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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

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Upcoming Events

  • A Beginners Guide to Fold3 Library Edition (Virtual)
    A Beginners Guide to Fold3 Library Edition (Virtual)
    Sat, Sep 23
    Capital District Genealogical Society (NY)
    Sep 23, 12:00 PM
    Capital District Genealogical Society (NY)
    Sep 23, 12:00 PM
    Capital District Genealogical Society (NY)
    Learn how to navigate the site, browse resources effectively, and find the hidden gems on this fantastic database.
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  • Finding Irish Immigrants in I&M Canal Records (In-Person)
    Finding Irish Immigrants in I&M Canal Records (In-Person)
    Sat, Sep 23
    Nichols Branch Naperville Public Library
    Sep 23, 2:00 PM CDT
    Nichols Branch Naperville Public Library, 200 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
    Sep 23, 2:00 PM CDT
    Nichols Branch Naperville Public Library, 200 W Jefferson Ave, Naperville, IL 60540, USA
    Learn 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.
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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)
    Sep 28, 6:00 PM
    Urbana Free 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.
    Share
  • Wide World of Passports (Virtual)
    Wide World of Passports (Virtual)
    Mon, Oct 02
    East Cuyahoga County Genealogical Society
    Oct 02, 8:00 PM
    East Cuyahoga County Genealogical Society
    Oct 02, 8:00 PM
    East Cuyahoga County Genealogical Society
    Look beyond passports issued by the United States government! In this lecture, we'll examine an array of passports from different countries and time periods, and how to incorporate this information into your genealogical research.
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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)
    Wed, Oct 04
    Mount Prospect Public Library
    Oct 04, 7:00 PM
    Mount Prospect Public Library
    Oct 04, 7:00 PM
    Mount Prospect Public 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.
    Share
  •  Discovering your UK/Irish Roots Online (Virtual)
     Discovering your UK/Irish Roots Online (Virtual)
    Mon, Oct 09
    Whatcom Genealogical Society
    Oct 09, 4:00 PM CDT
    Whatcom Genealogical Society
    Oct 09, 4:00 PM CDT
    Whatcom Genealogical Society
    Websites and Resources for English, Welsh, Irish and Scottish Ancestry
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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 10
    Eisenhower Public Library
    Oct 10, 7:00 PM
    Eisenhower Public Library
    Oct 10, 7:00 PM
    Eisenhower Public 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.
    Share
  • Genealogy Research Lab (In-Person)
    Genealogy Research Lab (In-Person)
    Thu, Oct 12
    Elmhurst Public Library
    Oct 12, 6:30 PM CDT
    Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126, USA
    Oct 12, 6:30 PM CDT
    Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126, USA
    Take 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.
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  • Mixers and Shakers - Tracing your Saloon, Tavern, and Bar Keeping Ancestors Before Prohibition (In-Person)
    Mixers and Shakers - Tracing your Saloon, Tavern, and Bar Keeping Ancestors Before Prohibition (In-Person)
    Sat, Oct 14
    South Suburban Genealogical & Historical
    Oct 14, 10:00 AM CDT
    South Suburban Genealogical & Historical, 3000 W 170th Pl #106, Hazel Crest, IL 60429, USA
    Oct 14, 10:00 AM CDT
    South Suburban Genealogical & Historical, 3000 W 170th Pl #106, Hazel Crest, IL 60429, USA
    Our ancestor's need for a good drink can provide new details and narratives for your genealogy research.
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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)
    Wed, Oct 18
    Peters Township Public Library
    Oct 18, 5:30 PM
    Peters Township Public Library
    Oct 18, 5:30 PM
    Peters Township Public 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.
    Share
  • Maleficarum and Misfortune- Records and Resources for Tracing Accused Witches (In-Person)
    Maleficarum and Misfortune- Records and Resources for Tracing Accused Witches (In-Person)
    Thu, Oct 19
    Arlington Heights Memorial Library
    Oct 19, 7:00 PM
    Arlington Heights Memorial Library , 500 N Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, USA
    Oct 19, 7:00 PM
    Arlington Heights Memorial Library , 500 N Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, 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.
    Share
  •  Victorian Mourning Customs - Lifting the Veil off Inherited Family Treasures (In-Person)
     Victorian Mourning Customs - Lifting the Veil off Inherited Family Treasures (In-Person)
    Sat, Oct 21
    Town & Country Public Library
    Oct 21, 10:00 AM CDT
    Town & Country Public Library, 320 E North St, Elburn, IL 60119, USA
    Oct 21, 10:00 AM CDT
    Town & Country Public Library, 320 E North St, Elburn, IL 60119, USA
    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.
    Share
  • 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)
    Mon, Oct 23
    Grayslake Area Public Library
    Oct 23, 7:00 PM
    Grayslake Area Public Library
    Oct 23, 7:00 PM
    Grayslake Area Public 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.
    Share
  • Internet Archive - The Amazing Genealogical Resource!  (Virtual)
    Internet Archive - The Amazing Genealogical Resource!  (Virtual)
    Wed, Nov 01
    Bartlett Public Library District
    Nov 01, 7:00 PM
    Bartlett Public Library District
    Nov 01, 7:00 PM
    Bartlett Public Library District
    Learn all about Internet Archive and its amazing collection of city directories, county histories, gazetteers, yearbooks, and family genealogies.
    Share
  • Stories in Stone: Decoding the Sentiment Behind Cemetery Symbolism (Virtual Hybrid)
    Stories in Stone: Decoding the Sentiment Behind Cemetery Symbolism (Virtual Hybrid)
    Thu, Nov 09
    Peoria County Genealogical Society
    Nov 09, 6:00 PM
    Peoria County Genealogical Society
    Nov 09, 6:00 PM
    Peoria County Genealogical Society
    The symbols found on headstones usually possess special meanings to those interred in their final resting place. But what do they mean? Take a virtual tour of several cemeteries and find out!
    Share
  • More than Money and Land - The Evolution of Bounty Land, Military Pensions, and Alternative Service Records (Virtual)
    More than Money and Land - The Evolution of Bounty Land, Military Pensions, and Alternative Service Records (Virtual)
    Fri, Nov 10
    TxSGS Family History Conference 2023
    Nov 10, 7:00 AM CST – Nov 11, 11:30 PM CST
    TxSGS Family History Conference 2023
    Nov 10, 7:00 AM CST – Nov 11, 11:30 PM CST
    TxSGS Family History Conference 2023
    TxSGS Family History Conference 2023 Roots and Branches: Climbing Your Family Tree
    Share
  • Unusual Places to Find Births and Naturalizations (Virtual)
    Unusual Places to Find Births and Naturalizations (Virtual)
    Sat, Nov 11
    Southern Genealogist's Exchange Society
    Nov 11, 9:00 AM CST
    Southern Genealogist's Exchange Society
    Nov 11, 9:00 AM CST
    Southern Genealogist's Exchange Society
    Widen your search for birth dates and locations as well as naturalizations from a variety of underutilized resources such as military rosters, consulate applications, voter registrations, cancelled passports, frakturs and much more.
    Share
  • Spies Among Us: Tracing WWI Era Ancestors through FBI and American Protective League Records (Virtual)
    Spies Among Us: Tracing WWI Era Ancestors through FBI and American Protective League Records (Virtual)
    Sat, Nov 11
    TxSGS Family History Conference 2023
    Nov 11, 11:00 AM
    TxSGS Family History Conference 2023
    Nov 11, 11:00 AM
    TxSGS Family History Conference 2023
    TxSGS Family History Conference 2023 Roots and Branches: Climbing Your Family Tree
    Share

Free Webinars


Fabulous Frakturs - Documenting Family Life Through Folk Art

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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

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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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