 UGA Summit of Excellence 2026 Wrap-Up: Three Days of Genealogical Learning UGA Summit of Excellence 2026 Wrap-Up: Three Days of Genealogical Learning The Utah Genealogical Association’s (UGA) Summit of Excellence 2026 has wrapped up, and once again, it was three full days of genealogical learning! I had the pleasure of attending the virtual conference again this year, and presenting as well. One of the things I enjoy most about the Summit is the variety. From beginner topics to DNA, records, technology, international research, writing, military research, and more, there is always something new to learn, or a familiar subject presented in a way that makes you look at it differently. Day 1: Getting Started DayThe conference kicked off with the traditional free beginner day, followed by the keynote address from Michael L. Strauss, MA, AG, AGL, at the end of the day. Even though the sessions were geared toward those getting started in genealogy, I joined them all. Because why not? It’s free. 😉 One presentation that especially stood out to me was Bringing Your Ancestors to Life: Going Beyond the Facts by Karen A. Fortin. Karen used an interesting ancestor story to demonstrate how we can move beyond simply collecting names, dates, and places and begin developing a fuller picture of our ancestors and their lives. That is something I always appreciate—using the records we uncover to tell more of the story rather than leaving our ancestors as a collection of facts on a pedigree chart. Day 2: DNA, Records, International, Military, and Ethnic ResearchDay 2 offered tracks covering DNA, Records, International, Military, and Ethnic topics. There were ten sessions offered throughout the day, with two running at each time slot, which meant attendees could choose five to watch live. Fortunately, the recordings will be available through the end of December, so we can go back and watch the sessions we had to miss. I was able to attend four sessions live instead of five because this was also the day of my own presentation, COLD CASE: An Investigative Protocol for Genealogical Brick Walls. Of course, one of the presentations I wanted to see happened to be scheduled at the same time as mine, so that one will have to wait for the recordings! One of my Day 2 standouts was Year by Year: Reconstructing Families with City Directories by Kate Townsend. This was a very, very good presentation and extremely useful. City directories can contain so much more information than we sometimes realize when we look at only a single year. Following an individual or family year by year can help reveal residences, occupations, household changes, relationships, migrations, and clues to other records. It was also a topic that particularly interested me because this is a presentation topic I have been working on myself, so I found the session especially valuable. Day 3: Writing, Technology, Records, International, DNA, and Military ResearchDay 3 included tracks covering Writing, Technology, Records, International, DNA, and Military topics. As with Day 2, ten sessions were offered, with two running at each time slot, allowing attendees to choose five live presentations. Well...in theory. 😉 I was able to watch four sessions instead of five. Unfortunately, one speaker did not show up. After waiting about ten minutes, we were asked to join the other presentation being offered during that time slot. I tried, but after waiting another ten minutes to be let into that session, I finally gave up. So, once again, I’ll be looking forward to the recordings! Two presentations especially stood out to me on Day 3. Testing Family Legends: When Oral History Meets the Archive The first was Testing Family Legends: When Oral History Meets the Archive by Sue McNelly. I almost didn’t choose this presentation because, based solely on the title, I didn’t think the topic would particularly interest me. I’m very glad I changed my mind. This turned out to be an excellent presentation and much more research-focused than I had expected from the title. Sue presented a very interesting approach to following clues through the records and systematically testing family claims. She covered testing claims with records and research, correlating information, collateral and cluster research, evaluating evidence, and more. It was thorough, very well thought out, and easy to follow. It was definitely one of those conference sessions that reminds me not to judge a presentation entirely by its title! What the Law Put Asunder: Divorce in Americas Another standout was What the Law Put Asunder: Divorce in Americas by Sara Cochran. This was another session I almost skipped because divorce records were not a topic I was particularly interested in at the moment. Boy, am I glad I didn’t! Sara was excellent, as always. She took a topic that many genealogists may not immediately think of as an important part of their research and showed just how useful these records can be. Divorce records can contain information about family relationships and circumstances that may not appear anywhere else. The presentation was informative, practical, and interesting—and made a very good case for why divorce research deserves a place in our genealogical toolbox. Looking AheadOnce again, the UGA Summit of Excellence offered a great mix of genealogy education over three days. One of the biggest advantages of a virtual conference like this is not having to truly “miss” a presentation simply because two interesting sessions are scheduled at the same time. With the recordings available through the end of December, I still have plenty more sessions to watch—and a few I already know are at the top of my replay list. That ability to go back and catch the presentations I couldn’t attend live is one of my favorite parts of the Summit. I still have more learning ahead of me even though the live conference has officially ended. A huge thank you to the Utah Genealogical Association, the organizers, volunteers, speakers, and attendees who made the 2026 Summit of Excellence possible. I was thrilled to be part of the conference again this year, both as a presenter and as an attendee. And now...time to start working my way through those replays! 😉 More Events, Classes, and PresentationsLearn about more fantastic genealogy events, classes and presentations under the Genealogy Events category and my upcoming speaking events. Looking for a Genealogy Speaker?Explore my genealogy presentations for societies, conferences, seminars, workshops, and other genealogy events.
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5/3/2026 Genealogy Wish Grants 2026 Is Now Open: Your Chance to Make a Family History Wish Come TrueRead Now  Genealogy Wish Grants 2026 is now open—apply for a chance to have your family history wish granted Genealogy Wish Grants 2026 Is Now Open: Your Chance to Make a Family History Wish Come TrueWhat if this was the year everything finally came together? The missing piece. The long-standing brick wall. The answer you’ve been searching for, sometimes for years. Every family historian has that one question… the one that lingers no matter how many records you search or how many clues you follow. ✨ This is your chance to take that next step. The Genealogy Wish Grants Program for 2026 is now officially open, and once again, one story will be selected and one genealogy wish will be granted, just in time for Christmas. Each year, I read through heartfelt stories, complex research challenges, and deeply personal journeys. And each year, one of those stories becomes something more: a breakthrough, a discovery, a connection that may not have happened otherwise. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to share your story… this may be it. 🌿 What Is the Genealogy Wish Grants Program?The Genealogy Wish Grants Program is an annual initiative that awards one recipient with focused genealogy research based on their specific wish and research goals. The selected recipient will receive up to 10 hours of professional genealogy research, tailored to their unique case. Depending on the nature of the project, this may include:
📅 Important Dates for 2026
📝 How to ApplySubmitting your application is simple. Visit the Genealogy Wish Grants Program page and complete your entry through the Contact form by selecting “Genealogy Wish Grants Application.” Your application should include:
🕵️♀️ What Makes a Strong Application?Each entry is carefully reviewed and selected based on three key factors: 1️⃣ Agreement to all program rules 2️⃣ A feasible research request 3️⃣ A compelling and meaningful story The strongest applications go beyond just stating a goal; they tell the story behind the research. What have you already discovered? What challenges have you faced? Why does this particular wish matter to you or your family? 💚 A Few Important NotesTo ensure the best possible outcome, selected projects should align with my areas of expertise, which include:
✨ Looking AheadEach year, the Genealogy Wish Grants Program has led to meaningful discoveries, emotional breakthroughs, and stories that might not have been uncovered otherwise. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to take the next step in your family history journey, this may be it. 👉 Ready to Apply?Take the time to reflect on your story, define your wish, and submit your application before the deadline. 🔗 Apply here: Genealogy Wish Grants Program “Want to see past winners and their stories?”
 RootsTech 2026 wrap-up highlighting keynote speakers, genealogy innovations, and major announcements from the world’s largest family history conference RootsTech 2026: World’s Largest Family History Event Wrap-up If you don’t know what RootsTech is, it’s the largest family history and genealogy event in the world—celebrating family, connection, and discovery! RootsTech has certainly done it again! That was another fantastic, fun-filled three days. Somehow, they manage to top themselves every year. The RootsTech 2026 event, hosted by FamilySearch, has officially come to an end—but the learning certainly hasn’t. One of the best parts of RootsTech is that the experience continues even after the event. Most of the sessions, keynotes, and Expo Hall content remain available online, and you can revisit the sessions you saved to your playlist for up to three years. So, if you didn’t get to everything during the conference (and let’s be honest—no one ever does!), you still have plenty of time to explore more of the hundreds of sessions available. RootsTech: The Event of the Year, Once Again RootsTech began in 2011 as an in-person genealogy conference in Salt Lake City. Over the years, it has evolved into a truly global event. When the conference went virtual during the pandemic, participation exploded, bringing millions of attendees from around the world together to celebrate family history. Today, RootsTech continues as a hybrid event, combining the excitement of the in-person conference in Salt Lake City with an online experience that allows people from around the world to participate. And once again this year, it did not disappoint. My RootsTech 2026 FavesI attended virtually again this year, which meant I missed a few in-person-only sessions and events, such as MyHeritage’s featured session and connecting with some groups I belong to in person. But even so, I had an amazing experience! I absolutely loved everything about RootsTech—from the keynote speakers, the sessions, and the new theme song “Where You Belong”, to the Relatives at RootsTech feature, the Expo Hall, and the lively chat discussions happening throughout the event. Keynote Speakers All of the keynote speakers were fantastic this year, but a few stood out as my absolute favorites: Marlee Matlin The Academy Award-winning actress and author delivered a powerful and emotional message about inclusion and accessibility in family history. Her words were incredibly moving, emphasizing that representation of our ancestors is powerful—but true inclusion goes beyond that. I’ll admit, I even got a little emotional during her talk. José Hernández The Mexican-American engineer and NASA astronaut shared a powerful and inspiring story about perseverance, family, and dreams. His message about how family stays with you throughout life and shapes who you become was incredibly meaningful. Tara Roberts National Geographic explorer, author, and historian Tara Roberts shared her extraordinary work documenting slave ship wrecks and reconnecting descendants with their ancestral past. Her message about connection—to our ancestors, our communities, and our future selves—was deeply inspiring. The Emcees and General Sessions As always, Kirby Heyborne was a fantastic emcee, bringing energy and humor throughout the event. One of my favorite moments was during the final general session when he learned a simple Irish dancing shuffle live on stage! The final session also included a special performance by the Gardner Brothers, along with a beautiful live performance of the RootsTech theme song in dual languages. Other Favorites Some of my favorite parts of the conference each year are the:
One thing I did miss this year, that they didn’t have, was the Impact Forum, which has been one of my favorite parts of the conference in previous years. Those sessions are always incredibly powerful and meaningful. My Favorite Classes I attended quite a few classes during the three-day conference, and there were some truly excellent speakers and topics this year. Some of my favorite speakers and their topics for being very well organized, clear, concise, thorough, and excellent included: Angela Packer McGhie “The GPS in Practice: Examples of Reasonably Exhaustive Research” Kate Townsend “Planning and Organizing Research Findings for Tough Problems” Dana Palmer “Wanted! Seeking the Identity of Unknown Parents” Katherine Schober “The German Records You May Be Missing” Daniel Horowitz “Genealogy, Upgraded: AI and Smart Tools on MyHeritage” My #1 Favorite Session My absolute favorite class of the entire conference was: Kelley Conner Lear “Question Everything: Sharpen Evaluation, Avoid Assumptions, and Clarify Your Writing” This was not only a fantastic presentation—it was one of the best sessions on the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) that I’ve ever seen. GPS presentations can sometimes feel a bit dry, but this one was anything but. The slides were excellent, the presentation was engaging, and the approach to evaluating evidence was incredibly clear and practical. Honestly, her process deserves to be turned into a book—something like “The Simplified GPS.” RootsTech 2026 at a Glance Attendees Participation continues to grow year after year as the global genealogy community expands. Last year they had millions of participants from 235 countries and all 50 states join in person and online, much more than the year before, and I’m sure there were many more this year! Main Stage Highlights
Expo Hall The Expo Hall once again featured many of the biggest names in genealogy and family history technology, including:
Relatives at RootsTech 2026 The Relatives at RootsTech feature is always one of the most fun and unique parts of the event. This year, out of 372,999 participants, I had: 21,897 relatives at RootsTech! It’s always fascinating to see how many distant cousins are attending the event from around the world.  New 2026 Innovations and Tech I Learned About One of the most exciting parts of RootsTech, and what I look forward to the most, each year is learning about the latest innovations and technology shaping the future of genealogy. Here are some of the highlights from this year. FamilySearch FamilySearch continues to push forward with new tools and AI features. Some of the most exciting updates included:
Connect My Variant This innovative nonprofit focuses on connecting relatives who share genetic variants linked to hereditary diseases. Features include:
Goldie May Goldie May introduced a new AI Assistant designed specifically for genealogists. Its capabilities include:
Storied Storied continues to expand its storytelling capabilities. New features include:
Ancestry Ancestry announced several new AI-powered features, including:
FamilyTreeDNA FamilyTreeDNA introduced a new Family Finder test using full genome sequencing, offering deeper insights into ancestry and genetics. LifeWeaver LifeWeaver is a new platform designed to organize digital memories. It can weave together:
MyHeritage MyHeritage introduced several new tools as well:
A Few Final ThoughtsAs always, there was far more content than anyone could possibly experience in just three days. Fortunately, the playlist feature allows you to save sessions and organize them into custom playlists to watch later. Some helpful reminders:
See You at RootsTech 2027!RootsTech will return March 4–6, 2027, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s event. If you missed this year’s conference, it’s not too late to sign up and start watching sessions online for free. Discover Your Story—TogetherDon’t forget that family history isn’t just about discovering names and dates—it’s about connection. Genealogy brings us together with the people who came before us, the relatives we share today, and even those we have yet to meet. Every story we uncover adds another piece to a much larger picture that spans generations. Take time to explore your family’s past and the stories that shaped your life. Connect with relatives, near and distant. Preserve the memories, traditions, and experiences that define your family. Share what you discover so future generations can learn from those who came before them. Because family history is not something we discover alone. It is something we discover together. If you attended RootsTech this year, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below. How many Relatives at RootsTech did you have? What were your favorite sessions? Did you find any new tools or features you’re excited to try? Past Rootstech Event HighlightsSee what the past RootsTech highlights were and learn about past and upcoming events under the Genealogy Events category.
 2025 Genealogy Wish Grants Winner! |
Welcome to the BlogWelcome to Know Who Wears the Genes in Your Family! Here you'll find genealogy research tips, family history resources, DNA insights, technology and AI tools, genealogy news, and stories from my own research journey. Whether you're just starting your family tree, exploring your ancestry, or tackling a challenging brick wall, my goal is to help you discover, understand, and preserve your family's story. Categories
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