to remember: the results are only as accurate as the input of data and the FamilySearch FamilyTree is a public tree for information on the deceased. FamilySearch does privatize information about the living. Nevertheless, never add an adult living person without his or her permission.

Jen Allen shared one of her favorite submissions for the RootsTech Film Festival! There were over 100 submissions in the 3 categories. Winners will be announced each day with the Grand Prize winner being announced on Saturday. Tom Gill thanked everyone for being here at RootsTech.

We had the opportunity to visit with everyone after the event. I caught Jen Baldwin, North America Data Licensing Manager at Findmypast, having a bit of fun with Else Churchhill, the genealogist at the Society of Genealogists in London, and others from the British Isles. Myko Clelland, the Family Historian & Licensing/Outreach Manager from Findmypast was hiding in that booth as well.

There is a lot to look forward to at RootsTech. Jen revealed that Steve Rockwood’s keynote will have key announcements so you won’t want to miss it! It will be live streamed at RootsTech.org.

When I arrived at the Salt Palace Convention Center last night, Relative Race was on display. Relative Race has an interactive booth in the Expo Hall beginning tonight at 6 p.m. I learned from social media that Jerica and Joe Henline, Team Black from Season 4, will be in attendance. On Thursday, February 28th at 4:30 p.m. Dan J. Debenham, host of Relative Race, as well as teams from Season 5 will will present in 250A of the Salt Palace Convention Center.

For those #NotAtRootsTech, enjoy live streaming beginning at 9:30 a.m. The keynote address by Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Just in case live streaming captures your interest to the point you want to travel to the venue, day passes are available at RootsTech.org. Benefits include the amazing Expo Hall, interactive displays, expertise to answer your individual questions and the association with those who are as passionate as you about family history and genealogy. But, if you’re #NotAtRootsTech and live streaming, recorded sessions, and the virtual pass will not answer your questions, contact me. I will take your question to the designated person or booth to see what they can do and get back with you.

Whether at #RootsTech or #NotAtRootsTech, have a marvelous day!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I am designated as an official ambassador to the RootsTech Conference and, as such, I am provided complimentary admission and other services to accomplish my duties. Nevertheless, I have been with RootsTech since its inception and with its predecessor for many years as a paid participant. As always, my coverage and opinions are my own and are not affected by my current status. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

RootsTech 2019 4-Day Pass Giveaway—Dr. Who Style

Posted on November 10, 2018 by Lynn Broderick @thesingleleaf

Just in case you did not know, the TARDIS is a fictional time machine & spacecraft that appears in the popular BBC television program Doctor Who.

It’s time for another RootsTech 2019 4-day pass giveaway! The RootsTech conference is scheduled to be held Wednesday, February 27 to Saturday, March 2, 2019 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. This is exciting news! But, did you know that in the midst of preparing ambassadors for Salt Lake, the RootsTech team announced that it is also traveling to London in the autumn of 2019? More exciting news! This link will allow you to sign up for exclusive deals and timely details.

This announcement, coupled with the recent experience I had when I received complimentary tickets to FanX (formerly Salt Lake Comic Con) to hear David Tennant—the 10th doctor of the BBC hit series Dr. Who—I couldn’t help but structure this giveaway around the thought of traveling in the blue box called the TARDIS. I actually look forward to a day when such travel can bridge the time warp and answer some of those really challenging family history and genealogy questions! [Wouldn’t it be an exciting announcement at a future RootsTech?]

Dr. Who is a transformative character that has been played by many. As a young boy the role became David Tennant’s aspiration. As an adult he actually won it! He said that the role was demanding and that it might not even be possible to accept today as a father to 4 young children. At FanX, in response to an audience member’s question about dealing with the demands of the business, Tennant said that he finds renewal in going home to his young family, because “ultimately that’s what it’s all about.” It sounds like the David Tennant family is making their own history, just like you, me and our families.

So this year to honor the RootsTech theme “Connect. Belong.” send me an email that describes the place and time period you would most like to explore if you were given the chance to travel via the TARDIS. It’s that simple.

As I’ve said before, there are 3 reasons I enjoy RootsTech:

Keynote addresses from individuals whose life experiences and successes are varied. RootsTech has brought in speakers from the tech industry, the science community, the writer’s circle, the political realm, the entertainment industry, the sports arena, the bloggers’ sphere and, of course, the field of family history and genealogy. I have never been disappointed.
RootsTech offers a customized learning opportunity with over 300 sessions from which choose. I’ve heard in the past individuals lamenting because there were too many choices and the participants were placed with the difficult task of choosing one favored session over another. The good news is that if a session fills quickly, there is always another quality session to attend.
The Expo Hall provides the greatest gathering of organizations, societies, and vendors to explore the latest in the field of family history and genealogy. There’s the Demo Theater with presentations about some of the products on the floor and the Discovery Zone where interactive displays provide opportunities to come to know your heritage in fun and unique ways. Innovation Alley was introduced 3 years ago, highlighting new tech tools and products. The Heirloom Show and Tell is back, where you can bring a small item or a photo of a larger item and have an expert tell you more about its historical significance.

In addition to my initial 3 reasons, one cannot forget that the RootsTech venue, the Salt Palace Convention Center, is within walking distance of the Family History Library. Prepare now to access some of the greatest collections on earth that will help you find your ancestors! There are about 600 reference consultants and volunteers from all over the world on hand to provide helpful assistance at no cost to you.

This 4-day pass allows entrance to the daily keynote addresses, your choice of over 300 RootsTech sessions, entry into the Expo Hall, and all of the evening events. If you’d like to learn more about record access and preservation, it is important, at no additional cost, to pre-register for the Access and Preservation 2019 session to be held on Wednesday, February 27 from 8:00am-12:30pm. This event will be taught by working archivists and librarians. This 4-day pass does NOT include sponsored lunches, computer labs, transportation to or from the conference, lodging accommodations, meals, or any other expenses that you may incur.

Again, how do you enter this giveaway? It’s simple.

The RootsTech theme is “Connect. Belong.” and our family history pursuits provide opportunities to connect and belong to places and points in time throughout history. So send me an email that describes the place and time period you would most like to explore if you were given the chance to travel through time and space via the TARDIS. It’s that simple.

Submit entries via my Let’s Talk Family History page or share on Twitter by tagging me @thesingleleaf. Participants may submit more than one entry if the entries are submitted separately. Each entry is one chance to win. This contest is void where prohibited.

I ask your permission to include quotes from your entry in future posts. If your submission is used, proper attribution will be given. If you’d rather not be quoted in a future post or you would rather remain anonymous, please indicate in your submission. The more you enter, the greater your chance to win!

So, why wait? Send me a message via my Let’s Talk Family History page. Provide your name, email, and in the comment section describe the place and time period you would most like to explore if you had the opportunity to travel via the TARDIS. If you’re not interested in TARDIS travel, send me a description of one of your genealogy touchdowns, a.k.a., genealogy happy dance moments. Tis’ the season for genealogy football and another way to enter to win:

What is a genealogy touchdown?

In my opinion, there is no better way to connect with others about family history than to share a brief replay of a genealogy touchdown—that glorious moment when research came together, you entered your genealogy end zone, and you felt like spiking the ball in celebration (a.k.a., doing the genealogy happy dance as it has been described for generations). This option is open to all interested in family history and genealogy, including those who do not like football, but it is void where prohibited. Football terminology is not required and entries may be of any length. Submit entries via my Let’s Talk Family History page or share on Twitter by tagging me @thesingleleaf. Each entry is one chance to win. Participants may submit more than one entry if the entries are submitted separately.

I ask your permission to include quotes from your entry in future posts. If your submission is used, proper attribution will be given. If you’d rather not be quoted in a future post or you would rather remain anonymous, please indicate this with your submission. The more you enter, the greater your chance to win!

As mentioned, this contest is void where prohibited. Please remember that I will not use your email address for any purpose other than entering you into this contest and to notify you if you are the winner. The contest runs from Saturday, November 10, 2018 to Monday, November 19, 2018 at midnight MT. The winner will be notified Tuesday, November 20, 2018 by email. If you have already registered with RootsTech and your entry is drawn, RootsTech will reimbursed you for the full amount that you’ve prepaid.

Enter today! Good Luck! Hope to see you at RootsTech’19!

About RootsTech

RootsTech, hosted by FamilySearch, is a global conference celebrating families across generations, where people of all ages are inspired to discover and share their memories and connections. This annual event has become the largest of its kind in the world, attracting tens of thousands of participants worldwide.

RootsTech 2018: “Connect. Belong.” Another Year in the Books

Posted on March 16, 2018 by Lynn Broderick @thesingleleaf

Dalton and Caitlin are cousins who live on different continents but converge at RootsTech!

As a genealogy technology conference, RootsTech 2018, with live-streaming, social media interaction, and a global emphasis, delivered once again. The theme was “Connect. Belong.” and from many accounts this is exactly what happened as we close the book on another year.

“Relatives at RootsTech” was a big hit with attendees connecting with many cousins! The success of the app depended on how deeply an attendee was connected to the FamilySearch Family Tree so while some had a plethora of cousins, others had none. A few that thought that they would not find any cousins, found at least one or two. Some messages were sent, some contact information was exchanged, some screen shots were captured for later consideration. “Relatives at RootsTech” was a benefit for those in attendance, but the program upon which it is based, Relatives Around Me, is a relatively new feature on the FamilySearch Family Tree app that you may want to experiment with at your next genealogy event or maybe just at a neighborhood gathering. There is one caveat—the results are only as accurate as the FamilySearch Family Tree.

For those #NotAtRootsTech, I am starting to see posts containing photos of items won by virtual attendees. The #NotAtRootsTech experience may not be the same, but it is the next best thing to being at the conference. For those who missed the live-streamed sessions, they’re now available at RootsTech.org. Other sessions were recorded, but not live-streamed, and are also available.

As I mentioned in a post leading up to RootsTech, attending this conference can be overwhelming. There is so much to hear, see, and do. It is impossible to do it all. Knowing your “why” for attending can make all the difference. It is a strategy that I use each year and it works. I have never been disappointed.

One of my goals this year was to connect with my genealogy community of friends—the ones who share a passion for family history, love to hear the latest ancestral stories, and brainstorm ways to break down brick walls. Many of us know each other online but we’ve never met in person. It can be quite humorous to see someone and remember their handle but not their name. Jenna Mills, a.k.a., @SeekingSurnames, suggested that I wear my trademark as a mask so that I would be easily recognized. I never thought about it before, but it could be fun. Maybe next year. :-)

Since I am the self-proclaimed “Human in Salt Lake City Reporting on RootsTech,” I would like to introduce you to some of those in attendance this year:

What would a genealogy conference be without at tree? Seriously, I met RootsFinder in 2017, but this year I insisted on a photo capturing his roots. Look around on social media and you will find that most photographs cut off his roots. This is totally contrary to the purpose of a conference like RootsTech. :-/

When I caught up with Scott Fisher, of @ExtremeGenes, and Judy Russell, a.k.a., @legalgen, they were discussing their plans for the Innovation Showcase. I may have overheard a word or two about the predictions but I was sworn to secrecy.

I connected with Hilary, a.k.a., @Genemeet, Cheri Hudson Passey, a.k.a., @CarolinaGirlGen, Marie, a.k.a., @histfamilles, and Melanie, a.k.a, @ShamrockGen at the Media Dinner. We welcomed Melanie as a new RootsTech Ambassador this year!

It is great to schedule time to sit and chat. This particular chat included Cheri, @JasonHewlett, who is incredibly entertaining and MC’ed RootsTech, and @LauraLHedgecock. Cheri and Laura are also on the board for the @GeneaBloggersTribe.

I also connected with Angie, a.k.a., @arodesky, and Ruth, a.k.a @PassionateGenea, at the @Living_DNA booth. Living DNA was a platinum sponsor this year with announcements that included an incredible conference price and an upcoming feature, Family Networks, using DNA results, gender, and birthdate to populate the family tree. Angie is a Living DNA U.S. ambassador. Ruth is the Ontario Genealogical Society Conference Program Chair this year. The conference will be held June 1-3, 2018 in Guelph, Ontario.

One of the wonderful aspects of RootsTech is that it attracts family historians from all 50 of the United States as well as 42 countries this year. @JennyAJoyce, from Australia, brought Jaffas to share. Thank you, Jenny! Yum!

Although we’ve had plenty of interaction on Twitter, this was the first time I had the opportunity to meet Jenna, a.k.a., @SeekingSurnames (and a @Chiefs and @Royals fan), and Beth, @BGWylie. Just an FYI, #genchat will be held tonight on Twitter at 8 p.m. MT. Follow the hashtag and @_genchat, too! Join us!

Long over due, I finally connected with my good friend True Lewis, a.k.a., @MyTrueRoots. True is a former U.S. Army Veteran and co-host of @BlackProGen.

Unlike those who blog or who are active on social media, Debbie and Glen serve as writers for FamilySearch. They also double as bouncers for the Media Hub so when I took this photo they had their eye on someone. Glen’s most recent post for the FamilySearch Newsroom is titled, “Quest to Find the Painting of the Ship Brooklyn.”

When I was sitting by Ellen, I had no idea who she was! But then as we began to talk I realized that we were Twitter friends. Meet the Family History Hound! She a “Hound on the Hunt” and she doesn’t want you to “bark up the wrong tree”.

Marian Pierre-Louis attended RootsTech for the first time this year! I know Marian from her blog, Marian’s Roots & Rambles, the fact that she solved Geoff Rasmussen’s “Cracking the Case of Nathan Brown’s Parents” and as a current host of Legacy Family Tree Webinars. It was great to connect!

Michelle, @SoSleuth, and I met back in 2015 when she was an ambassador for the Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference held in Salt Lake City in conjunction with RootsTech. It was great to see her again. Meeting up at conferences is like a family reunion. This year RootsTech was on its way to verifying this simile as fact with “Relatives At RootsTech.” I may not be related to Michelle by DNA, but I claim her as family anyway!

In the final hours of the conference I was wrapping up the conference with these wonderful women: @MichelleGoodrum, Tierra Kellow, a.k.a. @Pressingback, @AmyJohnsonCrow, Lara Diamond, @larasgenealogy, and Kenyatta Berry, @kenyatadb. Although I can name the year that I connected with each of these women, whether an old acquaintance or new, the important fact is that we each belong to the family history and genealogy community. :-)

And, where would we be without the RootsTech team! They work hard each year to put together this conference, striving to improve that which needs improvement. The 2018 statistics are in and there were 17,210 registrations, 111,699 unique live-stream views, 38,288 unique households that watched the live stream, 125 unique countries that watched the live stream, 11,237 tweets using #RootsTech, and over 26,000 Family Discovery Day participants!

Participants could not help but be aware of some of the challenges this team faced this year with the changes and growth, but they’re on it! They’re working toward a better onsite and virtual experience for everyone next year! RootsTech will be held February 27-March 2, 2019 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. Early bird registration will open September 2018. Hope to see you at RootsTech 2019!

FYI: I have identified Twitter handles for many that I mention in this post, but the highlighted handles are linked to their respective blogs or other relevant information.

About RootsTech