The Personal History Initiative aims to tell New Yorkers’ stories. What challenges do you face? What obstacles have you overcome? How do current events factor into your everyday life? 

The experiences of all New Yorkers, from Long Island to Plattsburgh and from Albany to Buffalo, make up the foundation of our state's history. To record and preserve the historical events unfolding around us all the time, the NYS Library’s Manuscripts and Special Collections (MSC) unit encourages all New Yorkers to document their community’s history and experiences.  

Read our terms before you get started. Do you have questions about the project or submitting content? Are you interested in donating your journal? Contact the Manuscripts and Special Collections Unit.  

Read more about ways to document your experiences.