Summer is the Surprising Season of the Witch
I sent out my first handout for an upcoming presentation of 'Discovering Witches: The Real Records and Manuscripts Seen in Movies, Books,...
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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
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Upcoming Events
Tue, May 30McHenry Public Library DistrictMay 30, 7:00 PMMcHenry Public Library District, 809 Front St, McHenry, IL 60050, USALook 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.
Sat, Jun 03Oswego Public Library -Montgomery BranchJun 03, 1:00 PM CDTOswego Public Library -Montgomery Branch, 1111 Reading Dr, Montgomery, IL 60538, USAWiden 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.- Mon, Jun 05German Interest Group Wisconsin
Wed, Jun 07Minnesota Genealogical Society
Mon, Jun 12Ashtabula County Genealogical Society- Tue, Jun 13New Lenox Public Library
Thu, Jun 22Omaha Public Library
Wed, Jul 12Howard County Genealogical Society- Wed, Aug 09Pikes Peak Genealogical Society
- Thu, Aug 17Elgin Genealogical Society
- Wed, Sep 20Wheaton Public LibrarySep 20, 7:00 PM CDTWheaton Public Library, 225 N Cross St, Wheaton, IL 60187, USAWiden 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.
Thu, Sep 21Elmhurst Public Library- Sat, Sep 23Capital District Genealogical Society (NY)
- Mon, Oct 02East Cuyahoga County Genealogical Society
- Wed, Oct 04Mount Prospect Public Library
- Tue, Oct 10Eisenhower Public Library
- Sat, Oct 14South Suburban Genealogical & Historical
- Wed, Oct 18Peters Township 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.
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
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.
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