Ancestry RoadsMar 8

#RootsTech2026 is at an end.

Lots of observations...

* "Cloud" Tennis Shoes are not worth it (my 20 year old Mary Jane Birkies for the win!)

* While every presentation I attended had a great speaker who were knowledgeable, even the "intermediate" level ones felt like beginner. So, if you are an experienced #genealogist (professional or amateur or arm chair), you might think so too. But....

* The in booth presentations are seriously AWESOME. You can pick and choose which company/product interests you and see if they are having a booth talk.

The big guys all have professional booth talks. I even attended one that Christa Cowen had with "Ask me anything".

* If you were #NotAtRootsTech don't worry. The downloadable presentations really are great and informative.

* Most companies had deals for those that were #NotAtRootsTech that were the same if you were there. Granted, the software & book companies had plenty to buy and take home vs ship.

* Don't be afraid to stay a few blocks away from the Salt Palace but stay in the "free city zone" to take advantage of the free trax) tram /train. I stayed at a fantastic hotel three train stops away and was thankful to have the peace away from the convention.

#genealogy #familyhistory #Rootstech

Show threadBetsy Roberts Miller ⁂Mar 7

@chasfhudson

I've always thought of it as a way to be sure I'm doing original research - because people mostly start with the governors (my cousin) and senators (different line) and judges (different persons on those lines).

Not to mention forgetting the bachelor uncles and maiden aunts, whose wills and probate tie together far-flung branches of the family.

The 1880 census had a maiden aunt whose retirement home was making the rounds of the nieces and nephews. One side of town was enumerated to start the census and the other side to finish; she moved house during it and was enumerated twice - once on her father's side and once on her mother's.

#RootsTech2026 #RootsTech
#NotAtRootsTech #Genealogy

Show threadBetsy Roberts Miller ⁂Mar 7

@genchat I've certainly seen some "warts and all" coverage that didn't make it into the stories told by the elders.

But the FAN Club coverage is surely helped by the Social news - who's hosting the holiday and birthday family meals, who are the bridesmaids or pallbearers.

#RootsTech #RootsTech2026
#NotAtRootsTech #Genealogy
@genealogy

AppalachianMtnBungalowMar 6
From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Wasatch Range, an Appalachian heart can find home anywhere.

This morning in Salt Lake City started with a plate that felt like pure Appalachia: fluffy biscuits covered in peppered gravy and a side of crispy hash browns. One bite and suddenly the mountains felt familiar again. Different peaks, same comfort. YUM!

Being Appalachian isn’t just a place on a map. It’s biscuits and gravy at sunrise, stories passed down through generations, and the feeling that no matter where you travel, you carry those mountain roots with you.

Today those roots just happened to be enjoying breakfast with a view of the Wasatch instead of the Blue Ridge. 🌄

Rambling Roads restaurant in SLC.

#AppalachianRoots #MountainToMountain #BiscuitsAndGravy #Appalachian #SaltLakeCity #RootsTech #RootsTech2026 #NotAtRootsTech #Genealogy #Food #Biscuits
Ancestry RoadsMar 6

Day Two of #RootsTech2026:

What do you want to see? #NotAtRootsTech

I am going to try to sneak around and get some #swag & videos, maybe go live on my YT Channel to answer questions.

If you are at #RootsTech, come say hi at the #WikiTree booth. Join me at the Expo Stage, 2:30pm MT, as I present for WikiTree.

Ancestry RoadsMar 6

#FTDNA #RootsTech2026 pricing. Read the Alt text for details. Pricing through March 31st, 2026.

A great time to buy a Big Y DNA test. They were activating tests on the spot! 😮

#GeneticGenealogy #DNA #genealogy

(I am not affiliated or receive any payment - just posting the deals 😉)

Ancestry RoadsMar 6

#Ancestry has a table with really cool high quality #stickers. Germany, England, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, were grabbed up extremely quick. Possibly an indication of attendees that have ancestors from those areas.

#RootsTech2026 #Genealogy #ethnicity #RootsTech

Ancestry RoadsMar 6

#RootsTech2026

🤔 ***My observations***

This year, the majority of questions from attendees (while I was working at the #WikiTree booth) and, in general chatter before presentations:

AI presentations were PACKED! Standing room only.

* AI - can I use it (lots of ethics questions)
* AI - is it farming my work
* Photos (huge topic this year in presentations). Can I upload to WikiTree ... And how much does it cost (spoiler alert... It's free!)
* People are so incredibly happy! Sometimes, conventions bring cranky travelers but not at #RootsTech so far.
* I only saw 2 people out of thousands wearing a mask.

The most requested information on projects at WikiTree (asked to me): Nordic Countries & Poland

Ancestry RoadsMar 6

Did you know that you can access any ONLINE #RootsTech2026 session for free? Their on demand library is open.

https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/library?cid=SO-00058708

#RootsTech #Genealogy #FamilyHistory #FamilySearch

Ancestry RoadsMar 6

#FTDNA has a #RootsTech2026 unlock special. Very limited time offer.

Upload Your Autosomal DNA (from other companies) to FamilyTreeDNA for free.

You will need to use a code at checkout: ROOTSTECHUNLOCK

https://www.familytreedna.com/products/autosomal-dna-upload

#DNA #RootsTech #Genealogy #GeneticGenealogy #FamilyHistory

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