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Debra Dudek

Genealogist   Author   Librarian

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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

3rd Edition Guide Cover 2024 kindle
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Upcoming Events

  • World War I Genealogy – Where Do I Start? (Virtual)
    World War I Genealogy – Where Do I Start? (Virtual)
    Mon, Oct 07
    Sun City Palm Desert Genealogy Club
    Oct 07, 2024, 11:30 AM CDT
    Sun City Palm Desert Genealogy Club
    Oct 07, 2024, 11:30 AM CDT
    Sun City Palm Desert Genealogy Club
    Using a fail-proof method of record gathering, you can begin to construct a large amount of information even if your ancestor’s official military records were destroyed in the NRPC fire.
    Share
  •  Victorian Mourning Customs - Lifting the Veil off Inherited Family Treasures (Virtual)
     Victorian Mourning Customs - Lifting the Veil off Inherited Family Treasures (Virtual)
    Thu, Oct 10
    Omaha Public Library
    Oct 10, 2024, 5:00 PM CDT
    Omaha Public Library
    Oct 10, 2024, 5:00 PM CDT
    Omaha Public Library
    Take a glimpse into the customs and rituals of death in Victorian America. We can thank the Victorians for the 'cult of mourning' which generated a fantastic assortment of keepsakes, mementos, and paperwork.
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  • Fabulous Frakturs - Documenting Early American Family Life through Folk Art
    Fabulous Frakturs - Documenting Early American Family Life through Folk Art
    Sat, Oct 12
    Town and Country Public Library
    Oct 12, 2024, 9:00 AM CDT
    Town and Country Public Library, 320 E North St, Elburn, IL 60119, USA
    Oct 12, 2024, 9:00 AM CDT
    Town and Country Public Library, 320 E North St, Elburn, IL 60119, USA
    Pennsylvania 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.
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  • Maleficarum and Misfortune- Records and Resources for Tracing Accused Witches (In-Person)
    Maleficarum and Misfortune- Records and Resources for Tracing Accused Witches (In-Person)
    Wed, Oct 16
    Naperville Public Library 95th Street
    Oct 16, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDT
    Naperville Public Library 95th Street, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA
    Oct 16, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CDT
    Naperville Public Library 95th Street, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr, Naperville, IL 60564, USA
    For 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.
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  •  World War I – Strange, Interesting, and Unusual Facts They Didn’t Teach You in History Class (Virtual)
     World War I – Strange, Interesting, and Unusual Facts They Didn’t Teach You in History Class (Virtual)
    Thu, Oct 17
    Peters Township Public Library
    Oct 17, 2024, 5:30 PM CDT
    Peters Township Public Library
    Oct 17, 2024, 5:30 PM CDT
    Peters Township Public Library
    From women snipers and doughnut lassies, to service dogs and high explosives, this program presents Great War topics in an approachable way.
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  • Discovering Witches: The Real Records and Manuscripts Seen in Movies, Books, and TV Shows (Virtual)
    Discovering Witches: The Real Records and Manuscripts Seen in Movies, Books, and TV Shows (Virtual)
    Tue, Oct 22
    Henrietta Hankin Branch Library
    Oct 22, 2024, 5:00 PM CDT
    Henrietta Hankin Branch Library
    Oct 22, 2024, 5:00 PM CDT
    Henrietta Hankin Branch Library
    We'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.
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  • Uncovering Genealogical Gems in Illinois & Michigan Canal Records (In-Person)
    Uncovering Genealogical Gems in Illinois & Michigan Canal Records (In-Person)
    Sat, Oct 26
    Joliet Area Historical Museum
    Oct 26, 2024, 7:00 AM CDT
    Joliet Area Historical Museum, 204 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL 60432, USA
    Oct 26, 2024, 7:00 AM CDT
    Joliet Area Historical Museum, 204 N Ottawa St, Joliet, IL 60432, USA
    Discover the rich records and resources for the men and women working and living next to the Illinois & Michigan Canal.
    Share
  • Discovering Witches: The Real Records and Manuscripts Seen in Movies, Books, and TV Shows (In-Person)
    Discovering Witches: The Real Records and Manuscripts Seen in Movies, Books, and TV Shows (In-Person)
    Wed, Oct 30
    Prospect Heights Public Library District
    Oct 30, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CDT
    Prospect Heights Public Library District, 12 N Elm St, Prospect Heights, IL 60070, USA
    Oct 30, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM CDT
    Prospect Heights Public Library District, 12 N Elm St, Prospect Heights, IL 60070, USA
    We'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.
    Share
  • Researching your Irish Ancestors Online (Virtual)
    Researching your Irish Ancestors Online (Virtual)
    Sat, Nov 02
    Castle Rock Colorado Genealogical Society
    Nov 02, 2024, 11:00 AM CDT
    Castle Rock Colorado Genealogical Society
    Nov 02, 2024, 11:00 AM CDT
    Castle Rock Colorado Genealogical Society
    Learn 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.
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  • World War I - Strange, Interesting, and Unusual Facts They Didn’t Teach You in History Class (Virtual)
    World War I - Strange, Interesting, and Unusual Facts They Didn’t Teach You in History Class (Virtual)
    Thu, Nov 07
    Prospect Heights Public Library District
    Nov 07, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CST
    Prospect Heights Public Library District
    Nov 07, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM CST
    Prospect Heights Public Library District
    From women snipers and doughnut lassies, to service dogs and high explosives, this program presents Great War topics in an approachable way.
    Share
  • World War I Genealogy – Where Do I Start? (In-Person)
    World War I Genealogy – Where Do I Start? (In-Person)
    Tue, Nov 12
    Schaumburg Township District Library
    Nov 12, 2024, 6:30 PM CST
    Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193, USA
    Nov 12, 2024, 6:30 PM CST
    Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193, USA
    Using a fail-proof method of record gathering, you can begin to construct a large amount of information even if your ancestor’s official military records were destroyed in the NRPC fire.
    Share
  • World War I Genealogy – Where Do I Start? (Virtual)
    World War I Genealogy – Where Do I Start? (Virtual)
    Thu, Nov 21
    Peters Township Public Library
    Nov 21, 2024, 5:30 PM CST
    Peters Township Public Library
    Nov 21, 2024, 5:30 PM CST
    Peters Township Public Library
    Using a fail-proof method of record gathering, you can begin to construct a large amount of information even if your ancestor’s official military records were destroyed in the NRPC fire.
    Share
  • World War I Genealogy – Where Do I Start? (Virtual)
    World War I Genealogy – Where Do I Start? (Virtual)
    Mon, Nov 25
    South Bend Area Genealogical Society
    Nov 25, 2024, 6:00 PM CST
    South Bend Area Genealogical Society
    Nov 25, 2024, 6:00 PM CST
    South Bend Area Genealogical Society
    Using a fail-proof method of record gathering, you can begin to construct a large amount of information even if your ancestor’s official military records were destroyed in the NRPC fire.
    Share
  • A Beginners Guide to Fold3 Library Edition (Virtual)
    A Beginners Guide to Fold3 Library Edition (Virtual)
    Mon, Dec 02
    German Interest Group of Wisconsin
    Dec 02, 2024, 7:00 PM CST
    German Interest Group of Wisconsin
    Dec 02, 2024, 7:00 PM CST
    German Interest Group of Wisconsin
    Learn how to navigate the site, browse resources effectively, and find the hidden gems on this fantastic database.
    Share
  • Anna and Her Brothers - Finding Relations When No Family Stories Exist (Virtual)
    Anna and Her Brothers - Finding Relations When No Family Stories Exist (Virtual)
    Wed, Jan 15
    Carol Stream Public Library
    Jan 15, 2025, 6:30 PM CST
    Carol Stream Public Library
    Jan 15, 2025, 6:30 PM CST
    Carol Stream Public Library
    This presentation examines a combination of family stories, photographs and both direct and indirect evidence to rebuild the journey of an immigrant Czech family in Ohio and Nebraska.
    Share
  • A Beginners Guide to Fold3 Library Edition (In-Person)
    A Beginners Guide to Fold3 Library Edition (In-Person)
    Tue, Feb 04
    Hinsdale Public Library
    Feb 04, 2025, 7:00 PM CST
    Hinsdale Public Library, 20 E Maple St, Hinsdale, IL 60521, USA
    Feb 04, 2025, 7:00 PM CST
    Hinsdale Public Library, 20 E Maple St, Hinsdale, IL 60521, USA
    Learn how to navigate the site, browse resources effectively, and find the hidden gems on this fantastic database.
    Share
  • A Beginners Guide to Fold3 Library Edition (Virtual)
    A Beginners Guide to Fold3 Library Edition (Virtual)
    Sat, Feb 08
    Idaho Genealogical Society
    Feb 08, 2025, 1:00 PM CST
    Idaho Genealogical Society
    Feb 08, 2025, 1:00 PM CST
    Idaho Genealogical Society
    Learn how to navigate the site, browse resources effectively, and find the hidden gems on this fantastic database.
    Share
  • World War I Genealogy – Where Do I Start? (Virtual)
    World War I Genealogy – Where Do I Start? (Virtual)
    Thu, Aug 21
    Florida State Genealogical Society
    Aug 21, 2025, 7:00 PM CDT
    Florida State Genealogical Society
    Aug 21, 2025, 7:00 PM CDT
    Florida State Genealogical Society
    Using 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.
    Share

Free Webinars


What’s the Buzz About BillionGraves?

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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

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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.

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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. 

Get in Touch

Debra M. Dudek

Lockport, Illinois

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