Association of Personal Historians (APH)
"Up Close"

The Association of Personal Historians

Every May is proclaimed as Personal History Awareness Month by the Association of Personal Historians (APH), a non-profit group comprised of some of the most talented and dedicated people around. It's great to have a specific month that focuses on personal history awareness, but truly anytime is the right time to get the help we all look for in preserving our stories.

The passion of APH is personal history preservation in all its various shapes and forms. And this organization is made up of members who are passionate about preserving life stories year round!

2) If you are interested in becoming a personal historian, either as a professional or hobbyist, this organization has the resources and help you need. More beneficial than the in-depth content on the web site is the sense of community you get as a member. There is a very active email discussion list, online forum, regional and national conferences, and the genuine willingness to help fellow members permeates the entire association. The APH also releases quarterly print newsletters, emails marketing services from fellow members, and has created a "toolbox" of helpful resources for sale to members.

In the coming year the association will be offering more to members, including regional and online educational opportunities.

APH has a structure and organization, but it's not rule-heavy. The board members who serve as officers provide guidance and direction and are themselves active professionals in the field of personal history.

Some areas well worth exploring on the APH site are About the APH (learn about the organization, the values, history and how to join), an extensive Member's Area (jammed with resources too numerous to mention), the Newsroom (various members in the news as well as publicity about the Association) and a pretty extensive Resources and links section that will keep you surfing the Internet for a good while.

I also highly recommend the anthology of personal history stories released by APH - My Words Are Gonna Linger contains a number of life stories from various members of APH. You can now order the book online.

As you continue your life journey take advantage of the benefits offered from the APH web site.

Tom Gilbert, proud member of APH.