OurAncestories Genealogy
RootsTech - Solving Family Mysteries with the FAN Method and Census Clues
Sat, Mar 07
|Salt Palace Convention Center
Begin learning today. Join us at RootsTech March 5-7, 2026 the world's largest family history conference and genealogy learning library. Register now.
Time & Location
Mar 07, 2026, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST
Salt Palace Convention Center, 100 S W Temple St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA
About the event
When a mysterious “Leo” appears in your family tree, how do you uncover who he really is? This session explores how to solve genealogical puzzles using the FAN method—researching Friends, Associates, and Neighbors—alongside a deep dive into census records, cemetery data, newspapers, and more. Follow the real-life case study of an unknown relative and learn how to: Spot misleading census entries, Work around poor indexing and missing records (like the 1890 census), Use nearby households to uncover hidden connections, and Piece together multiple marriages and name changes. This session will sharpen your analytical skills and show how a single mystery can unlock a wealth of family history.