Debra Dudek
Genealogist Author Librarian
About Debra Dudek
Genealogist Author Librarian
Debra M. Dudek is Head of Adult and Teen Services at the Fountaindale Public Library District in Bolingbrook, IL.
Ms. Dudek specializes in British genealogy, World War I research, and emerging technology topics. An alumna of Olivet College (Olivet, Michigan) and the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow, Scotland). Ms. Dudek holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, a Masters in Information and Library Studies, and a Post Graduate Certificate in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies.
Finding Your
World War I Ancestors
Need help tracking down your World War I military ancestor? Watch this free webinar and get started with your research!
Books and Ebooks
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Upcoming Events
Wed, Oct 05Franklin Park Public Library District
Thu, Oct 06Town & Country Public Library
Tue, Oct 11Brookfield Public LibraryOct 11, 4:00 PM CDTBrookfield Public Library, 3541 Park Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513, USANot all your research online can be conducted with Ancestry.com. There are many free and budget friendly resources which can assist you in conducting genealogy research on the web. This program covers exciting and evolving websites from across the United States and parts of Europe.
Wed, Oct 12Pikes Peak Genealogical Society
Wed, Oct 19Patchogue-Medford Library
Thu, Oct 20Elmhurst Public Library- Wed, Oct 26Ashtabula County Genealogical Society
Thu, Nov 03Wilmette Public Library
Fri, Nov 04Texas State Genealogical Society Conference- Fri, Nov 04Texas State Genealogical Society ConferenceNov 04, 12:00 PM CDT – Nov 05, 12:00 PM CDTTexas State Genealogical Society ConferenceWiden your search for birth dates and locations as well as naturalizations from a variety of underutilized resources such as military rosters, consulate applications, voter registrations, cancelled passports, frakturs and much more.
- Fri, Nov 04Texas State Genealogical Society Conference
Sat, Nov 12Naperville Public LibraryNov 12, 10:00 AMNaperville Public Library, 200 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, USAWomen were essential to the success of America’s troops in World War I. This lecture will outline a plan to locate and use a variety of local, state, and national records to discover the stories of female ancestors serving in military and volunteer roles.- Wed, Nov 16Normal Public Library
- Sat, Nov 19BIGWILL GenealogistsNov 19, 10:00 AM CSTBIGWILL Genealogists, 5714 Broadway Rd, Richmond, IL 60071, USAWiden your search for birth dates and locations as well as naturalizations from a variety of underutilized resources such as military rosters, consulate applications, voter registrations, cancelled passports, frakturs and much more.
- Tue, Jan 24Wilmette Public Library
- Thu, Jan 26Naperville Public Library
- Thu, Feb 02Champaign County Historical Archives
Thu, Feb 16St. Croix Valley Genealogical Society
Free Webinars
Fabulous Frakturs - Documenting Family Life Through Folk Art
April 2022
This program will examine the history of this unique artform, the vital records generated from these items, and how to use them in your genealogy research. Originally presented as a recording for the DuPage Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Colonists.
Webinar for personal use only. Please contact speaker for society or group viewing options.
That One Time Martha Washington's Will Was Stolen
April 2022
Remember that one time Martha Washington's will got stolen? Who knew Civil War looters, patriotic women braying for justice, and the death of a millionaire would set a precedent for protecting legal documents. Originally presented as part of the Virtual Genealogical Association 4th Birthday Webinar Event.
Webinar for personal use only. Please contact speaker for society or group viewing options.
Recently Published Works
Articles and Book Reviews
Summer 2022
Illinois State Genealogical Society Quarterly
Amazing Discovery: The Only Known Copy of the 1845 Will County Census
What once was thought lost has been found: The only known copy of the 1845 Illinois Census of Will County. The census was found rolled up in an underwear drawer in the home of a local historian. A note found with the census stated it had been discovered by a workman when Will County was demolishing its historic 1887 courthouse in the 1960s. The census was compiled at the time Irish immigrants and other laborers in Will County were digging the Illinois & Michigan Canal, which connected Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River.
June 2022
National Genealogical Society Quarterly
Book Review: American Merchant Seamen of the Early Nineteenth Century by Anne Morddel
This is an essential book for anyone with ancestors who sailed the seas, regardless of age, race, income, or religion. The author provides a concise yet robust list of records and methodologies in accessing North American and European records from the time period.
Spring 2022
Illinois State Genealogical Society Quarterly
Book Review - Sources for Irish Family History compiled by James G. Ryan. While covering an extensive list of surnames for families of all socioeconomic classes, the newest edition of Sources for Irish Family History takes great pains to provide complete citations for essential resources such as periodicals, journals, books, family histories, websites, and privately printed materials.
Spring 2022
Illinois State Genealogical Society Quarterly
Book Review - Irish Immigration to America by Stephen Szabados. This book provides an in-depth examination of the Irish migration process based on time period and location. It also provides a robust account of voyage conditions, ship types, maps, visual materials, and detailed research topics in an easy-to-read format.
