RootsTech has officially started. After a busy day yesterday at the Family Search Library digitizing photos and VHS along with some research time, this morning came sooner than I would have liked. I must admit that although I was excited about the first day of the conference, I was already tired. But I got up and moving and made it to my first session just a few minutes late. Once I walked in and saw two of my favorite family historians, I knew this was going to be a great day. After the session was over, I realized that more of the genealogy friends I made at RootsTech last year were in that same session. It was like a family reunion after the session of us talking, hugging, laughing, taking pictures, and just enjoying seeing each other again.
As it turned out the next session I had on my list, my genealogy friends were headed to also. So we all made the walk to the other side of the convention center together. After lunch we all headed in different directions. This first day of RootsTech was more than I ever could have imagined. With a start to the conference like this, I know this is going to be the best year yet.
One of the things I love most about RootsTech other than the sessions that I learn so much from, is the connections that I have made. I have been able to reconnect with people that I have met through the past five years attending the conference and people that I have only communicated with through social media. The genealogy community has a way of making you feel like a superstar, and everyone always wants to hear all of your family history stories. The CEO of Family Search, Steve Rockwood said it best when describing the family historian as a person with a brilliant mind and a sensitive heart. It was a long but exciting day, and I’m ready to see what day two has to offer.
Sessions I attended:
- African American Resources and Support at the International African AMerican Museum presented by Brian Sheffey
- Records of the Freedmen’s Bureau: There’s Something for Everyone presented by Renate Yarborough Sanders
- Keynote Speaker – Henry Cho
- Finding Your Family in U.S. Newspapers presented by Julie Merrill
- Dead Men Do Tell Tales presented by Loretta Evans
Click HERE to read about RootsTech 2024 Day 2
Click HERE to read bout RootsTech 2024 Day 3
Journey Through the Generations 