Learn more about your family history: Global RootsTech Connect

The desire to know about our heritage was stirred many years ago by the author Alex Haley in “Roots.” He wrote, “There is a hunger, marrow-deep, to know our heritage – to know who we are and where we have come from. Without this enriching knowledge, there is a hollow yearning. No matter what our attainments in life, there is still a vacuum, an emptiness, and the most disquieting loneliness.

Our ancestors have prepared the way before us, preserving fundamental principles of our society such as honesty, self-respect, compassion, industry, and good citizenship. We can learn from those of the past the most important of life’s lessons through the examples they left. Seeking out your heritage can be a deeply rewarding experience that can last the rest of your life. And as you pull yourself up through the branches of your family tree, even though it is a frustrating process at times, you will gain a new respect and love for the people who made you possible. And there will be a peace of mind, a feeling of belonging and identity you never knew before.

Finding one’s own roots begins in the home with searching for that old family photo album or the Bible that has been handed down for years. From old suitcases and trunks you branch out by obtaining information from relatives. After personal sources have been exhausted, it is time for public sources such as libraries, county courthouses, the census bureau and the lists goes on.

For the first time in 10-year history, a global family history conference called RootsTech will be entirely virtual and completely free to the entire world. RootsTech Connect will be held February 25-27, 2021. With more than 200,000 people registered and representing every country around the globe, this will be the largest RootsTech conference since the event began in 2011.

RootsTech, considered to be the largest family history conference in the world, is hosted by FamilySearch, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to helping all people discover their family story.

This year, presenters will teach from international locations, and all experiences will be available in 11 languages. Keynote speakers include Mexican golfer Lorena Ochoa, Australian motivational speaker Nick Vujicic, Indian American actor Erick Avari, South African band Ladysmith Black Mambazo and former professional football players from Uruguay and Brazil. There will be nearly 2,000 classes offered in a variety of categories, including:

• Finding Living Relatives
• Finding Ancestors
• DNA
• Places, People, & Research
• Memories – Stories, Photos, Videos
• Traditions and Heritage
• Websites, Tools & Apps

In addition to classes, there will also be a virtual Expo Hall. Companies and vendors from around the world will be helping users make personal and family discoveries through a dynamic and interactive expo hall experience. Users will be able to see the latest in new product demonstrations in a virtual demo theater, get hands-on instruction and receive personal assistance.

Complimentary registration is available at RootsTech.org.

The quality of our families and our communities across the nation began with our descendants years ago. Through searching for our roots, we will be able to better understand how to cope with today’s problems and challenges and to prepare for generations to come. Daniel Webster wrote, “There is a moral and philosophical respect for our ancestors which elevates the character and improves the heart.”