RootsTech is Almost Here!

It's T minus 27 days until RootsTech 2018! And of course I have been counting. It's the largest genealogy conference that I have ever been to. Last year was my first time and I can honestly say it was one of the most amazing experiences I ever had. It's such a lovely feeling to be surrounded by others that share your love (read addiction) of genealogy and to meet so many friends that I met online in Facebook groups and my #genchat and #iamnextgen friends.

RootsTech was the first time I really took a solo vacation. To spend an entire week devoted to something I'm so passionate about. I feel like I've come a long way since I first started researching when I was 18 years old and just trying to learn more about my paternal grandmother. It feels fitting that I was just accepted to have my photo below displayed at the RootsTech Photo + Story Competition. This is my paternal grandmother who really inspired my start of genealogy - I feel her with me and I'm glad that I can continue to take her with me. I'm honored to be selected.

Here's my story about this photo:

This is a picture of me and my paternal grandmother in her kitchen on Long Island. For the first few years of my life, my parents, brother and I all lived in my grandmother's house with her daughter, my aunt. We were a close family and grandma would make meals with all of the trimmings. On the stove was the turkey and there was likely chocolate chip cookies going into the oven later that day. I love this picture of my grandmother. She was so happy being a homemaker to her family, taking pride in her cooking and taking care of my grandfather.

When asked why I should be chosen to win in the Family category, I wrote the following: 

My grandmother inspired me to research the family tree. I wanted to know more about her family roots. I only had the opportunity to know her for a short time (about 6 years). I remember her baking and her loving nature. When grandma went to heaven, I hoped that she was happy playing bingo and spending time with my grandfather. I recently found some new cousins through her Corcoran line that really added to the diversity of my family story.

In addition to attending the various lectures, there's also time to research at the Family History Library and also attend some parties with your new friends! You will also come home with lots of goodies from the different vendors.

Who is going to RootsTech? What are you looking forward to? 

There's still time to register for RootsTech! Click here to register. 

Disclaimer: I am an Ambassador for RootsTech 2018. I provide blog posts (in my own words), and social media coverage from now until after the conference. In return, I have free admission to RootsTech.