Helen V. Smith
Helen is a speaker, researcher and author and has been researching family history since 1986 in Australia, England, Ireland and Wales with forays into other areas of the world chasing after mobile family members.
She has spoken in every state and territory in Australia, and internationally in New Zealand, Canada, USA, England and aboard 17 Unlock the Past cruises and is a regular presenter for LegacyFamilyTree Webinars.
My Story
I’ve been researching my family since 1986 when Mum lamented the fact she had never known her Grandfather, George Howard Busby. I found some information and a newspaper photo of him, was hooked and have been addicted ever since. As my father was born in England I have had 40+ years experience researching in England and Australia, particularly Queensland with forays into Wales, Ireland, South Africa, Canada, USA and New Zealand.
I am researching the surname Quested anywhere, anytime and have registered the name with the Guild of One-Name Studies and with the Surname Society.
I’ve spoken to a wide variety of audiences nationally (every state/territory in Australia) and internationally including Who Do You Think You Are? Live London, New Zealand, Canada, USA (FGS and RootsTech), around New Zealand and am a regular speaker for Legacy Family Tree Webinars. Helen has also spoken on 18 Unlock the Past cruises.
I established HVSresearch in 2011 with lecturing, writing, client research in Queensland and health histories. I also had a part-time position in conference organising with Unlock the Past Genealogy and History cruises.
I have now retired from full time day job as a Public Health Microbiologist and Molecular Epidemiologist specialising in Public Health Microbiology, my 36+ years experience in this field, has given me a strong interest in infectious diseases and Public Health through the ages.
I have an extensive genealogical reference library (Australian and English resources) and am resident in Brisbane with access to Queensland State Archives, Queensland State Library, Brisbane City Council Archives among others.
Helen started the Genealogical Society of Queensland’s DNA SIG in 2015, handing it to a new convenor in 2024.
Qualifications
Diploma of Family History Studies
Member of
• Genealogical Society of Queensland
• Queensland Family History Society
• Oxfordshire Family History Society
• Kent Family History Society
• Devon Family History Society
• Society of Australian Genealogists
• National Genealogical Society (USA)
• Society of Genealogists (UK)
• Guild of One Name Studies (registered name Quested)
• The Surname Society (Registered surname Quested)
• Society for One Place Studies
• Association of Professional Genealogists
• Genealogical Speakers Guild
• Australian Historical Association