A RootsTech Family History Fair at Holywood Road chapel in Belfast was held recently with local Family History societies invited and open to the public. The conference is held annually in Salt Lake City and thanks to technology, those who attended the Belfast Fair had the opportunity to choose from 14 video presentations from Salt Lake on topics ranging from 'Fun Family History Activities' to 'Introduction to DNA for genealogists'. Presentations were given simultaneously throughout the day in various parts of the building. This meant that those attending could choose the topics which interested them most.
Diane Loose, in her presentation 'FamilySearch and Beyond' pointed out that, just as we can gain strength from stories about our ancestors and how they overcame challenges which were, perhaps, greater than our own, our stories can strengthen future generations. She shared up-to-date information about Apps for smart phones and tablets which can help with recording your family history - you simply record onto phone or tablet as things happen. Diane also provided an update on the Church's partnership with other Family History websites.
A presentation by Tammy Hepps - 'Top 10 Things I Learned From My Couch', illustrated how much research can be accomplished without even leaving home. The use of online resources can now make it easy to find records at the touch of a button.
While the video presentations were taking place the Stake Indexing directors, Arthur and Eileen McClelland, were in the cultural hall helping people get started with indexing. The Family History Library was open and busy as usual.
Three youth sessions were held with video presentations from Elder Anderson and Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught the youth the importance of getting involved with Family History and finding family names to take to the temple. They also started their own 'my story' booklets in which they were encouraged to record their memories.
The Stake Family History directors, Brother and Sister Whittaker, reported that the feedback they received is that people are keen to put into action the new things they have learned and President James McCrudden, stake president, expressed his thanks to the Whittakers for all the hard work they put into making the event such a success.