Getting Started

For Beginners

Where do I start? If this is the question you ask when you think about family history and genealogy, then attending the new Getting Started track at RootsTech 2013 is a great solution! With over 30 classes and workshops especially designed for those who are just beginning, you will learn how and where to begin your family history.


NEW! Getting Started Track

New to RootsTech 2013 is a full track of classes and labs created just for beginners. Now there really is something for everyone:

  • Learn the basics of starting your family history
  • Discover 10 activities you can do to get started
  • Get hands-on experience with family history tools
  • Recording and preserving family stories
  • Use your smartphone or other devices for family history
  • Using Google search to help find your ancestors

Additional classes will be offered for LDS Church members where they can learn the importance of family history, the basics to build their family tree and all the great resources to begin.

RootsTech provides an opportunity unlike any other! The conference offers you the perfect environment for learning the basics with access to world-class classes and content, presented by experts who incorporate all the latest technology and research tools in the industry.

Explore the Expo Hall

You’ll also get access to the huge Expo Hall, 40% bigger this year, where you can interact with over 100 exciting technology and family history related exhibitors all in one fun, informative place!

  • Learn about all the latest technology products, like hand-held scanners, and easy to use software solutions straight from the companies providing them
  • Bring an old family book or picture, we’ll scan it for free, and also give you a disk to take home (appointment may be necessary)
  • Get a large print-out of your newly created family tree fan chart
  • Get personal, expert help right there in our Family History Library mini lab
  • Interact with leading family history providers, like: Ancestry.com, FindMyPast.com, FamilySearch, Mocavo and other technology providers like Dell

Getting Started Schedule

The following classes and labs are offered specifically for beginners. Click here to see full schedule and sessions descriptions. (Schedules are subject to change.)

Find & Organize

  • Finding Your Ancestors Online in U.S. Census Records
  • You Need a Search Strategy: Understanding the Limitations of and Keys to Success with Genealogical Databases
  • 50 Google Searches Every Genealogist Needs to Know
  • Online Genealogy for the Absolute Beginner Lab
  • The Paperless Genealogist: Myth or Reality?
  • Chutes & Ladders: Innovative Approaches to Online Genealogy
  • 5 New Things to Try at Ancestry.com
  • Organizing Your Stuff
  • Managing Your Digital Environment
  • Researching Ancestors Online for Beginners - Class
  • FamilySearch Family Tree
  • Timeline Creation Applications

Preserve & Share

  • Picasa and Photo Filmstrip to Organize and Present Your Photos
  • What is the Cloud and Why Do I Care?
  • Recording and Preserving Family Stories Using Your Hand-held iPad, iPhone, iPod, or Android Devices
  • Using a Digital Camera and Scanner in Genealogical Research
  • Basic Photo Repair with Photoshop
  • Interest in Pinterest for Family History
  • Beyond Home Movies: YouTube Genealogy
  • Backing Up Your Genealogy Data

General

  • The Blog Blitz: Create Your Own Genealogy Blog in One Session Lab
  • As the Mind Skips a Beat - Technology Keeps the Process Moving
  • I've Never Done a PowerPoint!
  • 10 Fun Family History Activities Hands-on Lab
  • 10 Fun Family History Activities - Class
  • First Steps in Famly History
  • LDS Church Members: Start Your Family Tree and More - Part A
  • LDS Church Members: Start Your Family Tree and More - Part B