We Recommend Top Family History
& Life Story Sites and Services

The major purpose of this web site is to encourage you to pursue telling your life story, or to preserve the stories of your family and loved ones. There are many ways to do this (as discussed elsewhere on this site, especially at
How to Tell Your Story).

On this page we regularly put into the Spotlight a "Highlight Site" that provides quality family history and life story methods, products and services.

Click here for previous Highlight Sites

Another "Your Life is Your Story"
Recommendation

Association of Personal Historians (APH)

The Association of Personal Historians (APH), a not-for-profit international trade association,is comprised of some of the most talented and dedicated people around. The hundreds of members are involved in the preservation of family and business legacy, as well as the multiple ways to save personal history. Founded in 1995, the APH is an organization dedicated to helping people preserve life stories and memories. 

The passion for personal history preservation in all its various shapes and forms is at the heart of this organization. Over the years it has grown and developed many resources to help personal historians. I became a member in 2003 and I am continually impressed at how the business and the mission of personal history have evolved.

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, quarterly print newsletters, emails marketing services from fellow members, and the organization has created a "toolbox" of helpful resources for sale to members.

The association continues to improve offerings to members, including regional and online educational opportunities. And their annual conferences are superb opportunities to learn, network and have fun.

The 2011 gathering was in colorful Las Vegas, Nevada once again the conference delighted and inspired members. The year the theme was Expanding Horizons and the conference took place October 16-20, 20011 (Sunday - Thursday). Next year's conference will be in St. Louis. The feedback from attendees is always heavy on the value of the workshops, training, sharing and (most especially) the networking value. Lifetime friendships have bloomed and continue to assist the novice and the veteran throughout the year. You can see more information about past conferences here.

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.