RootsTech 2026: Spotlight on

Essential Databases for Swedish and Finnish Research

SALT LAKE CITY — The first morning of RootsTech 2026 began early for hundreds of eager genealogists, as about 200 attendees gathered at 8:00 a.m. MT for a session led by Swedish genealogy specialist Geoffrey Fröberg Morris. His presentation, Essential Databases for Swedish and Finnish Research, introduced researchers to key digital resources for tracing family lines in Sweden and Finland.

The class, sponsored by FamilySearch, was not broadcast or recorded during the conference session, but interest was strong despite the early start on the event’s opening day. Morris structured the presentation around the class handout, guiding participants through what he described as the most effective databases available for Swedish and Finnish genealogical research.

For Swedish research, Morris highlighted several major platforms, including ArkivDigital, Riksarkivet (the Swedish National Archives), FamilySearch, Ancestry, and MyHeritage. He also pointed attendees to several specialized resources valuable for local or targeted research. Among them were DISByt, the Stockholm City Archives databases, historical newspapers from the National Library of Sweden (Kungliga biblioteket), and Sweden’s Central Soldier Register.

Turning to Finland, Morris introduced attendees to the newly updated website of the National Archives of Finland, including its research interface, Astia. Additional resources covered included Finnish census and pre-confirmation records available through MyHeritage, FamilySearch, and Ancestry, as well as databases maintained by the Finland’s Family History Association.

Audience participation was a highlight of the session. Attendees posed a steady stream of questions throughout the presentation, leading to a lively and informative discussion about research strategies and database strengths.

Registration remains open for RootsTech 2026, which offers hundreds of recorded classes available through the conference website. Registration for RootsTech 2026 is available for free at RootsTech Registration. Morris’s presentation is expected to be recorded at a later date and added to the conference’s online library for those who were unable to attend the live session.

The class syllabus for Essential Databases for Swedish and Finnish Research is available at: Essential Databases for Swedish and Finnish Research.