“Together” is a word that has many definitions. It could pertain to how close in proximity individuals are to each other. It could be the way ingredients are combined in a recipe. It could be a feeling that like-minded individuals have about a specific topic. It could describe the collaboration of individuals working together toward a common goal.
And all of those definitions fit the “Together” theme of the 2026 RootsTech family history conference held in Salt Lake City from March 5 to 7, 2026.
While the world’s largest genealogy conference of 2026 is over for this year, the excitement of new ideas and technologies is still available online—for free! From Ireland to Brazil to Africa to California, keynote videos highlight outstanding people journeying to excellence, discovering themselves along the way and celebrating the value of family connections. Family history classes, how-to videos, and inspirational keynote addresses can help you discover more about your ancestors and bring you and your family members closer together.
Below is a summary of a few videos from this year’s keynote speakers as well as a sample of what videos are available on the RootsTech website.
Elder and Sister Rasband at Family Discovery Day
Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke with his wife, Sister Melanie Rasband, at Family Discovery Day as part of RootsTech.
“We recognize that our faith is not ours alone. It is a gift passed from generation to generation as we honor the sacrifices and devotion of those who came before us, with testimonies often born through trial and unwavering trust in the Lord. Their stories now become linked to and a part of our own.”
Steve Young and the example of ancestors
Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young spoke about going through hard times and following the examples of family members who have also overcome difficulties in their lives. He said his own family has always provided him examples of perseverance.
As related by Steve Young, “The most important thing that I learned, going back to our theme of ‘Going through it,’ was to own what I say is the ‘truest truth’ — there were a lot of things that happened that I couldn’t control, but the truest truth was the ball’s in my hands, yeah, and so I am ultimately accountable.”
Brazilian professional soccer player Zico
A Brazilian football legend, Arthur Antunes Coimbra, known as Zico, played professional soccer in Brazil for many years and represented that country in the World Cup multiple times.
Zico said his parents taught him in ways that helped him develop courage to make his own decisions and be willing to take responsibility for his actions. “I think that my parents were able to give us the freedom and instill in us the kind of personality that allows you to make your own decisions.”
Jessica Soho, award-winning Filipina Philippines
Jessica Soho, an award-winning journalist from the Philippines, said being a journalist helped her tell stories of others and see how stories could bind families and communities together. “We’re the storytellers; we are not the story.”
But in telling stories, Jessica Soho witnessed sad and challenging moments in history. She said prayer sustained her. She stated, “I’ve had a lot of dangerous assignments. Had I not learned how to be prayerful enough in life, I don’t know if I’d still be here.”
Deaf award-winning actress Marlee Matlin
Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin spoke in the first keynote of RootsTech 2026. She spoke about inclusion in family history, saying inclusion is a “historical responsibility.” “Inclusion [in family history] means learning to read records with empathy. It means asking different questions.”
National Geographic explorer Tara Roberts
National Geographic explorer Tara Roberts has dived for sunken slave ships for the last eight years. She said she believes “profound healing” can occur through connecting with ancestors.
“We are a part of each other,” Tara Roberts said. “So, what if we could lean into that connection? Could it change how we see each other? And if how we see each other changes, could that change how people are responsible for each other?”
Mexican American astronaut José Hernández
Mexican American astronaut, José Hernández, said he attributes his resilience to immigrant parents. Jose Hernández reflected on being rejected from NASA and putting family first.
Elder Bragg shares three principles for family history
Elder Mark A. Bragg, a General Authority Seventy, encouraged members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to feel good about their family history efforts. The first thing he wanted members to know: “The Lord is pleased with your efforts.” He gave three key principles for doing such work: Start with the Savior, use Ordinance Ready, and add what you know. Elder Bragg testified that the “Lord’s hand is involved.”
“I think we feel too much guilt about not doing enough, while ‘so and so has 82 generations documented,’” Elder Bragg said. “I think the Lord would say, ‘Slow down. Well done, thou good and faithful servant.’ I want them to know that the Lord is pleased with what they have done.”
Involving youth in family history
Youth from the Orem and Alpine, Utah, areas participated in a panel at RootsTech to discuss involving younger generations in family history. The youth featured all help at the Alpine Family History Center, at summer family history camps and in their wards.
Quincy Adams, 12, said that besides gathering Israel, which is the top priority, he enjoys finding ancestors’ stories and learning about what life was like. “It’s like a puzzle; finding one person unlocks others that have never been found.”
Landon Reynold’s, 16, advice is for people to jump right into FamilySearch apps like Family Tree app, Together app, Get Involved app and Memories app.
If you would like to have quick access to some of RootsTech 2026 videos from the online library involving a wide variety of family history topics, The Family History Guide has added nearly 100 new links in The Family History Guide to some of the best of these videos.
Whether you attended RootsTech 2026 in person or not, come back to RootsTech.org today and throughout the year to watch—and rewatch—conference videos.
– Barbara Tubbs, Communications, Granite FamilySearch Center