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.

2) If you are interested in being 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 (or available in print and video) is the sense of community you get as a member. There is a very active email discussion list, regional and national conferences (APH celebrated ten years with the annual national conference November 10-14, 2004 in Baltimore, MD; the most recent conference was in Grand Rapids, Michigan in November, 2005. The next conference will be in Portland, Oregon, October 4-8, 2006) and the genuine willingness to help fellow members permeates the entire association.

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), Personal History News (various members in the news as well as publicity about the Association) and a pretty extensive Links section that will keep you surfing the Internet for a good while.

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

Tom Gilbert, proud member of APH.