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
Even More Unusual Places to Find Births and Naturalizations (In-Person)Mon, Jun 23Helen Plum Library
Unusual Places to Find Irish Births and Naturalizations in American Records (Virtual)Thu, Jun 26Placer County Genealogical Society
Calling the Spirits - Researching the Rise of Spiritualism and Records Relating to Our Ancestors (In-Person)Tue, Jul 08Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library
Northern Illinois Genealogical ConferenceSat, Jul 12Mc Henry County College
World War I Genealogy – Where Do I Start? (Virtual and In-Person)Thu, Jul 17Elmhurst Public Library
Internet Archive - The Amazing Genealogical Resource! (In-Person)Thu, Jul 17Naperville Public Library - 95th Street
Unusual Places to Find Births and Naturalizations (Virtual)Sun, Aug 17Polish Genealogical Society of America- World War I Genealogy – Where Do I Start? (Virtual)Thu, Aug 21Florida State Genealogical Society
- Internet Archive - The Amazing Genealogical Resource! (Virtual)Tue, Sep 09Citrus County Genealogical Society
- Unusual Places to Find Irish Births and Naturalizations in American Records (In-Person)Wed, Sep 10McHenry Public Library District
Wide World of Passports (In-Person & Virtual)Wed, Sep 17DuPage County Historical Museum
What's the Buzz About BillionGraves? (Virtual)Thu, Sep 18Elgin Genealogical Society
Stories in Stone: Decoding the Sentiment Behind Cemetery Symbolism (In-Person)Sat, Sep 20Location shared with members
Discovering Witches: The Real Records and Manuscripts Seen in Movies, Books, and TV Shows (Hybrid)Sat, Oct 11South Suburban Genealogical Society- Calling the Spirits - Researching the Rise of Spiritualism and Records Relating to Our Ancestors (In-Person) (1)Tue, Oct 14Indian Trails Public Library District
Victorian Mourning Customs - Lifting the Veil off Inherited Family Treasures (In-Person)Thu, Oct 23Palos Park Public Library
Tracing your World War I Illinois Ancestors (Virtual)Mon, Nov 03Illinois State Genealogical Society SIG
Tracing Female Ancestors in WWI Military and Non-Combatant Records (In-Person)Thu, Nov 13Downers Grove Public Library
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.
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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
May 2025
Illinois Heritage Magazine
What Are You Doing for America’s 250 Anniversary? As the countdown to America’s 250th continues! Whether you are a member of a historical society, genealogical organization, museum, historic house, library, special archive, or municipal entity, there are numerous community and solo projects you can undertake for America’s celebratory year and beyond.
March 2025
Illinois Heritage Magazine
Free Digital Tools for Digging Deep into Your Illinois Family History
Whether an armchair, hobbyist, or professional Illinois historian, you might find a link between your family’s history coinciding with events occurring in the Prairie State. This article contains a list of free online tools catered specifically to Illinois which can assist you on your quest to learn more about your ancestors.
March 2023
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.
