Thursday at RootsTech 2017~Tradition, Connection and Song

Salt Palace Convention Center
Home to RootsTech 2017

Another early morning train ride from Fruit Heights to Salt Lake in time for the Ambassador Tour of the Expo Hall.
 It was massive! A genealogist's Disney Land I heard it called.
From demonstrations of the large genealogy websites to small Mom and Pop businesses, you can find what you are looking for to help your tree grow. In just a few hours it would open to the public and it would be filled with people, but for then, we had a chance to walk through and take it all in.

Expo Hall Tour

After the tour, we were lead backstage and to our seats. It just so happened that Drew and Jonathan Scott aka The Property Brothers were being interviewed before their keynote talk at the opening session and we walked right by them. More than a few quick pics were taken as we did!

Backstage
Drew and Jonathan Scott
The Property Brothers 

Sitting together and enjoying each other's company is always a highlight of the keynote sessions.

Valerie Elkins, Helen Smith, Mary Roddy, Jennie Fairs, and Amy Lenertz

Peggy Lauritzen, Amy Bowser Tennant, Angela Walton-Raji, and Toni Carrier

Randy Seaver, Ruth Blair, Marie Cappart and others!

Congratulations Amy!

I happened to be sitting by Amy Johnson Crow when she won an Amazon gift card for entering the twitter contest as the Property Brothers were speaking. It was fun to see her reaction and to get a test from my brother-in-law who was watching that said " I just saw you on the live feed!!"

A confession: I have never watched the Property Brothers TV show.  Coming into the conference, I was aware of them and had seen them in advertisements and such.
The excitement in the air before they came on stage could be felt in the room.  They spoke of family and their Scottish roots, kilts, and bagpipes. For someone who didn't know much about them, I really enjoyed their presentation! Did you miss it or would like to see it again? You can view it here.

Interviewing in the Media Hub

Steve Rockwood of FamilySearch explained the importance of food and family ties. He is seen here drinking A&W Rootbeer, a family tradition, and eating his grandmother's Rocky Road fudge.

Steve Rockwood, CEO of FamilySearch International

My choice of class was My DNA Runs in My Family from genetic genealogist Angie Bush and her daughter Brynne.

Angie Bush and daughter Brynne

This was a fun explanation of the types of DNA and how to use it to discover your family. Brynn explained how she became interested in DNA and used it in a 7th grade science fair project. She takes us through the steps of discovering how she connects with her family.

Luckily, it was one of the live streaming presentations for the day and can be watched here.     

Part of my afternoon was spent helping in the In-depth Genealogist Booth.

Terri O'Connell and Jennifer Alford

Love being part of the IDG Team!

You never know who you will run into when running a booth!

Mary Tedesco from Genealogy Road Show!

Great Tips from David Lambert

David Lambert gave an informative class on "Researching Your WWI and WWII American Ancestors". He gave many tips on where to find records that may still exist for those who served.

After a long day of classes, ambassador and booth responsibilities, it was time to relax and enjoy a special concert from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir the Orchestra on Temple Square and the grandson of Oscar Hammerstein, Oscar "Andy" Hammerstein III.

      We were seated early and had the privilege of listening to them practice. No video taping was allowed during the performance but I was able to take this one as they ran through one of my favorite songs!

This special night of music and memories touched all of our hearts. Singing softly along, I was in tears as memories of my grandmother taking me to see "The Sound of Music" as a child filled my soul. Not once, but five times. There was no watching the DVD when it came out then.  She has passed but just hearing the opening strains of each song brings her back to me.

After returning home, I was thrilled to discover that the link to the whole performance is available. 
Don't miss this opportunity to hear this amazing choir and the words and music of Rogers and Hammerstein as they present Music It Runs in the Family.

Another fun filled, emotional day at RootsTech!