The Final Touch for a Funeral Might be at Cracker Barrel
My family said goodbye to my Great-Aunt Betty this past weekend. She was ninety-one and was my grandma's last living sibling. She...
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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. She holds a post graduate certificate in Genealogical, Palaeographic & Heraldic Studies from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Ms. Dudek is the Book Review Editor of the Illinois State Genealogical Society, an executive board member of the Illinois State Historical Society, website coordinator for the Chicago Chapter NSDAR, and is the author of the World War I Research Guide: Tracing American Military and Non-Combatant Ancestors.
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
Mon, Oct 07Sun City Palm Desert Genealogy ClubOct 07, 2024, 11:30 AM CDTSun City Palm Desert Genealogy Club
Thu, Oct 10Omaha Public LibraryOct 10, 2024, 5:00 PM CDTOmaha Public Library
Sat, Oct 12Town and Country Public LibraryOct 12, 2024, 9:00 AM CDTTown and Country Public Library, 320 E North St, Elburn, IL 60119, USAOct 12, 2024, 9:00 AM CDTTown and Country Public Library, 320 E North St, Elburn, IL 60119, USAPennsylvania Germans have long been renowned for their tremendously diverse, colorful, and often whimsical folk art Frakturs. This program will examine the history of this unique art form, the vital records generated from these items, and how to use them in your genealogy research.
Wed, Oct 16Naperville Public Library 95th StreetOct 16, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDTNaperville Public Library 95th Street, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USAOct 16, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDTNaperville Public Library 95th Street, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USAFor over two centuries, individuals accused of witchcraft did not live by the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” – if you made it to trial, the law heavily presumed guilt.
Thu, Oct 17Peters Township Public LibraryOct 17, 2024, 5:30 PM CDTPeters Township Public Library
Tue, Oct 22Henrietta Hankin Branch LibraryOct 22, 2024, 5:00 PM CDTHenrietta Hankin Branch Library
Sat, Oct 26Joliet Area Historical MuseumOct 26, 2024, 7:00 AM CDTJoliet Area Historical Museum, 204 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL 60432, USA- Wed, Oct 30Prospect Heights Public Library DistrictOct 30, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CDTProspect Heights Public Library District, 12 N Elm St, Prospect Heights, IL 60070, USAOct 30, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CDTProspect Heights Public Library District, 12 N Elm St, Prospect Heights, IL 60070, USAWe'll uncover the real records and printed resources seen in your favorite shows, what the writers used as inspiration, and how to access historical resources for free from home.
Sat, Nov 02Castle Rock Colorado Genealogical SocietyNov 02, 2024, 11:00 AM CDTCastle Rock Colorado Genealogical SocietyNov 02, 2024, 11:00 AM CDTCastle Rock Colorado Genealogical SocietyLearn online tools and resources to unpuzzle your Irish heritage. This lecture will introduce you to a variety of online sites, new search strategies, and what steps to take to further your research objectives online and abroad.- Thu, Nov 07Prospect Heights Public Library DistrictNov 07, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CSTProspect Heights Public Library District
- Tue, Nov 12Schaumburg Township District LibraryNov 12, 2024, 6:30 PM CSTSchaumburg Township District Library, 130 S Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193, USA
- Thu, Nov 21Peters Township Public LibraryNov 21, 2024, 5:30 PM CSTPeters Township Public Library
- Mon, Nov 25South Bend Area Genealogical SocietyNov 25, 2024, 6:00 PM CSTSouth Bend Area Genealogical Society
Mon, Dec 02German Interest Group of WisconsinDec 02, 2024, 7:00 PM CSTGerman Interest Group of Wisconsin
Wed, Jan 15Carol Stream Public LibraryJan 15, 2025, 6:30 PM CSTCarol Stream Public Library- Tue, Feb 04Hinsdale Public LibraryFeb 04, 2025, 7:00 PM CSTHinsdale Public Library, 20 E Maple St, Hinsdale, IL 60521, USA
- Sat, Feb 08Idaho Genealogical SocietyFeb 08, 2025, 1:00 PM CSTIdaho Genealogical Society
- Thu, Aug 21Florida State Genealogical SocietyAug 21, 2025, 7:00 PM CDTFlorida State Genealogical SocietyAug 21, 2025, 7:00 PM CDTFlorida State Genealogical SocietyUsing a fail-proof method of record gathering, you can begin to compile details of your ancestors service quickly and easily, even if your ancestor’s official military records were destroyed in the National Personnel Records Center fire.
Free Webinars
What’s the Buzz About BillionGraves?
June 2023
BillionGraves is contending to be the top cemetery search site on the web. Toting a hot new app and an easy interface, BillionGraves is making cemetery transcription projects and research information more accessible to tech-friendly users. Get a look at this site as a researcher, transcriber, and in-the-field data gatherer.
Webinar for personal use only. Please contact speaker for society or group viewing options.
Aliens in the Army
World War I Military Naturalizations
March 2023
Non-citizens residing in the USA during World War I were drafted in the military, and with their induction into service, and the government responded by streamlining the naturalization process for these 'alien' servicemen. Find out how you can research your WWI ancestor's military service and personal path to citizenship.
Webinar for personal use only. Please contact speaker for society or group viewing options.
Recently Published Works
Articles and Book Reviews
Spring 2023
Illinois State Genealogical Society Quarterly
Book Review - Searching for Charles: The Untold Legacy of an Immigrant by Stephen Watts. This book is an excellent example of how genealogists can tie together a compelling and rich narrative by using personal papers, archival manuscripts, and in-depth social history research.
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
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.
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