"The two are connected, but quite different," explained Paulette Stevens, of Taylorsville, one of a dozen professional personal historians in Utah. "A family historian is someone who records the personal history of someone who is still alive so they don't lose their stories."

Stevens' professional group, the Association of Personal Historians, which has some 200 members, meets this week in Salt Lake City.

Stevens recently published her 26th family history book. While she uses technology for her research, including computers, scanners, digital cameras and recorders, Stevens still prefers the print medium for the final product. The mobility of a book, she says, allows family members to curl up just about anywhere and enjoy reading.

In many ways, the work of personal historians is similar to that of historians. After reading family histories and viewing photographs and scrapbooks, personal historians conduct hours of oral interviews. The final product reveals a life through photos and narratives - sometimes even recipes - that can be passed on for generations.

Amy Oaks Long, who has taught family history classes at Brigham Young University, said her work with genealogy turned her toward personal history.

"I started doing genealogy and I would see the names on the pedigree, which were fine," Long said. "But the true excitement and joy came from learning the stories of the names represented on the pedigree chart. I loved the history. So I compiled and put together family stories."

When she researched the personal histories of her grandparents, Long found that the seniors were willing to share stories with her that her parents had never heard.

"Sometimes a grandchild can get a lot more information out of grandparents," she said. "This is a plug for younger generations. It is absolutely amazing what people will tell you when asked. They are excited that someone is interested in their life."

Because family and personal history skills can be related, Stevens said Salt Lake City and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Family History Library make this an ideal setting for the group's 14th annual conference.

Tom Wharton can be contacted at wharton@sltrib.com. His phone number is 801-257-8909. Send comments about this story to livingeditor@sltrib.com.

The Association of Personal Historians conference in SLC

Members only: The conference is Oct. 29 through Nov. 2 at the Sheraton Hotel, 150 W. 500 South, Salt Lake City. Conference sessions are for members (information on becoming a member and the conference schedule is at www.personalhistorians.org/conference).

The public is welcome at the Vendor Expo on Nov. 1 from 1-5 p.m., where they can see products to help professionals and families record their personal histories. The expo will also debut two projects:

"My Words Are Gonna Linger: The Art of Personal History" is the organization's first anthology, which contains a collection of personal, cultural and oral histories, as well as ethical wills.

"In a Name," an interactive presentation of interviews with hundreds of Americans about the meaning of their names, compiled by professors and students from the BYU Family History and Art departments.