This is the fifth year I have attended RootsTech, a family
history spectacular held in Salt Lake City, Utah and sponsored by FamilySearch
and others. This year, like every other, was amazing. There is something so
affirming in being with several thousand other people who are as interested and
engaged in family history as I am. The opportunities for learning seem
boundless. This year the Federation of Genealogical Societies held their
convention in conjunction with RootsTech. Though I knew I could never
assimilate everything that was offered during that wonderful week, I could not
resist signing up for both events simultaneously.
Me, Sister Beth and Cousin Elizabeth. I love sharing RootsTech with people I care about. |
But when a friend asked me what I learned this year at
RootsTech, I was at a loss to tell her anything specific. I’ve been pondering
her question. For me, such a conference is more than information about a
fascinating hobby. It’s of earth-shattering or rather earth-saving importance.
To see why I feel that way, we have to back up from the specifics to a wider
perspective. But specifics are important too. I’ll try to start there. The
first day for me (Genealogical Society day) was about nurturing those of us who
make genealogy our vocation, whether we are paid with money or with service
blessings. I was impressed that it is important to build unity and camaraderie
among the staff at a family history center or the members of a genealogical
society. We do this by listening with respect to one another, by having fun
together, and by keeping in mind the mission of our facility or society.
Also on Wednesday were some classes about how to reach out
to others who may be interested in joining our ranks—those who take their
family history seriously. The tools for doing so are numerous. I feel
overwhelmed with the complexity and the numbers of internet helps that are
available to us. On Wednesday and throughout the conference, several classes
just demonstrated one or many of these helps. I am hoping that when a certain
need arises, I can remember something I learned that may meet that need. Just
cataloging the syllabi of good ideas and instructions in my computer files or harder
still, in my mind, seems daunting to me. (RootsTech syllabus here.)
Me with cousin Abe on his birthday |
A memorable class considered the principles of ethical
genealogy. These were more firmly embedded in my personal philosophy as I
listened to Judy Russell. I think I have a better idea of what ethical
genealogy means and a stronger resolve to live those principles. That was the
first day.
On Thursday, the pace quickened and the opportunities
multiplied, and that was the pattern for Friday and then Saturday too. Much has
been written about each day. I am still gathering information and impressions
from the written accounts of those of us who ponder our world on “paper.” Here
is one good summary of a few of these accounts by Randy Seaver. Whole presentations and also pieces
of them are available on the internet here and here and here and just keep looking. The conference is over but it has not
ended.
Each day began with a large general session and some of these are
also available online. I always love the keynote addresses and this year was no
exception. The feelings those general sessions inspire in me are what makes me
love to be a family historian and a genealogist. The most powerful insight strengthened for me
this year is the importance of each person’s life and how all of our lives are
interwoven. Tan Le demonstrated that importance as she talked about her
grandmother and her mother. Donny Osmond got choked up about his dad.
A.J. Jacobs showed us that we are all connected, cousins, if
you will. I had four of the more traditional type of cousins and a sister at
RootsTech with me, which really intensified my interconnected experience.
Cousin Joan and Beth; All photos courtesy of Beth Breinholt. |
Cousins Elizabeth, Don, Nadine, me and sister Beth |
A good experience is exactly what was available for those
who came to RootsTech 2015. But I believe that experience has profoundly influenced
the world we live in and will continue to do so. Janet Hovorka wrote in her
little book, Zap the Grandma Gap, that
“family history can save the world.” She goes on to explain that when people
are grounded in their past, they are empowered with the perspective to go
forward with faith and compassion. The decisions of the past have shaped our
lives and we have the capacity to shape the future of this world in a like
manner. The type of knowledge, perspective, and inspiration we gain at a
conference like the huge and spectacular RootsTech is likewise a huge and
spectacular step forward in saving our world and the people who live here.