You may or may not be aware that RootsTech is well underway in Salt Lake City. If this has passed you by, you really must take a look at the Live Stream Schedule as there are many 'classes' (that's what the Americans call them!) that are available to watch online from the comfort of your own home. 

I am here, working as an Ambassador for the event. The Surname Society do not have a 'booth' (or stand, as I would call it). The fees are pretty extortionate for exhibitors and, as we are an online community, it doesn't make much sense to spend our money in this way. So, I am flying The Surname Society flag, with Jill Ball and several other members, in a different way. In fact, we have just finished a video interview together - Jill and I - where I have been extolling the virtues of our fantastic society. 

In the run-up to RootsTech, I realised that Eowyn Langholf (a connection of mine on Social Media) was connected with WikiTree. This realisation was made after a series of communications between Ros Haywood (Committee member and School of Surnames/Assistant Webmaster) and WikiTree regarding a potential Hangout with us in January/February. Today, I had the pleasure of meeting Eowyn in person, learning how to pronounce her name (no, I am not a Lord of the Rings fan) and also, connecting with Chris Whitten, founder of WikiTree. 

Being a busy person (like many of us!), WikiTree is one of those many items on my 'must-have-a-look-at-when-I-have-time' list. If you are in the same position, I would recommend that you put this much higher on your list. It's free (for a start off) and the potential for surname studiers is extensive, not least the fact that you can 'follow a surname'.... so you can put in your surname study name and the site will notify you of any trees entered which reference that name.... What's not to like?!  

There are also surname index pages, you can upload DNA Test information and much more. We will be hearing from Eowyn on 27 February 2016 at our 4pm GMT Hangout. Make a note in your diary.... definitely one not to be missed!

You can follow the goings-on at RootsTech via Twitter by searching for #RootsTech and various bloggers are posting regular updates.

Kirsty Gray, Chair