The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is offering a free, online, virtual family history event from Feb. 25-27. The event is for anyone who is interested in discovering their roots and preserving the stories of their lives. Registration is now open at RootsTech.org.  
 
According to local officials, “RootsTech takes place every year in Salt Lake City, Ut. The event is hosted by FamilySearch, which helps individuals discover their ancestors through historical records.  The goal is to help everyone discover who they are and to connect families – past, present and future. As stated on the site, ‘Family Search is free of charge to everyone, regardless of tradition, culture or religious affiliation.’”
 
This year, RootsTech is free, too.  Speakers include Erick Avari, an Indian American actor; Sunetra Sarker, a member of the British Academy of Film and Television; Diego Lugano, a former professional footballer from Uruguay; Lorena Ochoa, a former Mexican professional golfer; Francesco Lotoro, an Italian musicologist; Sharon Morgan, founder of OurBlackAncestry.com; and Nick Vujicic, an international motivational speaker and New York Times best-selling author.  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Patricia, will also speak.  
 
Past speakers at Rootstech include Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. of the PBS series Finding Your Roots; retired Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith, Buddy “Cake Boss” Valastro, the Property Brothers, among many others.  
 
RootsTech also includes hands-on activities “to help you celebrate your heritage all year long,” officials said. Classes in multiple languages will be available on topics such as discovering your family story, tracing your ancestors and preserving your memories. Opportunities to connect with your family from anywhere, for finding and connecting with your cousins and chatting with others through various messaging boards, is also an important part of Rootstech. Cultural activities include cooking demonstrations and music from around the world.  
 
Everyone in the greater Chattanooga area is invited to sign up at https://www.rootstech.org/?lang=eng and begin participating in genealogy.