Personal historians to teach Utahns how to tell their life stories

A conference to help Utahns learn to share their life stories and those of their friends and loved ones is planned Nov. 3 in West Valley City.

The Utah Association of Personal Historians (APH), a nonprofit trade association, is hosting the conference at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center, 1355 W. 3100 South, in West Valley City. A pre-conference seminar is planned Nov. 2 for those interested in becoming personal historians.

Featured speakers for the conference are Mary O'Brien Tyrrell, author of Become a Memoirist for Elders, and Dawn Thurston, co-author of Breathe Life Into Your Story, according to a news release.

Tyrrell, who has helped hundreds of seniors publish their life stories, is the president of the advisory board of the International Institute for Reminiscence and Life Review at the University of Wisconsin in Superior.

Thurston, a California native, attended Brigham Young University and has taught others how to write their memoirs and family histories in Utah and California for more than a dozen years. She co-wrote her 2007 book with her husband, Morris Thurston.

The conference will allow participants to choose from workshops on how to prepare a book, connect stories to history, write life stories or record stories with electronic media, the release said.

The cost of the Nov. 2 pre-conference seminar is $70 and the Nov. 3 conference is $85, or $130 for both days.

Organizers are offering a special "Bring-a-Friend" price for those who register by Wednesday. A registrant who pays full price can bring a friend for half-price. The price includes lunch each day, and while no one will be turned away, organizers encourage registration by Oct. 29.

For details and registration, go to www.utahaph.blogspot.com. Those with questions can email myutahstory@gmail.com, or call Dave Homer at 801-641-4617 or Paulette Stevens at 801-561-5203.

kmoulton@sltrib.com —