As we launched into RootsTech 2025 this year it was apparent that the theme of “Discover” would take on new meaning. From storytelling to research to DNA, it was apparent that generative AI is making a splash that can’t be ignored and can be used for so much good. We also noticed that expanding storytelling skills is of interest to everyone. Keynote speakers – both live and virtual – shared the stories of their ancestors and their own lives. They shared how challenges in their lives have become important moments in their story.
Add What You Know
In FamilySearch CEO Steve Rockwood’s address, he challenged us to “add what we know” to our family history. Then, he suggested using generative ID to uncover mysteries we may not understand. He shared a recent discovery that his great great grandfather wanted to harvest lobster and other seafood in the Great Salt Lake. He used AI to expand on the story, and how his Rockwood family tried, but could not get the lobster idea going. The story of creation and entrepreneurship delighted Rockwood. During his keynote a drone flew in carrying a lobster and a spray of confetti to the crowd. RootsTech had begun, with our minds piqued about what discoveries we may make over the next few days.
Crista Cowan, Corporate Genealogist with Ancestry, also wowed us with her information on the RootsTech main stage about Anestry’s new “Connections” program which expands genealogy searches to include friends, career fields, places people have lived and beyond. She shared heartwarming stories of how she wouldn’t be who she was without some of the relationships beyond her friendships. “We are giving people the opportunity to tell a whole life story,” Cowan explained with a big smile as photos of her good friends popped up on the screen.
In Friday’s keynote we were inspired by Dana Tanamachi’s beautiful artistic skills that range from elaborate painting and drawings to jaw-dropping chalk art. She shared her journey of growth, which intertwines with the stories of her grandmother and great-grandmother who created art despite being in difficult life circumstances. The audience was touched by the intricate art her grandmother created while in an internment camp during World War II in Arizona. Tanamachi holds dear a tiny umbrella her great-grandmother made from discarded cigarette packages.
“I will continue in the footsteps of women in my family whose quiet strength gave them the audacity to create beauty even in the midst of dire and bleak circumstances,” Tanamachi said. “Creating beautiful things from unexpected materials is in my blood,” she added.
Saturday’s keynote was equally was impressive with gold medal Olympians Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall. The two shared their love story of meeting at a track meet, a love which shined onstage. They told of not only family stories, but of their goals as a couple. Davis-Woodhall’s jaw literally dropped when she was presented with some of her family history about her champion boxing great-grandfather and another great-great-grandfather who had been given land after slavery was abolished. Woodhall was also thrilled by news of the strength of the women in his ancestry and their courage to go on in difficult circumstances.
“We are here today because of the decisions the folks made before us,” Woodhall said. “The most valuable thing we carry is our name,” he added. That was one of the most profound moments of the conference, and it has stuck with me since.
“The most valuable thing we that we own is our name,” Hunter Woodhall.
Hunter Woodhall – Gold Medal Paralympian 2024 Paris Games
The keynotes are a favorite for sure, but RootsTech has so much to offer in other ways! Of course, the classes are always a treat with such a wide variety of offerings. Rhonda Lauritzen and I spent a lot of time teaching and preparing, so it is wonderful that we can catch up on classes online after RootsTech ends.
What’s new in the World of Family History
One of the great parts of RootsTech is learning what new offerings the genealogy world has for us. I was intrigued by new steps Storied is taking.
My Heritage has added a weekly question prompt service which culminates in a book – similar to Storyworth. It seems the storytelling world is taking off. I noticed some other smaller businesses offering books and question prompts this year as well. It was fun to see My Heritage’s other new offerings. CousinFinder is one of their new programs where family tree matches are used to find blood relatives and common ancestors, along with DNA-level insights without a DNA test. They also shared that their DNA findings have increased in accuracy, adding a new “ancient origins” feature.
I was intrigued by Storied’s new developments. They offered a free book to all RootsTech attendees this year. They also had some awesome question cards with QR codes that take the writer directly to an app to add a photo or story. People can also record stories on their app through a QR code.
FamilySearch Discoveries
FamilySearch continues to advance its free services including its memories app. They have also created a new app to captures the stories and lives of living ancestors. The new app, called “Together” allows you to enter short vignette-type stories in all areas of life and then invite family members to join your circle and do the same. Those stories or ideas can then be uploaded to FamilySearch. Invited family members can read the stories as they are uploaded. There is a “favorites” category with all areas of favorites from food to music to movies. There is an “About me” section, “Faith” section and so on. “It really opens families up for connections,” said Dan Call who is one of the creators of the app for FamilySearch.
In a private interview with media prior to his keynote address, Rockwood shared his top three things he was excited about for RootsTech this year. “The expanding globalization of what is happening here,” Rockwood said of all aspects of new discoveries within FamilySearch. He talked about how FamilySearch is working with countries worldwide to gather family history. “We are finding we have so much in common. It’s all about finding the history of humankind and that is by far my favorite,” Rockwood said of the collaborative work being done with archivists from around the world.
In the same interview Rockwood also spoke of generative AI. “It’s all-inclusive. It’s going to help the genealogists, the enthusiasts, and the technologists to be so much more effective in what they do. But it’s also going to help the casual user or the curious person to engage in ways they never thought,” he said.
Rockwood’s third emphasis was on youth. “That is always consistent,” Rockwood said. He shared that just like with the internet in the last generation, youth are leading out on the work with AI. “If we have the youth involved, they are going to bring the adults with them,” he said.
I always love the interactions I have with other conference attendees and their takeaways. DNA continues to gather large crowds, but this year, it seemed every room had many people, interested in a variety of the offerings Rootstech shared.
My class: I was lucky enough to teach a webinar online this year and that can be viewed here.
Rootstech never disappoints. I am thrilled to have the chance to continue to unravel all the online classes and take a look at the virtual keynotes. There is something for every level of family history knowledge and the doors are wide open to learn more!
Rachel has been telling stories since she could walk and talk. As a little girl, she would draw for hours and make up stories to go along with her artwork. Before coming to Evalogue.Life, she worked as a newspaper reporter for 17 years at Ogden’s local newspaper, The Standard-Examiner. She reported on heavy topics ranging from heated city elections to local school issues. But her love for writing about people’s life stories and their triumphs over tragedy captured her heart.
