This year’s premier global family history event, RootsTech, was held from March 6–8, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The event had its usual significant attendance in person and online. However, this year, there was a notable presence of African delegates which included guests from 7 countries. They were hosted by the organizers of the event due to their work in the field of archives and vital record preservation in their various countries.
"Ancestors are central to Africa culture, with the building of many new Temples on the continent, we have the opportunity to connect families now and forever. To do this we have to preserve and share vital records. It is an urgent matter because in Africa many records are at risk of destruction. These wonderful archivists and government leaders are attending this event and other activities this weekend and here to advance this great work in their countries; we are so grateful for them and their institutions and their deep desire to collaborate with us,” commented Jean-Luc Magré, General Manager for Africa for Family Search.
| Temple Square is always beautiful in the springtime. Gardeners work to prepare the ground for General Conference. © 2012 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. | 1 / 2 |
The guests from DRC, The Republic of Congo, Kenya, Ivory Coast, Mozambique South Africa and Zimbabwe also visited Church Welfare Square and the Family History Center in Salt Lake City.
“It has been such a pleasure for me to be here, it has been a magnificent experience, I have seen and learned many things that will be key for us in the future,” said Ibrahim Bayo, a representative from the Interior Ministry of the Ivory Coast.
The group also wanted to see snow, a rare thing in Africa, and had the great joy of attending the world-renowned Tabernacle Choir at Temple on Sunday March 9, 2025 for the weekly Music and the Spoken Word Broadcast.
Highlights of RootsTech 2025
- Hundreds of Classes: A wide variety of online and in-person classes and workshops were led by industry experts, covering topics for beginners to advanced research techniques.
- Expo Hall: The latest innovations and products showcased.
- Inspiring Main Stage Sessions: Presentations were given by celebrities, influencers and experts who shared their personal family stories and insights. Keynote speakers included author Ndaba Mandela (grandson of Nelson Mandela).
RootsTech is hosted annually by FamilySearch, an international genealogy organization and popular website, RootsTech.org. sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
