President's Invitation

See. Hear. Feel. Touch. Smell. The 13th annual conference of the Association of Personal Historians promises to stimulate all the senses when we meet in Franklin, Tennessee, just a short drive down the road from the “Music City” of Nashville.

This year’s theme of Listen represents the art and skill vital for all personal historians. It embodies our shared pursuit of skillfully hearing and telling stories, regardless of what medium we use.

The conference committee, headed by Jane Baxter, John Morrison and Paula Yost, listened carefully to suggestions from members about what they wanted and needed in the area of programming. As a result, you’ll be treated to nationally known speakers and workshop leaders who will help you feel the passion and urgency of sharing our clients’ stories.

Through their business-building workshops you can’t find anywhere else, you’ll touch tomorrow as you see the new technologies and alternate schools of thought which will inspire you to hone your current skills and develop some new ones.

As members who have attended past conferences know, one of the biggest benefits to attending the conference is to network and share ideas with people excited about the growing field of personal histories, which is moving steadily closer to the tipping point. The “tipping point,” as defined by Malcolm Gladwell in his bestselling book by the same name, “…is that magical moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips and spreads like wildfire.”

You’ll also be treated to some of the finest entertainers Nashville has to offer, including the opportunity to explore downtown Nashville, attend the Grand Ole Opry or hang out on Honky Tonk Row.

Whether you’re an experienced professional or just getting started in the field, be prepared to enjoy the sweet smell of success as you put your skills to work!

Jeanne S. Archer
APH President