Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his wife, Susan, have rich family histories from Hawaii and Ireland. They will share some of their stories at Family Discovery Day during RootsTech 2023.

The annual genealogical convention — being held this year from March 2-4 at the Salt Palace Convention Center, 100 S. West Temple in Salt Lake City, and open to virtual and in-person visitors — features special keynote speakers, classes and an expo of family research merchandise.

Those interested in participating in the conference can register online at https://rootstech.org. Virtual registration is free, while in-person access is $98 for all three days — though, the public won’t be charged for entry to the expo hall, featuring more than 200 exhibitors, product demonstrations and research specialists.

Happening March 4, Family Discovery Day is free online and in-person. No registration is required.

The Gongs will speak at 1:30 p.m., walking listeners through some of their personal family story, previously recorded on location in their homelands of Ireland and Hawaii. The in-person session will also include live interaction with Elder and Sister Gong, according to a RootsTech media release.

“I hope that we will each make an effort to discover our own family stories, to record them and to share them with our children and grandchildren. I hope that we will all gain greater appreciation for the struggles, courage, faith and sacrifice of those who have gone before. And I pray that we will live lives of goodness to honor their memories and to show thanks for the gift of life they have given to us,” said Susan Gong.

The in-person Family Discovery Day event will also feature free classes, activities and access to the expo hall. Some of the activities include a throw-back photo challenge, family history Twister, family selfie station and a giant family tree.