APH 2009 Annual Conference – Revolutionary Perspectives

Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
Oct. 21 – 25, 2009

America’s founding fathers would be proud that the Association of Personal Historians has chosen Valley Forge as the site of its 2009 conference. Revolutionary War General George Washington and his Continental Army spent the winter of 1777-78 there.

The story of the ragtag army and how they suffered from bitter cold, near starvation, disease, and exhaustion has been well chronicled in our history books. More than two centuries later, unlike General Washington and his men, APH’ers will cheerfully congregate and enjoy mild fall weather amid the gently rolling meadows and forested hills of the 3,600-acre Valley Forge National Historic Park.

Just a short train ride away is Philadelphia, where you may immerse yourself even further in American history.

REVOLUTIONARY PERSPECTIVES, the theme for our 2009 APH conference, reflects the rich historical significance of our meeting site (next door to the park), as well as the storytelling revolution that is sweeping our culture today. As APH members, we are on the front lines of this exciting revolution, and we each bring unique talents and perspectives to our work. What is your perspective? Do you look at personal history as a videographer, a writer, an oral historian? Think of all the different hats we wear as personal historians… There’s a business hat and a helping hat. A service hat. A techno hat. An education hat. And, yes, sometimes even a therapy hat. It all depends on your perspective.

Each client’s personal history provides a unique perspective of the universal history that only he or she can tell.

As Christina Baldwin writes in Storycatcher, “I have heard a thousand variations of my girlhood; stories from the mother’s point of view, the daughter’s point of view, the father’s and the brother’s point of view.”

Join other personal historians and experts from related fields at the beautiful Radisson Valley Forge Hotel to share exciting new perspectives, sharpen skills, and gain valuable information and insights through an exciting lineup of workshops and keynote presentations.

All photos copyrighted and generously provided by the Valley Forge Convention & Visitors Bureau

Don't forget to register between July 1-31 (Early Registration period), while our lowest conference fees are still available.