Randy Seaver's Saturday Fun Night

Rootech!

Have you gone to Rootstech? If so which years? I’ve only been once, 2018. 

Describe your experience. Amazing time. Huge!

Who was your favorite speaker? Henry Louis Gates. I wanted to see him for a very long time. Arrived an hour early thinking I’d be the first one there, but there were hundreds of people who came even earlier. I got a great seat and he gave an inspiring speech.

Did you talk with any genealogy "rock stars"? No, but I snuck a photo of Randy Seaver in the blogger area!

What was something you learned that you use over and over? I went to my third choice presentation when the two others were filled, but it was the best. U.S. Church records by Sunny Morton. She’s written a book about it since then. I use these records often. Did you know that one study showed you have a 65% chance of finding the town of origin in US church records? (Many times the immigrant is asked "Where were you baptized?")

Describe something you enjoyed in the vendor area. I loved seeing so many wonderful companies. I was pleasantly surprised by the scanning project that binds papers into books. And the antique experts who evaluate items.

Do you watch the streamed classes live? I tried this year, but missed the classes I wanted to see (wrong time.) But I watch most of the recorded programs. They are already available for 2020.

Did you visit the library? Yes!

Describe your experience. Spent hours and hours there. Friendly volunteers. Found a lot.

What was your favorite Salt Lake City experience not genealogical related? (A restaurant, a landmark etc.) We saw the Mormon Tabernacle choir practice in front of the large pipe organ. Wow!

What was a pleasant surprise about your visit that you did not expect?

1)The light train between the airport and hotel was cheap, clean, and easy. 2) Men in suits and ties and women in dresses. 3) How older people seem to mentor younger people. More connections between generations.