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
 |  |
|---|
Upcoming Events
Thu, Jan 19Williamson County (Texas) Genealogy Society
Tue, Jan 24Wilmette Public Library- Thu, Feb 02Champaign County Historical Archives
Thu, Feb 16St. Croix Valley Genealogical Society
Wed, Feb 22La Grange Public Library
Thu, Feb 23Kane County Genealogical Society- Thu, Mar 02Naperville Public Library
Tue, Mar 07Arlington Heights Memorial Library- Thu, Mar 09Eastside Genealogical Society
Thu, Mar 16Cook Memorial Public Library District
Sat, Mar 18Appleton Public Library- Sat, Mar 25New Lenox Village Hall
Tue, Mar 28Riverside Public Library- Sat, May 06MassMutual Center
- Sat, May 06MassMutual CenterMay 06, 2023, 12:00 PMMassMutual Center, Springfield, MA 01103, USAThis lecture examines how the suffrage movement motivated women to perform military and volunteer service during the Great War and how to find local, state, and national suffrage records to tie these stories of service together.
Mon, Jun 05German Interest Group Wisconsin- Wed, Jun 07Minnesota Genealogical Society
- Tue, Jun 13New Lenox Public Library
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.
