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VanderBeek, Helen Free, 1944-

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1944-

Biographical History

Helen Free VanderBeek (born 1944) is a journalist and family historian in Idaho. Helen goes by several names, including: Helen Free VanderBeek, Helen Free VanderBeek Kerr, Helen LaRae Free VanderBeek Kerr, and LaRae Kerr.

Helen LaRae Free VanderBeek Kerr was born in 1944. She graduated from Brigham Young Academy High School in 1962. She received a scholarship to Brigham Young University where she attended and received her BA in Clothing and textiles in 1966. In 1970, she received a BA in English from Brigham Young University. In 1991, she received a BA from Brigham Young University-Idaho in General Studies. Helen later went on to receive her Master's degree in Education from Idaho State University-Pocatello in 1993. She married Ronald Vanderbeek, and they had three children, but were later divorced. After her divorce, she married Walter Kerr (which changed her married name to Helen Free VanderBeek Kerr). She has written several columns, her first column appearing in the Idaho Farm News. She was an adjunct professor at Ricks College and published a column there too. She also authored a book called Find Your Actual, Factual Ancestors: A Genealogy Journey in 8 Steps.

Citation:
Her George Allen Wadsworth--Pilley to Pananca, 1983: t.p. (Helen Free VanderBeek) verso t.p. (Idaho Falls, ID) p. 355 (Helen LaRae Free; b. 11/28/44; mar. R. Vander/Beek)

Helen Free VanderBeek papers, 1810-2001 (born in 1944; graduated from Brigham Young Academy High School in 1962; received a scholarship to Brigham Young University where she attended and received her BA in Clothing and textiles in 1966; 1970, received a BA in English from Brigham Young University; 1991, received a BA from Brigham Young University-Idaho in General Studies; later went on to receive her Master's degree in Education from Idaho State University-Pocatello in 1993; married Ronald Vanderbeek, and they had three children, but were later divorced; After her divorce, she married Walter Kerr (which changed her married name to Helen Free VanderBeek Kerr))

"Auntie LaRae's Free Family Blog," May 9, 2012 (has written several columns under the name LaRae Kerr, her first column appearing in the Idaho Farm News; adjunct professor at Ricks College and published a column there too; authored a book called Find your actual, factual ancestors: A genealogy journey in 8 steps) http://www.alfreefamily.blogspot.com/

Ancestry.com, May 9, 2012 (Helen LaRae Free, b. 1944)

Found in 1 Collection or Record:

Helen Free VanderBeek papers on the Wadsworth family, approximately 1810-1982

 Series — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS 6224 Series 2
Scope and Contents Contains pedigrees and group sheets from the George Wadsworth family. Also contains correspondence of Helen Free Vanderbeek regarding research for family history, programs for Wadsworth family reunions, and other documents. Contains the founding documents for the George Wadsworth Family Organization, Inc. and tracks of the finances of this organization. There are records of genealogical work done, as well as photographs of family members and audio tapes with family memories, and school...
Dates: approximately 1810-1982