The last day of RootsTech 2016 came quickly. Once again, bundled up in my blanket, sitting in my rocking chair I participated via Livestream.
 |
| Mike Leavitt |
Opening Session:
Only one opening session speaker was livestreamed for this last day of RootsTech. Micheal Leavitt, former Governor of Utah and cabinet member of George W. Bush, shared his memories in a unique way. He gave attendees and viewers the opportunity to text in and vote on what story he should talk about. His election as Governor, days at the White House, and being part of the Salt Lake Olympic Committee were chosen. A heartwarming tale of a young boy chosen to run with the Olympic torch led him to tell us that our family stories are "Fire on a stick."
Sessions:
Photos-Emerging Technologies in Photography-Jens Neilson
A native of Denmark, Jens discusses the history of cameras and the technology of today. A touching story of his mother's death and the naming of his company, Pictureline, for her, emphasized the importance of photos. He states that the best way to archive your photos is to print them.
 |
| Anne Mitchell |
Become a Master Searcher on Ancestry.com-Anne Mitchell
In this session, Anne, known as Ancestry Ann, says that we need to have a question before we start to search. We need to look for specific records for a specific person. What do we need to tell their story? What is our end goal? The search box on ancestry was explained, and tips were shared on how to use filters, wildcards for a more focused search result.
Try different ways to search. Remember to read the data collection description!
If you use Ancestry.com, this is a must see presentation.
There was a glitch in the livestream, so a replay of yesterday's talk on Google Searches by Lisa Louise Cook was shown.
Then instead of the presentation on Genealogical Proof Standard, we were able to watch a previously recorded session by Maureen Taylor.
There are also other talks available on the RootsTech youtube page that were not shown on the livestream presentations each day.
 |
| Maureen Taylor |
5 Steps to Identifying Family Photos-Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective
Know the provenance of the picture. Who owned it, and when. What type of photo is it? Maureen goes through the ways to identify your photos. She says to look at the picture like you've never seen it before. What are they wearing, what is surrounding them? What are the props? Is there a caption and is it true? By asking these questions and doing your research, you may be able to figure out who is in the photo.
Never underestimate the power of a family picture in helping you learn about your family.
 |
| Peggy Lauritzen |
Homespun and Calico: Researching our Foremothers-Peggy Lauritzen
In Peggy's presentation, hints tips and records types were talked about to help find maternal lines. Some of the suggestions included sources created by the woman and sources created about her such as newspaper announcements, diaries and court records. Research the local history of where your female ancestors are from. Don't forget to look at manuscript collections. Maps help you see who your ancestors neighbors were. Woman often married their neighbors. To find your female ancestors, look for her in the records of her family. Parents, husbands, children and grandchildren. Peggy is a wonderful presenter. Her warmtth and love for genealogy work come through as she gives these and other ideas to help find our formothers.
Here is the link to watch Saturday's Livestream:
What fantastic few days of amazing talks and presentations.
Thanks to RootsTech for making the Livestream available so that those who couldn't be there could take advantage of this educational opportunity.
Next year, my hope is to be there in person instead of watching from my rocking chair!
Are we kin? Please contact me. Together we can find our poeple.
Thank you so much for stopping by.
