Now you can create a fun, free, personalized Traits Video that highlights some of your most prominent traits! The video is created with AI and showcases your strongest traits with a witty, playful twist — like steam coming out of your ears because you’re sensitive to chili peppers. It’s the kind of video that makes you smile and think “I’ve got to show this to my family and friends.”

Watch the example below of Hadar Marmor, Associate Product Manager, who oversaw the development of the entire Traits product:

How to create your video

If you haven’t taken a MyHeritage DNA test yet, order a MyHeritage DNA kit today and add Traits after you activate your kit. You’ll be able to generate your Traits Video once your results are ready.

Have DNA results but haven’t purchased Traits yet? You can get MyHeritage DNA Traits for an affordable low price and generate your Traits Video once your results are ready.

If you’re a MyHeritage DNA customer and already received your MyHeritage Trait reports, head over to the Traits overview page to create your video. You can create a Traits Video from the MyHeritage website on desktop and mobile web, and from the MyHeritage mobile app.  Here’s how to do this:

Creating a Traits Video on the MyHeritage website

Log in to your MyHeritage account and select “Traits” from the DNA menu.

Accessing Traits from the DNA menu (click to zoom)

This opens the Traits overview page. To start generating your video, click “Create Traits Video”, marked below in red.

Creating a Traits Video (click to zoom)

A window will open where you can upload your photos. Select between 1–3 selfies to upload, based on the guidelines listed below in the “Tips for best results”. More photos are likely to improve the quality of your video. Once you’ve added photos, click “Continue.”

Uploading photos to create a Traits Video (click to zoom)

Before you can create your video, you’ll be asked to consent to the Traits Video terms.

It typically takes fifteen minutes to create your video. We’ll email you as soon as it’s ready with a link to view it.

On the MyHeritage mobile app

To create a Traits Video from the MyHeritage mobile app, make sure you have the latest version installed on your device.

Open the app and tap the Traits banner at the top of the home screen, or access Traits from the app menu, marked below in red.

MyHeritage app menu (click to zoom)

To create your Traits Video, tap the 3-dot icon.

Creating a Traits Video on the MyHeritage app (click to zoom)

Then tap “Create Traits Video”.

Once your video is ready, we recommend rotating your phone to view the video in full frame.

How it works

The Traits Video uses AI technology to create a personalized “mashup” video that uses your photos and features five of your traits. These traits are randomly selected among those where you had either a high/more likely or a low/less likely result. Traits for which you had a normal or average result will be excluded. The result is an entertaining 48-second video.

Examples

Check out these examples from members of the MyHeritage team. Each one features different traits!

Gal Zrihen, Lead Product Manager:

Eden Cohen, QA Engineer who worked on this feature:

Valentina Wainstein, Localization Team Lead:

Maor Malul, Wiki Community Manager:

Tips for best results

The quality of your Traits Video depends largely on the photos you upload. You can use as few as one photo, but for best results we recommend uploading 3 close-up headshots that follow the guidelines below:

• Choose clear, high-resolution selfies of you alone — ideally one front-facing, and the other two slightly angled profiles.
• Avoid anything that obscures your face, including sunglasses and hats.
• Any accessories you wear or other visual cues in your photos may appear in the video.

Customizing your Traits Video

Since the five scenes in the video are automatically selected, we understand that some users may dislike one or more of the scenes that were included, but love the rest. After viewing your video, you have the option to customize it and select which scenes you’d like to exclude from your final video. That way, you’ll end up with a result you’ll feel more comfortable to share with your loved ones. To do this, click “Customize video”.

View and customize your Traits Video (click to zoom)

Check the boxes next to all scenes you want to include. Then, click “Update”. Please note that you can customize the video only once. The new video will override the previous one, so it’s a good idea to download the video before customizing, just in case. You’ll receive an email as soon as the updated video is ready.

Customizing your Traits Video (click to zoom)

Sharing

Traits Videos are perfect for sharing on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and other social media platforms. We encourage you to share your videos with the hashtags #MyHeritage and #MyHeritageDNA. You can also download your videos to your computer or mobile device, and share them later however you’d like.

To share your video from the website, click the “Share” icon at the bottom of the video player.

Sharing your Traits Video from the MyHeritage website (click to zoom)

Privacy

Any photos you upload for the Traits Video feature will be stored in your MyHeritage account. You can delete your uploaded photos at any time.

The Traits Video feature uses technology provided by a third party that does not obtain rights to your photos or to the resulting video. Before your video is generated, we’ll ask for your explicit consent to allow MyHeritage to process your photos for this purpose.

Responsibility

Please use the Traits Video feature responsibly:

• Don’t upload photos of living people without their permission.
• Don’t upload photos that depict hate, violence, pornography, or any other offensive subject matter.
• Traits Videos are meant to be fun — if a result could offend someone, please don’t share it.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Cost

Creating a Traits Video is free. In the future, we may introduce new Traits Video capabilities that require an additional fee or subscription.

FAQ

What are Trait reports?

Trait reports reveal how your genetics influence your personality and characteristics, from taste preferences and sleep patterns to exercise response and more. They don’t provide medical information. They offer a fascinating glimpse into many characteristics that make you unique.

How long does it take to get Trait reports and to create a Traits Video?

After you purchase MyHeritage DNA Traits and give your consent, we’ll start generating your results. They are usually ready within one hour.

Once your Trait reports are ready, you can create your Traits Video. This typically takes about fifteen minutes.

I previously uploaded my DNA data to MyHeritage from another service. Can I still get Trait reports and create a Traits Video?

Yes. If you’ve previously uploaded your DNA from Ancestry, 23andMe, or FamilyTreeDNA, you can purchase the Traits add-on and receive Trait reports based on your existing DNA data. Once the reports are ready, you can generate a Traits Video.

Can I choose which of my traits appear in my video?

The traits in your video are randomly selected based on your results. After you view the video for the first time, you’ll be able to customize it, exclude the scenes you don’t like, and generate a final video for sharing.

Can I generate multiple Traits Videos for the same kit?

Currently, no. Only one Traits Video may be created per kit. However, we’re considering adding a feature for subscribers that would allow them to create more than one video, each with a different selection of traits. We’ll share an update in a blog post if and when this becomes available.

I don’t love the video output, can I delete it and start over?

Not just yet, but it’s on our roadmap.

How much does it cost to create a Traits Video?

Creating a Traits Video is free for customers who have purchased the Traits add-on.

I love my Traits Video. Can I share it with family and friends?

Absolutely! Sharing your Traits Video is simple. Use the “Download” or “Share” buttons in the video player. You can download the video to your computer or mobile device, or share it directly on social media.

Create your Traits Video!

Ready to star in your own Traits Video? Follow the instructions in this post and have fun!

Special thanks go to our team members Golan Levi, Concept Manager and UX Expert, and Ori Shraiber, Product Designer, who collaborated to invent this feature!

The post New: Star in Your Own Traits Video appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

I have been married for 45 years and I had 4 children: Cindy, Céline, Cyril, and Coralie. In 2003, I began my genealogical research into the family of my husband, Marc Leschaud, because his surname, written in this way, was not very common in Switzerland. He is originally from Geneva, and at that time, we were the only couple on the Internet with that name.

My various research efforts taught me that in the 1600s and 1700s, my husband’s family bore the name Leschot and that they originated from Le Locle in the canton of Neuchâtel. Furthermore, it appears that the name Léchot or Leschot could originally be a variant of Lescot (= The Scotsman).

In November 2015 and April 2024, we unfortunately lost two daughters, each shortly after the birth of a child. We therefore have three grandchildren who have lost their mothers.

During this second period of mourning, I restarted my genealogical research, but this time on my own family — that is, the Schmid family, originally from Frutigen in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland.

An aerial view of Frutigen, Switzerland

 In June 2024, MyHeritage advertised DNA tests that can reveal our geographical origins and also might help us find family members.

For fun, I suggested to my husband that we both take a DNA test, which might confirm if the name Leschaud belonged to a Scotsman who, according to legend, fought at Morat-Grandson in 1476 and married a young woman from Franche-Comté. On July 27, 2024, when my husband’s test results came back, we indeed saw that he had over 25% British-English-Scottish origins, which amused us greatly as it perfectly matched his supposed Scottish roots.

A detail from a painting depicting the Battle of Morat (1476), in which Marc’s ancestor fought, according to legend

The results of my own test arrived a day later, and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read: “Good news! We have discovered DNA matches for you. Marianne Dessarzin shares 25.3% DNA with you, which suggests she is likely your half-sister!”

It was a total shock! How could this be possible? This question ran through my head all night. The next day, I contacted Marianne, who had received the results at the same time as I did, asking for her impression because I couldn’t understand how it was possible.

Since my parents had already passed away, I couldn’t ask them for explanations, and I struggled to make sense of it. I was born in late November 1957, and my half-sister was born shortly before me in February 1957!!! I had never known of any sister other than Suzi, my elder sister, and Rolf, my big brother.

In the first message exchanged with Marianne, she explained that she was not at all surprised; she was born in La Chaux-de-Fonds in February 1957, abandoned at birth, and later adopted by a Swiss family. We decided to speak by phone the following day to learn more about Marianne’s journey, her search for her biological mother, and to talk about my father, who was clearly also hers.

Cathy’s father as a young man

As our telephone conversations progressed, we began to understand how this relationship happened. In the years 1956–1957, Marianne’s mother was working in the hospital at St. Imier as a laundry maid, and my father was staying alone in the village, just 100 meters from the hospital, away from his family. His official residence was still in Frutigen, and he was working in Renan because there was high unemployment in the Bernese Oberland. He was looking for an apartment in the Bernese Jura to move there with his family. While my mother was waiting to give birth to their third child (me), she was living with her parents in Frutigen along with my sister Suzi and my brother Rolf.

St. Imier, Switzerland, where Marianne’s parents met

In the 1950s, people did not travel much, and since money was scarce, my father Friedrich only rarely returned to his family. Friedrich (Fritz) certainly met Marianne’s mother during an evening out or over a drink, and they hit it off. What happened next is a matter of guesswork, but the result is simple: Marianne and I are half-sisters, and we found each other thanks to this DNA test.

Marianne and I exchanged numerous messages and phone calls, and we very quickly noticed that we had much in common. It feels to me as though we have known each other forever.

Marianne had two children, including a daughter who was born on May 20, 1984 — the exact same day and year of birth as my daughter Céline; an incredible coincidence, all just 50 km apart! Marianne’s older sister was born on the same day (November 25) as me!

Cathy, Marianne, and Suzi

The first official meeting between Marianne, Cathy, and Suzi took place on September 9, 2024, at Cathy’s home, where Marianne was able to get to know her other half-sister, Suzi. In October, we traveled to Marianne’s home in the Doubs region of France. For health reasons, Marianne was only able to meet her half-brother, Rolf, in February 2025. 

Rolf, Marianne, Suzi, and Cathy

Since that fantastic meeting, there have been many phone calls, messages, and visits with Marianne’s daughter and grandchildren. For her part, Marianne has had the chance to meet our daughter, our son, and a granddaughter who has been living with us since her mother’s passing. We call each other every week, and It is always a pleasure to catch up. Neither of us ever had any doubt that we are half-sisters.

Following the death of my second daughter, I attended therapy sessions with a psychiatrist and told him this entire story. He then asked: “Why did you conduct genealogical research? Was it to find your sister?” I think that deep down, it’s true… what a joy to have found her!

Many thanks to Cathy for sharing her amazing story with us! If you’ve also made an incredible discovery with MyHeritage, we’d love to hear about it. Please share it with us via this form or email us at stories@myheritage.com.

The post After Losing Two Daughters, I Gained a Sister Thanks to MyHeritage DNA appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

Uncle Sam recruitment poster by James Montgomery Flagg, 1917

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in July 2026, we set out to revisit the story behind this all-American figure — and how our team traced him back to the real family whose legacy mirrors the nation’s own.

Uncle Sam was not born on a poster or invented by a cartoonist. He was a real human being born in Massachusetts in the 18th century. He lived an industrious life and left behind descendants who still carry his values of service and community today. Through genealogical research, MyHeritage helped bring his story full circle: from myth to man, and from history book to living memory.

The full story of how MyHeritage uncovered the real Uncle Sam — and traced his living descendants — is told in the Blast From My Past podcast episode below:

Confirming Uncle Sam’s identity

The familiar Uncle Sam image took shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, solidified by political cartoonist James Montgomery Flagg. His version — resolute, human, and unmistakable — became a national symbol, especially during wartime.

But historians had long suspected that the name itself pointed to a real person.

A simple search surfaced one theory again and again: a man named Samuel Wilson, who worked as a government supplier during the War of 1812. The research team turned to historical records and quickly found confirmation.

What followed was classic genealogical work: building a family tree, generation by generation, and following it forward until it reached living descendants.

The man behind the name

Samuel Wilson was born on September 13, 1766, in Massachusetts, the fifth of 13 children. His grandfather had settled in New England and bought farmland in 1665, more than a century before Samuel was born. Like many early Americans, Wilson moved often, and he eventually settled in Troy, New York.

Samuel Wilson

There, he became a respected entrepreneur and community figure. He worked as a brick mason and farmer, owned a distillery, and in 1793 opened a butcher shop with his brother. By the time the War of 1812 broke out, Wilson employed more than 100 people, many of whom already called him “Uncle Sam.”

When the U.S. Army needed supplies, Wilson was contracted to provide meat. The barrels were stamped “U.S.” for United States, alongside the initials of the government contractor. Soldiers, many of whom knew the Wilson family personally, began joking that the food came from “Uncle Sam.”

The nickname stuck. And it spread.

Though Samuel Wilson did not live to see his name become a national symbol, by the time of the Civil War, Uncle Sam had become a unifying figure representing the nation itself.

Finding the family

Tracing Samuel Wilson’s descendants was not simple. Starting with a name shared by countless men in early America meant moving cautiously, generation by generation, checking each record and relationship to be sure the trail truly belonged to the man behind Uncle Sam.

Census after census, obituary after obituary, the line eventually led to Arkansas — to a woman named Helen Hauptmann Painter.

For Helen, the discovery was not a revelation, but a confirmation.

“I’ve always pretty much been aware of the connection to Samuel Wilson,” she said. “My grandmother was the daughter of Carlton Sheldon, who was Marion Wilson’s son, and she was the granddaughter of Samuel. Granny always kept us very informed.”

Left: Helen as a young girl. Right: Helen’s grandmother, also named Helen

Family Bibles, baby books, and carefully preserved records had kept the story alive long before digital archives existed.

An entry from Granny Helen’s baby book, where her grandmother Marion Wilson Sheldon wrote that she is the great-great-granddaughter of Uncle Sam

A legacy of service

Helen grew up in a large Catholic family in Conway, Arkansas, where stories of Uncle Sam occasionally spilled into public life, from school projects to county fair parades.

“I remember in the 1980s Granny contacted our local fair committee and we rode in the county fair parade as the only living descendent of Uncle Sam,” she remembers. “We rode behind Jerry Lee Lewis, as best I recall.”

For Helen, Uncle Sam was never just a national symbol. He was a working man who provided for others and served his community, and that example shaped how her family understood who they were and how they should live. Helen carried that legacy into her own life as a registered nurse, just as her son Trey did through his military service.

Helen with her son Trey

Trey Hauptmann, a 20-year Navy veteran and senior chief petty officer, keeps an iconic Uncle Sam poster hanging in his office. It makes him smile every time he sees it.

“It says ‘I want you to join the U.S. Army,’ and here I am in the Navy,” he says with a chuckle. But the image also reminds him of the man behind it — and the responsibility that comes with the name. He mentioned to Helen that while Uncle Sam supplied the army with the meat and pork they needed, he provides them with Band-Aids they need. “So in some ways Samuel Wilson has influenced his belief in assisting people and helping people,” she says.

Walking in Uncle Sam’s footsteps

Years later, stationed in Newport, Rhode Island, Try finally made the trip his mother had long encouraged to Troy, New York.

He visited Samuel Wilson’s grave, walked the streets where his ancestor once worked, and saw Uncle Sam’s image painted on buildings throughout the city. He even stopped for a drink at a local brewery bearing the family name.

“To know Uncle Sam used to actually walk these streets the same as I’m doing right now,” he reflects, “it made everything feel real.”

America at 250 and the stories that bind us

As the United States prepares to mark 250 years since its founding, the story of Uncle Sam serves to remind us that national history is built from individual lives: from farmers, butchers, business owners, nurses, and service members whose stories intertwine across centuries.

What emerged from the research was not only the survival of Samuel Wilson’s bloodline, but the persistence of his values. Generations later, his descendants continue to serve their country and communities, and to carry forward a deep-rooted sense of patriotism and public responsibility.

For the MyHeritage Research team, uncovering the real Uncle Sam reinforced a belief they return to again and again: that every family’s history matters.

Sometimes, the story is right on the surface. Sometimes, you have to dig deep enough to uncover it. And sometimes, hidden behind an icon, you find a man whose legacy still lives, 250 years into the American story.

Daniella Levy is the Senior Copywriter and Content Manager at MyHeritage with years of experience creating content that helps people explore their family history. Through her work on hundreds of articles, blog posts, video scripts, and user education materials, she has developed deep familiarity with genealogical research tools, historical records, and the challenges and joys of family history discovery. Daniella draws on her background in creative writing to make genealogy more accessible, engaging, and meaningful for MyHeritage users worldwide. She is also the author of 3 books.

The post The Real Uncle Sam: The Family Behind the American Icon appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

Some of these myths come from misunderstandings about genetics. Others stem from outdated information or exaggerated claims. Clearing them up can help you approach DNA testing with confidence and realistic expectations.

Myth 1: DNA tests tell you exactly where your family comes from

There’s a common belief that a DNA test can pinpoint your origins to a single place with complete certainty. This expectation might come from how results are presented visually, with maps and regional labels that feel very precise. In reality, DNA reflects patterns of inheritance over many generations, not a single moment in time.

DNA testing provides estimates based on comparisons with reference populations. With MyHeritage DNA, results include an Ethnicity Estimate as well as Genetic Groups, which can sometimes connect you to a very specific region, even to the level of a town or village.

That said, these results are still based on statistical models and available data. Genetic Groups are highly informative, but they are not guaranteed to represent an exact birthplace or a single ancestor. Instead, they reflect where groups of people with similar DNA patterns have lived over time.

Example of a Genetic Group on MyHeritage DNA

Used together with family trees and historical records, these insights can be remarkably powerful — but they are best understood as clues, not absolute answers.

Myth 2: Your DNA results never change

Many people are excited to review their DNA results once they come in — but never come back to them again, on assumption that once those results come in, that’s the final version.

While your DNA itself does not change, your MyHeritage DNA results can evolve over time. As the database grows and reference populations improve, ethnicity estimates may be refined. You may also receive new DNA Matches as more people test and join the platform.

When updates happen, they don’t mean your earlier results were incorrect. They reflect improved data and a broader comparison set. For many users, these refinements actually bring their results closer in line with what they already know from family history research.

This ongoing improvement is especially valuable for people researching family history, since new matches can unlock connections that were not visible before.

Myth 3: Siblings should receive identical DNA results

It may seem logical that siblings would receive identical DNA results, but genetics rarely works that neatly.

While both siblings inherit all their DNA from the same two parents, the 50% that each sibling inherits from each parent is random. As a result, siblings tested with MyHeritage DNA may show different ethnicity percentages and match with different relatives, even though they come from the same family.

To give a simplified example, if one parent is 50% Italian and 50% Irish, and the other is 50% Swedish and 50% Portuguese, one sibling could inherit 50% Italian and 50% Swedish, while the other could inherit 50% Irish and 50% Portuguese. In reality, the DNA is rarely that neatly divided, but this example helps demonstrate how diverse two siblings’ DNA can be. Over generations, this randomness is what creates genetic diversity — and it’s why comparing siblings’ results can actually reveal more than looking at just one test alone.

Myth 4: DNA testing replaces traditional genealogy research

DNA testing is a powerful tool, but it does not replace traditional family history research.

MyHeritage DNA was developed specifically with genetic genealogy in mind, meaning it works hand in hand with family trees and historical records. DNA Matches can suggest shared ancestors, while records and trees help confirm those relationships and add historical context.

Rather than replacing genealogy research, DNA testing enhances it. Genetic insights and matches can help people break through research dead ends and uncover connections that documents alone may not reveal.

DNA testing is especially helpful when records are missing, inconsistent, or hard to access. In these cases, DNA Matches can point researchers toward the right family line, which narrows the search and makes traditional research more focused and efficient.

Myth 5: DNA tests can identify every relative

A DNA test can reveal many relatives, but it cannot identify everyone in your family.

With MyHeritage DNA, you can only be matched with people who have also tested and are part of the database. Some family branches may be better represented than others, depending on who has chosen to test with that particular company.

Additionally, while DNA testing is extremely accurate for locating and identifying close family members, the more distant a relative is, the less DNA they share with you. Because of the random nature of DNA inheritance and recombination, you may even have relatives who share a common ancestor with you, proven via impeccable genealogical research, who share no common DNA with you at all.

Myth 6: DNA testing is only for experts

Some people hesitate to take a DNA test because they worry it will be too technical or difficult to understand.

MyHeritage DNA is designed to be accessible to beginners, with clear explanations and intuitive tools. At the same time, it offers advanced features for those who want to explore their results in greater depth as their confidence grows.

You don’t need prior experience with genetics or genealogy to get started. Curiosity is enough.

Myth 7: DNA testing puts your privacy at risk

It makes complete sense to be concerned about privacy with DNA testing. DNA is deeply personal information, and many people worry about who can access it, how it might be used, and whether it could be shared without their knowledge.

These concerns are exactly why it’s important to choose a DNA testing service that is transparent about how data is handled. With MyHeritage DNA, users remain in control of their information. You decide whether you participate in DNA Matching, who can see you as a match, and how your data is used within the platform.

MyHeritage has also made a clear commitment to protecting user privacy and will never sell or license users’ DNA data to third parties without explicit consent. Privacy settings are available at any time, allowing you to review and adjust your choices as your comfort level evolves.

For many people, understanding these safeguards turns DNA testing from something that feels risky into something that feels considered and empowering. Being informed — and having control — makes all the difference.

Understanding DNA testing helps you get more out of it

DNA testing isn’t magic, but when understood correctly, it can be an incredibly meaningful way to explore family history. Knowing what DNA testing can and cannot do helps set realistic expectations and leads to better discoveries.

MyHeritage DNA combines genetic insights with family trees and historical records, making it easier to turn DNA results into real understanding. If you’re ready to begin that journey, order a DNA testing kit and take the first step toward discovering more about who you are and where you belong.

Daniella Levy is the Senior Copywriter and Content Manager at MyHeritage with years of experience creating content that helps people explore their family history. Through her work on hundreds of articles, blog posts, video scripts, and user education materials, she has developed deep familiarity with genealogical research tools, historical records, and the challenges and joys of family history discovery. Daniella draws on her background in creative writing to make genealogy more accessible, engaging, and meaningful for MyHeritage users worldwide. She is also the author of 3 books.

The post 7 Myths About DNA Testing: What’s True, What’s Not, and Why It Matters appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

Watch the full session here:

He began with a new feature called Country Coding, released during RootsTech. This free, optional feature displays flags on your family tree based on birth or death locations, making it easier to visualize geographic patterns and migration paths. It also highlights missing information and helps guide further discoveries.

Gilad then introduced Scribe AI, a new AI-powered feature launched at RootsTech 2026. Scribe AI helps users better understand historical materials by transcribing handwritten text, translating it into their language, and interpreting the content. It can analyze photos, documents, letters, gravestones, and historical records — identifying people, places, dates, and context that may otherwise be missed. The feature is integrated across MyHeritage and is available from photo pages, historical records, or a dedicated page.

Looking ahead, Gilad previewed several features currently in development. These include Family Infographics, a visual way to present information from family trees, currently in pilot, and new AI-driven video concepts such as Life Tribute, Life Video, and Walk of Life, designed to turn family photos into meaningful visual stories.

In addition, Gilad shared updates on MyHeritage’s global reach. The platform is now available in 50 languages, with more on the way, making family history research accessible to more people worldwide.

He also highlighted continued growth on OldNews.com, which now hosts 438 million newspaper pages. MyHeritage recently published Spain, Names & Stories in Newspapers, a collection with 265 million historical records extracted from Spanish-language newspapers. Using MyHeritage’s AI technology, newspaper content is analyzed and turned into structured historical records, making it easier to search for people and connect them to family trees.

An additional collection, Netherlands, Names & Stories in Newspapers, is expected soon and will include 800 million historical records extracted from Dutch newspapers.

On the topic of DNA, Gilad announced that MyHeritage has fully transitioned to Whole Genome Sequencing. Instead of analyzing around 700,000 markers, the new technology reads 3 billion, providing a stronger foundation for more accurate DNA Matches and ethnicity results, as well as future developments.

He also shared progress on the DNA Accuracy Project, which will improve data quality across millions of DNA kits, and the ongoing Artifact DNA Project, which explores extracting DNA from historical items like envelopes and stamps.

Gilad concluded by demonstrating how MyHeritage continues to combine family trees, historical records, DNA, and AI to help users make discoveries and better understand their family history.

Watch the full session above, and for a complete overview of everything MyHeritage announced at RootsTech 2026, see our RootsTech Roundup.

The post MyHeritage Founder and CEO Gilad Japhet at RootsTech 2026 appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

As a teenager, she began to wonder more and more about her origins and what had really happened. She knew the name of her biological mother, Lina Maria, and that there was no registered father. That was all. Everything else was classified.

When she contacted the Adoption Center, she was advised to stop looking. They said that Lina Maria was probably ashamed, as people looked down on those who had children out of wedlock, and that she had surely moved on in life. If Paula suddenly appeared, she could complicate things for Lina Maria.

Paula Dahlberg

A DNA Match after 5 years

Paula didn’t give up. When she became a mother herself in 2008, she became determined to continue her search. She joined adoption groups and contacted organizations in Colombia, but was met time and again with the same answer: “There are no records left.”

When private DNA tests became available, her hope was rekindled. In 2019, MyHeritage launched DNA Quest, a pro bono campaign to provide free DNA tests to adoptees and their families. Paula applied and was selected. She received many matches, but only to distant relatives… until one day in March 2024.

On the other side of the globe, in Medellín, Colombia, Lina Maria had never stopped looking for her daughter. A man named Oscar, himself adopted from Colombia to Sweden, bought a MyHeritage DNA test for her. And on that day in March 2024, they got the DNA Match that would change everything.

“There is a woman on Facebook who says she is your mother”

Lina Maria was the first to become aware of the match. It was 8 o’clock in the evening, and a volunteer at an organization in Colombia that helps reunited adoptees with their families helped her search for Paula online.

There were 4 people on Facebook with Paula’s name, but Lina Maria immediately recognized her daughter by her birthmark. Both Lina Maria and the woman from the organization wrote to Paula, but since it was two in the morning in Sweden, she didn’t see the messages. Lina Maria also contacted Paula’s husband, Simon.

Simon woke up early to get ready for work, and when he checked his phone, he saw a message from an unknown woman in Colombia claiming to be Paula’s biological mother. He went back into the bedroom and woke her, but Paula was so sleepy that it took almost an hour before his words really sank in.

Lina Maria (Paula’s biological mother)

“Now that I’ve found you, I am truly living again”

The adoption papers stated that Lina Maria approved the adoption of her daughter, so two of Paula’s first questions were: why was I placed for adoption? Do I have any siblings?

Lina Maria’s answer came immediately: she had never wanted to place Paula for adoption. She was 15 years old and had come to Medellín to work when Paula was a year old. There, she was tricked into giving her daughter to a woman, who in turn gave her to social services, who then placed her for adoption. And yes, Paula has a sister who is 3 years younger: Janeth.

Since then, Paula became aware that major investigations are underway in Colombia regarding adoptions in the 1970s and 1980s, where several people from Colombia’s social services have been indicted for involvement in child trafficking.

What moved Paula most deeply was learning that she was never a secret. Lina Maria and her mother, Paula’s biological grandmother, both had pictures of Paula as a baby and a toddler at home. Everyone in the family knew she existed. Everyone knew that Lina Maria was searching. She had never been ashamed of Paula. She even told Paula, “Now that I have found you, I am truly living again.”

Lina Maria with Paula as a little girl — the first photo Paula received from her biological mother.

Lina Maria’s struggle to find her daughter had never stopped. For all those years, she had worked right next to the orphanage where Paula was once placed and passed by it every day. It was a daily reminder of what she had lost and never stopped searching for.

Contact with Lina Maria also gave Paula answers she didn’t know she needed. It turned out that the information in the adoption papers was wrong; not even Paula’s birth date was right. She was actually born on June 25, 1985, not the date that had been on her papers her whole life. She was a year older than she’d thought.

The meeting in Medellín

The autumn after the match, Paula traveled with her husband, Simon, and their two youngest sons, Joran and Varchel, to Colombia. Lina Maria had made a large welcome sign with the text: Welcome to your place in Colombia. It was incredibly emotional.

Lina Maria had waited 37 years to hug her daughter

Paula felt that the trip and the meeting with her biological family had been healing. Now she knows where she comes from. She found out she was born in her grandmother’s kitchen, with her grandmother and a midwife. She also knows her father was a teenage fling and that he disappeared from her life before they even knew Paula was in the womb.

All of this has been deeply healing for Lina Maria and her mother (Paula’s biological grandmother) as well. Lina Maria had long been angry with her mother for not helping out more when Paula was a baby, because if she had, Lina Maria might not have had to go to Medellín to work, and then everything could have been different. But Paula’s grandmother had a baby herself around the same time, so she already had her hands full.

Paula was struck by how much she looks like her mother; the DNA test seemed hardly necessary. She also saw she has many similarities with her little sister in terms body language, facial expressions, and humor.

The family gathered for Paula’s sister Janeth’s 36th birthday

Paula, half-sister Janeth, and Lina Maria

Lina Maria and Paula with Paula’s husband, kids, and niece

For Paula, the DNA test hasn’t just provided answers to the questions that followed her since her teens. It has given her something she didn’t know she was missing — a whole family who always wanted her. A mother, a little sister, a grandmother. And the truth about her own history.

Have you also made an unexpected or touching discovery using MyHeritage? We would love to hear your story! Share it with us via this form or email us at stories@myheritage.com.

The post Swedish Adoptee Discovers She Was Kidnapped From Colombia at 1 Year Old appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

Irish genealogy after the Great Potato Famine

The famine permanently changed Ireland’s population and created one of the largest migrations in modern history.

Key facts include:

1. The timeline: The Great Famine occurred between 1845 and 1852, though its social effects lasted decades.
2. The great migration: Around 1 million people died and more than 1.5 million emigrated.
3. Irish immigration: By 1850, Irish-born residents made up roughly 43% of the foreign-born population in the U.S.
4. Global diaspora: Today, the Irish diaspora is estimated at about 70 million people worldwide, with most of them residing in English-speaking countries.
5. Cultural legacy: St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the U.S. became a powerful symbol of Irish identity.

For many families, tracing ancestors from this period begins with organizing known relatives and building a family tree.

A famine cottage in Athea, County Limerick as it stands today

The Young Irelanders rebellion and Thomas Francis Meagher

The years following the famine also saw political upheaval in Ireland. One important event was the Young Irelanders Rebellion of 1848, a short-lived uprising inspired by revolutionary movements across Europe. Although the rebellion in County Tipperary was quickly suppressed, it had lasting political significance. Many of its leaders were exiled and later influenced Irish communities abroad. One notable figure was Thomas Francis Meagher. After participating in the rebellion and the Battle of Ballingarry, Meagher was sentenced to death. The sentence was later commuted, and he was transported to Australia. He eventually escaped and traveled to the United States in 1852, where he later became a Union general during the American Civil War and served as acting governor of Montana. Stories like Meagher’s highlight how Irish migration shaped the political and cultural history of many countries.

Record of Thomas Meagher in United States Civil War Draft Registration, 1863-1865 collection on MyHeritage

Researching Irish ancestry outside Ireland

Tracing famine-era ancestors can be challenging because many Irish records from the nineteenth century were incomplete or lost. However, research is often successful when it begins in the country where an ancestor settled.

Today, genealogists rely heavily on digitized historical records to track migration, census entries, and immigration documents. These records can reveal valuable details such as:

• Occupations
• Names of family members
• Places of birth
• Immigration dates

Together they help researchers reconstruct the journeys of Irish emigrants.

The Irish Famine Memorial in Sydney is dedicated to the 4114 young Irish women who arrived in Australia from 1848 to 1850 under the Earl Grey assisted emigration scheme

The United States: building a new nation

The United States became the primary destination for people fleeing the Great Irish Famine. Between 1845 and 1855, more than 1.5 million Irish immigrants arrived in American ports. Their contributions shaped the development of cities, industries, and communities across the country.

Depiction of ship preparing to sail from Ireland to America during the Irish Famine

Several types of records are particularly valuable for Irish genealogy research in the United States:

1. Passenger lists: Beginning in 1820, ship captains were required to file passenger lists with U.S. customs officials. These records provide names, ages, occupations, and ports of origin.
2. Castle Garden and Ellis Island records: These collections contain millions of immigration records for people arriving in New York between the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
3. U.S. census records: The 1850 U.S. census was the first to list every person in a household and record each individual’s birthplace — a critical detail for identifying Irish immigrants. For the 1790 Census through the 1840 Census, only the name of the head of household was collected, which can also be useful if the family name is known.
4. Newspapers and local histories: Historical newspapers often contain obituaries, community announcements, and reports of Irish organizations that can provide clues about family origins.

United Kingdom records for Irish immigrants

As Ireland was still part of the United Kingdom until 1922, many Irish emigrants first traveled to Great Britain before moving elsewhere. During the famine, migration between Ireland and Britain was considered internal movement within the United Kingdom, so passenger lists were rarely recorded.

Despite this limitation, several sources remain useful:

1. England and Wales census records
2. Civil registration indexes for births and marriages
3. Local parish records

The 1851 England and Wales Census recorded approximately 466,000 Irish-born residents in England and Wales, illustrating the scale of migration during that period.

Canadian records for Irish famine immigrants

Canada was another major destination for Irish emigrants during the famine years.

In 1847, the Port of Québec was overwhelmed with ships carrying thousands of refugees. Many immigrants were quarantined on Grosse-Île, which later became one of the largest Irish burial sites outside Ireland.

Useful Canadian genealogy resources include:

1. Canada immigration and naturalization records
2. Canadian census records
3. Canada land and government records
4. Digitized historical newspapers

These sources can help identify where immigrants settled and how families moved within Canada.

A poster advertising the sailing of the Superior from Derry to Quebec in July 1847

Australian records for Irish famine immigrants

Although smaller in number than those traveling to North America, many Irish emigrants also settled in Australia. Between 1848 and 1850, more than 10,000 Irish immigrants arrived in Sydney, Port Phillip, and Moreton Bay.

In addition to those immigrants, over 40,000 Irish prisoners, around 24% of the 164,000 total, were sent to Australian penal colonies between 1791 and 1868, often for crimes motivated by political uprising or poverty. The main destinations for these men and women were Van Diemen’s Land (today’s Tasmania) and New South Wales. Despite their difficult labor, several of them achieved success after being set free.

Removal of one of the leaders of the rebellion to prison, following his trial. A death sentence was later changed to transportation to Van Diemen’s Land.

Key sources for Australian research include:

1. Assisted and unassisted immigration records
2. Death indexes and gravestone inscriptions
3. Transportation records for Irish convicts

These documents can reveal birthplaces in Ireland, family relationships, and migration routes.

How to start researching Irish famine ancestors

If you are looking to learn more about an ancestor who left Ireland during the famine era, these steps can help you begin your research.

Step 1: Build a family tree

Start by collecting information from relatives, family documents, and photographs. Recording these details in a family tree helps organize relationships and identify missing information.

Step 2: Search immigration and census records

Passenger lists, census records, and naturalization documents can reveal when your ancestor arrived and where they settled.

Step 3: Explore MyHeritage historical records

MyHeritage provides access to billions of historical records and advanced matching technologies that help connect documents to your family tree. Features such as Record Matches and Smart Matches automatically identify relevant records and relatives that may expand your research.

Step 4: Trace Irish parish and civil records

Once you identify a likely birthplace, Irish civil registration records, parish registers, and local archives can help confirm earlier generations.

You can also explore the origins of common Irish surnames and their historical meanings here on the MyHeritage Wiki.

From hardship to heritage: the legacy of St. Patrick’s Day

It is often said that St. Patrick’s Day as we know it was “made in America.” What began as a solemn religious feast in Ireland transformed in the U.S. into a defiant, powerful, and proud display of cultural identity. In the face of 19th-century “No Irish Need Apply” discrimination, parades and community celebrations became a way for our ancestors to claim their space in American society.

Postcard postmarked 1912 in the United States

Today, when we wear green every March 17th, we honor not only the saint, but also the resilience of those who survived the Gorta Mór (the Great Hunger) to build new lives, families, and a future in the United States.

Are you ready to find your place in America’s 250-year history? Use these records to discover the names of the brave men and women who carried their Irish spirit across the Atlantic.

Summary

Researching Irish ancestors from the famine era may seem difficult, but new discoveries are made every day. Digitized historical records, census documents, immigration lists, and newspaper archives continue to reveal new details about the lives of Irish emigrants wherever they settled around the world. With patience and the right resources, you can uncover the journeys of the people who carried their Irish heritage across oceans and generations.

FAQs about Irish genealogy

How do I find out which part of Ireland my ancestors came from?

Start with immigration, census, and naturalization records in the country where your ancestors settled. These documents often include a county or townland in Ireland.

Were many Irish genealogy records destroyed?

Yes. A fire at the Public Record Office in Dublin in 1922 destroyed many historical documents. However, alternative sources such as church registers, newspapers, and civil registrations can still help reconstruct family histories.

Why is St. Patrick’s Day relevant to genealogy?

Historical newspaper accounts of parades and Irish community organizations often mention specific families and hometowns in Ireland, providing useful clues for researchers.

What if my ancestors emigrated after the famine?

Irish emigration continued well into the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Passenger lists, census records, and civil registration records remain valuable sources for tracing those later migrations.

Where will your family history research take you next? The story of Irish migration is also a story about individual families — and your ancestors may be waiting to be discovered in the historical records of the past.

This guest post has been written by Ireland Reaching Out. Every year, Ireland Reaching Out helps thousands of people who are tracing their ancestors who immigrated during the Irish famine. The goal is to reconnect everyone of Irish heritage with their place of origin in Ireland and the community living there today. To learn more about Ireland Reaching Out, visit www.irelandxo.com.

The post Tracing Irish Ancestors: A Guide to Famine-Era Genealogy appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

Search Irish records for free

Millions of people around the world — especially in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia — have Irish roots. Whether your ancestors lived in Ireland for generations or emigrated during one of the great waves of migration, historical records can help uncover the details of their lives.

Over the past year, MyHeritage has greatly expanded its Irish collections, adding tens of millions of new records. Today, users can explore a wide range of Irish sources, including birth, marriage, and death records, parish registers, newspapers, passenger lists, and court records.

One of the most recent additions this year is the Ireland, Petty Sessions Court Registers, 1828–1926, a collection containing more than 23 million records. Petty Sessions courts handled minor civil and criminal cases across Ireland. The registers occasionally mention local political activists and community figures, offering insight into the social and political tensions of the time.

A record in this collection offers an interesting glimpse of Charles Stewart Parnell (1846–1891) before he became one of the most influential political figures in Irish history. Parnell was an Irish nationalist leader who headed the Irish Parliamentary Party and played a central role in the movement for Home Rule, which sought self-government for Ireland within the United Kingdom. In the Petty Sessions register from August 8, 1867, a “Charles Parnell Esq.” of Avondale appears as the complainant in two cases heard in Rathdrum, County Wicklow, involving individuals accused of trespassing in his wood at Avondale.

This almost certainly refers to Parnell, whose family owned the nearby Avondale estate. He was about 21 at the time and had recently inherited the property after his father’s death. The case itself was minor — the defendants were fined just one penny plus costs — but it shows the kind of everyday disputes recorded in Petty Sessions registers. Entries like this are interesting because they sometimes capture well-known figures long before they became prominent.

With free access to Irish records available for a limited time, this is a great opportunity to search for relatives in parish registers, court records, passenger lists, newspapers, and other historical sources.

Search Irish records for free

You may discover new details about your family — from where your ancestors lived and worked to the journeys that eventually brought later generations around the world.

The post Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Free Access to Irish Records on MyHeritage appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

Try Scribe AI now

Scribe AI was unveiled at RootsTech 2026, where attendees had the chance to try it firsthand at the MyHeritage booth. Many of them uploaded their own family documents and photos on the spot — and were amazed by the insights Scribe AI provided.

Genealogists who tested the feature quickly discovered how powerful it is. Some joked that it’s hard to stop using it once you start, because you immediately want to try it on every document or photo you can find.

Here’s a taste of what people are saying:

Randy Seaver of the GeneaMusings blog couldn’t wait to test the feature during RootsTech. While watching conference sessions, he uploaded an 1894 birth record from Lucca, Italy, and described his experience:

“WOW!!! I couldn’t resist trying out the new MyHeritage Scribe AI today… Scribe AI transcribed the handwritten Italian writing, translated it to English, and interpreted it for me. It looked right to me! This is game-changing, I think.”

He noted that Scribe AI could be used on a wide range of historical materials, including birth, marriage, and death records, military documents, newspaper articles, and family photos.

Genealogy blogger Gail Dever of Genealogy à la carte tested Scribe AI on a four-page lease agreement signed by her great-great-grandfather in February 1870. The results included historical context, key findings, extracted details, and a full transcription of the document.

Her verdict:

“I’m very, very impressed with MyHeritage’s Scribe AI. If you don’t hear from me for a while, you’ll know what I’m busy doing.”

Ellen Thompson-Jennings of Family History Hound also explored Scribe AI in a YouTube review. She uploaded a historical photograph labeled “Cora and Harry” that had been passed down through her grandmother’s photo collection. Although little was known about the photo beforehand, Scribe AI analyzed the image and surfaced helpful clues about the people, setting, and time period. Thompson-Jennings noted that the feature “really describes the photo in detail,” highlighting how it identified visual elements, estimated the date range, and suggested possible locations. The analysis also gave her new directions for research. Reflecting on the experience, she said the results provided “some clues and some ideas as to further research,” adding, “I really think this is a cool tool.”

Another genealogist, Janna Helshtein, tested Scribe AI on a handwritten letter in Russian that she had never been able to decipher. Within moments, Scribe AI produced a clear transcription of the original Russian text along with a translation of the letter. It also extracted details about the people mentioned, explained the relationships between them, and provided historical context about the letter. In addition, it suggested possible next steps for further genealogical research. 

She was amazed by the results, and wrote:

“What can I say? This is truly the next step in genealogical research. Huge kudos!”

The Admin of the Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International (CGSI) also shared their experience testing the feature on an 1871 marriage record.

After uploading just the groom’s portion of the document, they wrote:

“WOW!! Impressive.”

They noted that Scribe AI correctly identified the historical context of the record, including references to military service in the Imperial and Royal Army and social details such as the occupation and status of the groom’s family.

Joseph A. Loerzel also shared his experience after trying Scribe AI at the MyHeritage booth during RootsTech. He tested the feature on a 1749 church record written in German Latin script and was impressed with the results:

“I tried it at RootsTech and it was super awesome. I used a 1749 German Latin church script and it translated perfectly.”

Joseph noted that the analysis went far beyond a simple translation. In addition to transcribing and translating the document, Scribe AI provided historical context, clearly identified the individuals mentioned in the record, and suggested possible directions for further research. As he put it:

“This feature is going to be a big hit with subscribers.”

Another genealogist, Lloyd Pfeilitzer de Vere-Hunt, shared how helpful Scribe AI was when working with documents from his personal archive. After selecting a page from thousands of photo scans he had taken in an archive, he uploaded the image to Scribe AI and quickly received insights about the document.

He noted that the feature helped identify part of the matriculation record of his ancestors and appreciated the additional historical context the analysis provided. Lloyd explained that when tools like Scribe AI are combined with traditional genealogical research and DNA evidence, it “blows your mind” how much you can scale your research and analyze large collections of historical documents more efficiently.

Longtime MyHeritage user Gad Lavie recently wrote to us to share how much he’s enjoying Scribe AI:

“I tried the new Scribe AI feature today and uploaded five images. The results were amazing. The accuracy of the translation from old German was beyond my expectations, and the insights that accompanied the transcriptions were extremely precise. As a long-time MyHeritage subscriber, I want to compliment the team for delivering such impressive results.”

Another user, Paul Lambie, shared how Scribe AI helped him finally make progress on a document that had challenged him for years. Paul had been trying to transcribe the 1624 Last Will and Testament of Cristian Mair, the wife of his 7th great-grandfather James Lambie. The document is written in Scottish Secretary Hand, heavily faded, and even contains text bleeding through from the next page — making it extremely difficult to read.

“I have been trying to transcribe this document for some time without much success. Scribe AI managed to read parts of the document and clearly stated which parts it couldn’t read. Other AI programs usually make up content for parts they can’t read. Scribe AI didn’t do that.

It identified Cristian’s mother and daughter, as well as relatives of James Lambie, and explained that the will was written by her husband after her death, with permission given beforehand in front of witnesses. This filled in a lot of gaps for me, and I’m keen to try the tool on the many other documents I have.”

Users have also been sharing their discoveries on social media:

I just discovered the #ScribeAI tool on @MyHeritage and oh my, this is amazing. It accurately described a handwritten birth certificate from 1859 for example.

— Papavantwee88 (@papavantwee88) March 6, 2026

So happy that I am a MyHeritage subscriber. I now have extended use of the new Scribe AI. I can upload image of records, gravestones, postcards, and family crests, etc., to get transcriptions, historical context, and research tips. Try it out for free here-https://t.co/9mTIQIJ4ey pic.twitter.com/mlXuCku6FY

— Vera (@veranmiller) March 5, 2026

@ron.m.davis

MyHeritage with Scribe AI .. Wow well done guys #genealogy #history #legacy #myheritage Build on your legacy story today with our community of seasoned researchers Roots and Routes. check the bio

♬ original sound – Ron The Nomad

Wenche Marie Malmvik Nydahl recently shared how Scribe AI helped her with a difficult historical document:

“Scribe AI was amazing. I found a densely written text from a prison protocol, uploaded the image, and asked for a transcription. I’ll post the result in the comments below. This will make genealogy much easier for many people when they encounter short or long texts in historical sources.”

Summary

It’s incredibly exciting to see how genealogists are already using Scribe AI to unlock insights from historical documents and photos.

Try Scribe AI on your handwritten letters, family photos, gravestones, and historical documents. You may discover details you never noticed before and uncover new directions for your research.

Try Scribe AI now

Enjoy!

The post Users Love Scribe AI on MyHeritage appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.

This year, we announced several new developments, including Scribe AI and Country Coding, and previewed some exciting features currently in development. The reactions from attendees were fantastic, and we look forward to sharing more about them soon.

One of the best parts of RootsTech is getting to meet MyHeritage users face-to-face. From longtime genealogists to those just starting their journey, we loved hearing your stories and learning about the discoveries you’ve made using MyHeritage.

A brand-new MyHeritage booth

The MyHeritage booth had a fresh new look this year, designed to better showcase our products and give visitors more space to explore everything MyHeritage has to offer. 

The booth was buzzing with energy throughout the conference, with attendees stopping by to test our latest features, ask questions, and connect with members of the MyHeritage team.

Visitors had the opportunity to try Scribe AI firsthand, and many of them uploaded their own family documents and photos to see what insights the feature could uncover. The reactions were incredible. Many users told us they were amazed by how quickly Scribe AI could transcribe, translate, and interpret their historical materials.

We also showcased a new Family Infographics feature that is currently in the testing phase. These visually rich summaries present family history insights in a beautiful and easy-to-share format. We even offered printed versions at the booth, and attendees absolutely loved them.

Another big highlight was the MyHeritage swag shop, which quickly became a popular stop at the booth. Visitors were excited to browse and take home MyHeritage-themed merchandise, and it was wonderful seeing so many people proudly carrying their new gear around the conference.

We were also delighted to have colleagues from across the MyHeritage family at the booth, including the Legacy Family Tree Webinars, Geni, and Filae teams.

Booth sessions and live demonstrations

Throughout the conference, the MyHeritage booth hosted a series of engaging mini-sessions where attendees could learn directly from our team. These sessions offered practical tips, demonstrations of new features, and insights into how MyHeritage technologies can help users advance their research.

The energy during these sessions was fantastic. Attendees gathered around to ask questions, share discoveries, and see the latest tools in action.

MyHeritage speakers at RootsTech sessions

Several members of the MyHeritage team also took the stage at official RootsTech sessions.

Alon Ehrenfeld, Senior Product Manager at MyHeritage, presented Scribe AI at the RootsTech Innovation Forum, demonstrating how the feature can analyze historical documents and photos to uncover valuable genealogical insights.

You can watch Alon’s presentation here:

Our team members Daniel Horowitz, Ran Snir, and Myko Clelland also delivered sessions during the conference, sharing their expertise with the global genealogy community.

Myko Clelland’s memorable keynote

One of the highlights at RootsTech this year was the keynote delivered by Myko Clelland, who presented MyHeritage’s latest innovations to a packed audience. The session was informative, inspiring, and — in true Myko style — included a memorable musical moment that brought smiles to the crowd.

You can watch Myko’s keynote here:

Gilad Japhet’s much-anticipated session

As always, one of the most anticipated moments of the conference for MyHeritage fans was the talk by MyHeritage Founder and CEO Gilad Japhet. His session drew a large audience and was warmly received, with many attendees staying afterward to ask questions and take photos.

We’ll be sharing the full recording of Gilad’s presentation on the MyHeritage blog very soon, so stay tuned.

Until next year

RootsTech continues to be one of the highlights of the genealogy calendar, and it was wonderful to connect with so many passionate family history enthusiasts in person once again.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the MyHeritage booth, attended our sessions, and shared your stories with us. We’re already looking forward to RootsTech 2027 — and to bringing you even more exciting innovations in the world of family history.

The post RootsTech 2026 Roundup appeared first on MyHeritage Blog.