The theme for RootsTech 2026 is “Together” and we are delighted to be speaking for the ninth year in a row. RootsTech is the world’s largest family history conference with 250 speakers in-person and via virtual formats.
Watch this page and our social media for announcements of any meetups and specials. We will update this page after the event with a roundup of insights.
Here are the in-person talks we are doing this year:
How to Turn Your Research into a Great Life Story
Thursday, March 5, 8:00 AM, Room 251. Rachel Trotter and Mat Trotter
Those who research often say they can’t write and those who write often say they can’t research. This class will dispel those rumors by teaching would be writers how to add facts to their ancestor stories and would be researchers how to capture their excellent research and create a beautiful story. We will details how to access help from others and how to make the most of what Familysearch, Ancestry and other research tools can do to find information that will help to create a fact-based and captivating life story. This is an in-person session and will not be recorded or broadcast. Preview or add it to your schedule here…
Trace Your Family Home’s Story with Tech and Heart
Thursday, March 5, 3:00 PM, Room 355 BC. Rhonda Lauritzen
Feel a curious pull to your ancestor’s home? This class will help you unlock the history of family places through practical research and storytelling. You will learn a step-by-step process for uncovering a home’s past, a treasure hunt that will capture your imagination. Follow a case study and learn where to look—title abstracts, fire insurance maps, city directories, and local archives. Utilize AI-powered analysis. Discover crowdsourcing tips and how to weave facts into vivid narratives that honor the emotional power of place. See examples of simple yet compelling videos to share stories with others. This session blends step-by-step guidance with inspiring examples. Note: this class draws from U.S. examples and sources, but many of the principles will apply to other locations. This in-person session is not being broadcast or recorded. Preview or add it to your schedule here…
How-To’s of Oral History
Friday, March 6, 4:30 PM MST, Room 250. Rachel Trotter
Do you want to record your story but don’t know where to begin? Start with Oral history! This class will give you a step by step guide on best practices to record your history, save it and then we will talk about what to do with your history once it’s done. This will be a fast-paced class that will get your own story started or encourage you to help someone else. Preview or add it to your schedule here.
Navigating Sensitivities, Rrauma, and Secrets in Family Storytelling
Friday, March 6, 4:30 PM, Room 350 BC. Rhonda Lauritzen
Are you grappling with how to address a family secret or trauma? This session will equip you to write about tough topics with empathy and grace. Tackle the challenge of crafting stories that heal rather than harm, avoiding “time bombs” that disrupt relationships. Through case study examples, learn critical mindsets to approach adversity in a story. You will come away with practical language for writing about sensitive topics and guidance for when to share or withhold stories. You will come away feeling empowered to draft a story that fosters transformation and connection. Discover how to write “time capsules” that inspire, ensuring your family history unites rather than divides. his in-person session is not being broadcast or recorded. Preview or add it to your schedule here.
Taking Youth to the Temple with Purpose
Saturday, March 7, 8:00 AM, Room 355 BC. Rachel Trotter.
Want to engage youth in your ward with both temple and family history work? This class will offer some tried and true tips that have worked with local youth from the desire to attend to the temple to the desire to take names to the temple and then learning about their ancestors. We will also talk about youth teaching adults and how it engages them in the work and the joy and anticipating it brings to youth to make covenants in the temple when they are older. This in-person session is not being broadcast or recorded. Preview or add it to your schedule here.
