Personal History Services:
What We Have to Offer


It's a pleasure to share one's memories. Everything remembered is dear, endearing, touching, precious. At least the past is safe—though we didn't know it at the time. We know it now. Because it's in the past; because we survived.

--Susan Sontag, 1933-2004, author and critic, in American Review, New York, September 1973
Our members offer a multitude of formats and services to help preserve personal histories—from recording your stories on audiotape, videotape, or DVD to producing a beautiful family history book, to teaching you to write your memoirs in writing classes.

How do you know which method of recording your life stories will work best for you? Here are some definitions you can use as guides to determine which form, content, and services are best for you.

Formats
Personal histories can be told in many ways and published in many formats. This page will give you insights into some of the various print and multimedia formats that can bring your stories to life.

Types of Content
Personal history projects are as varied as the individuals creating them. This page will help you decide what kinds of content you want to include in your life story.

Range of Services
Personal historians offer many different types of services. This page will show you the many services that are available to meet your needs.

If you're not sure where to start, pick out one or two terms that best fit your needs. Search our Membership Directory for those terms to find the APH members in your area who provide those services. Call or e-mail those members, tell them what you want to accomplish, and ask how they can aid you. Chances are, they'll suggest wonderful ideas and options that can help you shape your project. Then you can get started on your own unique life story. Before you know it, you'll have more than you ever thought possible—a legacy that will last for generations to come!