Spooky Season and Tons of Fall Webinars!
Hello friends, I am usually the first person to start decorating for fall. I love breaking out the Halloween decorations and lighting...
top of page
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
 |  |
|---|
Upcoming Events
Sat, Sep 23Capital District Genealogical Society (NY)Sep 23, 12:00 PMCapital District Genealogical Society (NY)
Sat, Sep 23Nichols Branch Naperville Public LibrarySep 23, 2:00 PM CDTNichols Branch Naperville Public Library, 200 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, USASep 23, 2:00 PM CDTNichols Branch Naperville Public Library, 200 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, USALearn about the new and exciting genealogical breakthroughs found in Will County Historical Society's collection of Illinois & Michigan Canal records, which include an amazing collection of newly discovered tickets and passenger lists for men hired to build this famous waterway.
Thu, Sep 28Urbana Free LibrarySep 28, 6:00 PMUrbana Free Library
Mon, Oct 02East Cuyahoga County Genealogical SocietyOct 02, 8:00 PMEast Cuyahoga County Genealogical Society- Wed, Oct 04Mount Prospect Public LibraryOct 04, 7:00 PMMount Prospect Public Library
Mon, Oct 09Whatcom Genealogical SocietyOct 09, 4:00 PM CDTWhatcom Genealogical Society- Tue, Oct 10Eisenhower Public LibraryOct 10, 7:00 PMEisenhower Public Library
Thu, Oct 12Elmhurst Public LibraryOct 12, 6:30 PM CDTElmhurst Public Library, 125 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126, USAOct 12, 6:30 PM CDTElmhurst Public Library, 125 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126, USATake advantage of the Library's many genealogy resources with some designated research time. This program provides an overview of free resources and answers your individual research questions. This is an in-person. Registration required.
Sat, Oct 14South Suburban Genealogical & HistoricalOct 14, 10:00 AM CDTSouth Suburban Genealogical & Historical, 3000 W 170th Pl #106, Hazel Crest, IL 60429, USA- Wed, Oct 18Peters Township Public LibraryOct 18, 5:30 PMPeters Township Public Library
Thu, Oct 19Arlington Heights Memorial LibraryOct 19, 7:00 PMArlington Heights Memorial Library , 500 N Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, USA
Sat, Oct 21Town & Country Public LibraryOct 21, 10:00 AM CDTTown & Country Public Library, 320 E North St, Elburn, IL 60119, USAOct 21, 10:00 AM CDTTown & Country Public Library, 320 E North St, Elburn, IL 60119, USATake 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.- Mon, Oct 23Grayslake Area Public LibraryOct 23, 7:00 PMGrayslake Area Public Library
Wed, Nov 01Bartlett Public Library DistrictNov 01, 7:00 PMBartlett Public Library District
Thu, Nov 09Peoria County Genealogical SocietyNov 09, 6:00 PMPeoria County Genealogical Society
Fri, Nov 10TxSGS Family History Conference 2023Nov 10, 7:00 AM CST – Nov 11, 11:30 PM CSTTxSGS Family History Conference 2023
Sat, Nov 11Southern Genealogist's Exchange SocietyNov 11, 9:00 AM CSTSouthern Genealogist's Exchange Society
Sat, Nov 11TxSGS Family History Conference 2023Nov 11, 11:00 AMTxSGS Family History Conference 2023
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.
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.
bottom of page