“Seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.
“Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house . . . even a house of learning.” (D&C 88:118-119)
Recently, a new Temple & Family History Consultant approached me shortly after my presentation on Family History. Jenna was perplexed on how to begin learning about this new calling. She explained she didn’t know much about doing or teaching family history and noted her leader was also is in the dark. I could see the light of determination in Jenna’s eyes to learn her new role; so I invited her to a one-on-one session with me.
Too many times this scenario has played out over Church callings, especially family history work. A wide gap remains between learning and understanding what a consultant does and acquiring the skills to learn. Luckily, much help is out there in our virtual world, to help grasp the tools needed and find help applying the principles. One of the best venues to find a class at your level is RootsTech.
RootsTech, the world’s largest virtual (and in-person) genealogy conference, brings experts and novices together to explore the numerous paths of family history. It has something for the beginner and professional, the teacher and the learner, the innovator and the story teller, the orphan and the immense family. The in-person event will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah and the virtual event can be accessed on your home computer. Both, in-person and virtual events, will be held March 2-4, 2023. You can register here: https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/.
Connections between cousins, known and unknown, are made possible through Relatives at RootsTech. For me, these connections led to collaboration, new information, answers to long-standing questions, and new friendships & relationships. For example, I reached out to an unknown eighth cousin in Sweden. She offered to look up and translate records if needed. I also connected with many of my familiar close relatives. I took note of those who were virtually “there” with me and sent them a “hello & collaboration” message.
For me, the tangible experience of attending in-person blew my socks off! The energy and excitement enveloped me like stepping into the ocean for the first time. My attention was far more focused as I engaged in the classes and events, especially the Latter-day Saint events. The Spirit was palpable at these meetings, and I loved being with my mission friends, who ironically, I had only interacted with virtually.
I must admit my virtual experience is not what it could have been had I invested my attention in the RootsTech classes added to My Playlist. Instead of setting aside the three days RootsTech was held, or even one of these three days to focus on learning, I added dozens of classes to My Playlist, because I knew I had a year to watch them. Well, I kept putting off the day I would tackle this exciting list! Until . . . my list disappeared. Perhaps, I should have listened to The Minimal Mom and kept a short, doable list that had the top priority items first.
As awesome as attending RootsTech live can be, one can only be in a few of the many classes offered. Thanks to FamilySearch, the opportunity to continually expand one’s knowledge by having access to the RootsTech classes and beyond, can be found in FamilySearch’s Help Center, their Learning Center, and the Search the On-Demand Library feature on the RootsTech’s website. These “Help” features are free to all.
This year I plan to do things differently. Since I am attending virtually once again, My Playlist will be organized by order of importance, and every Thursday has been set aside, until all the selected video sessions have been viewed. Preparation is critical; so I have already carved out a few time slots by viewing the RootsTech Calendar and selecting the classes and events I am going to attend the day of; so I don’t put it off.
Whether you are a new Consultant like Jenna or have great skills in researching your ancestors, RootsTech has something for you. As you set aside the time to build a house of learning, the light of Christ will be ignited in your hearts, and those who have previously stepped through the veil of this life will rejoice.
RootsTech Resources
Learning:
Video Library – 315 Classes Offered
With over 1,500 recorded classes posted online and over 300 classes being offered this year, the Rootstech library is overflowing with inventory. Since RootsTech places learning as its highest priority, there is something for everyone.
Innovation:
This is the heartbeat of RootsTech where companies showcase cutting-edge technology. It’s a place to discover how you can connect to your family.
Inspiration:
The Main Stage is one of the highlights of the event. Over the 3 days, you’ll discover programming that uplifts, inspires, educates, and entertains.
Connections:
RootsTech is an opportunity to make connections. Whether it is collaborating with other attendees in a class chat or finding relatives at RootsTech, connection is their goal.
Getting Started – Playlists
Where Do I Start- What if I Don’t Know Much About My Family?
Discover, Tell, and Share Your Story
Finding Ancestors and Homelands
Beginning Research in Your Homelands
Help For the T&FH Consultant
Online Genealogy Consultations
Sign up for a free, 20-minute online research strategy consultation. We aim to empower you by identifying good next steps to take in your research journey.
Receive help from a skilled helper with your research, language translations, the Family Tree, or other family history questions.
Get translation and research help by posting questions in various Community groups.
