FamilySearch sponsors Eurasia archives conference to help connect people to their heritage.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (22 June 2026)—Archivists from 30 nations gathered on 8–12 June 2026 in Kazakhstan to discuss safeguarding their historical records while exploring trends and best practices to expand access. As a world genealogy leader and an event sponsor of the III Congress of Archivists, the Digital Archive Expo, FamilySearch International joined archivists, cultural leaders, and institutions from across Eurasia to advance the preservation and accessibility of humanity’s shared heritage.
The international gathering emphasized a growing global commitment to digitization, collaboration, and expansion to increase access to archival materials, particularly in regions where historical records have been more difficult to access.
Keynote: Purpose Endures in a Digital Age
During the congress, Elder Mark A. Bragg, chairman of the board of FamilySearch International, delivered a keynote address on family history in the digital age. He emphasized that while technology is rapidly transforming how records are preserved and accessed, the purpose behind family history is helping restore names, stories, and a sense of belonging and enduring even when methods are constantly changing.
“Records are never just paper. … They are, in a very real sense, witnesses,” Elder Bragg said. “They are the thin but sacred thread that can tie a child to parents, a people to their past, and an entire generation to its inheritance.”
The expo highlighted how digital tools are accelerating family discovery worldwide. Records created in one location can now be preserved, indexed, and accessed across borders in moments, expanding participation in family history research to millions of people who previously lacked access.
DNA Reshapes Archival Research
FamilySearch also contributed expertise on emerging technologies. Stephen Valentine, Europe senior vice president, FamilySearch International, focused on DNA and its role in helping individuals connect with their heritage.
“Technology has transformed family history,” Valentine said. “Digitization of archival sources, AI-powered transcription and indexing, and automated tree-building are all powerful tools. When these are combined with DNA, researchers can break through brick walls and connect families in ways previously thought impossible,” he concluded.
Valentine explained that DNA and genetic genealogy have profound implications for archivists, because DNA results on ethnicity and migration patterns will bring more researchers to online archival records. Improved DNA matching and tree connections will require greater access to archival records for validation. “Archival records will become even more valuable to establish names, dates, places, and stories. All of this means that more people—from enthusiasts to experts—will [need] more access to archival records than ever before,” he added.
Collaboration: No Nation Preserves History Alone
The central theme of the event was the importance of collaboration. Leaders emphasized that no single institution or nation can preserve the entirety of human history alone. By working together, archives can not only protect information but also ensure cultural integrity, build trust, and expand meaningful access to records worldwide.
The congress reflects a broader shift in Kazakhstan and across Central Asia, where archives are evolving from traditional repositories into dynamic digital platforms supported by advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and searchable data systems.
As access to digital records grows, so does the global demand for genealogy and heritage preservation. FamilySearch continues to play a role in these efforts by encouraging and supporting digitization, indexing, and access initiatives that help individuals discover their identity and connect with their past.
Speaking to archivists and leaders in attendance, Elder Bragg expressed his appreciation for their devotion to preserving historical records and exploring digital access. “A preserved record that cannot be reached has not yet become fully meaningful to the person who needs it. In that sense, your work is not only technical, but it is also profoundly kind. You are not merely safeguarding information; you are opening doors. You are making possible the reunion of memory and meaning. You help connect families and preserve memories to strengthen generations. It is a kindness that is not always recognized or noticed,” he said.
Through ongoing collaboration and relationships like those highlighted at the Kazakhstan Congress of Archivists, FamilySearch reinforces its commitment to enabling joyful journeys of discovery for people everywhere, strengthening connections across generations and cultures worldwide.
