top of page

Debra Dudek

Genealogist   Author   Librarian

July 4 1918 parade.jpg

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

Kindle Cover 2019 Small.jpg
wwi1guide cover WWICC.JPG

Upcoming Events

  • Wide World of Passports (In-Person)
    Tue, May 30
    McHenry Public Library District
    May 30, 7:00 PM
    McHenry Public Library District, 809 Front St, McHenry, IL 60050, USA
    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.
    Share
  • Unusual Places to Find Births and Naturalizations (In-Person)
    Sat, Jun 03
    Oswego Public Library -Montgomery Branch
    Jun 03, 1:00 PM CDT
    Oswego Public Library -Montgomery Branch, 1111 Reading Dr, Montgomery, IL 60538, USA
    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
  • Unusual Places to Find Births and Naturalizations (Virtual)
    Mon, Jun 05
    German Interest Group Wisconsin
    Jun 05, 7:00 PM CDT
    German Interest Group Wisconsin
    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
  • Mixers and Shakers - Tracing your Saloon, Tavern, and Bar Keeping Ancestors Before Prohibition (Virtual)
    Jun 07, 7:00 PM CDT
    Minnesota Genealogical Society
    Our ancestor's need for a good drink can provide new details and narratives for your genealogy research.
    Share
  •  Researching your Irish Ancestors Online (Virtual)
    Mon, Jun 12
    Ashtabula County Genealogical Society
    Jun 12, 5:30 PM CDT
    Ashtabula County Genealogical Society
    Researching your Irish Ancestors Online - Searching and Browsing for Success
    Share
  • Mixers and Shakers - Tracing your Saloon, Tavern, and Bar Keeping Ancestors Before Prohibition (In-Person)
    Jun 13, 6:00 PM CDT
    New Lenox Public Library
    Our ancestor's need for a good drink can provide new details and narratives for your genealogy research.
    Share
  • Discovering Witches: The Real Records and Manuscripts Seen in Movies, Books, and TV Shows (Virtual)
    Jun 22, 5:00 PM
    Omaha 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
  • A Beginners Guide to Fold3 Library Edition (Virtual)
    Wed, Jul 12
    Howard County Genealogical Society
    Jul 12, 6:00 PM CDT
    Howard County Genealogical Society
    Learn how to navigate the site, browse resources effectively, and find the hidden gems on this fantastic database.
    Share
  • Unusual Places to Find Births and Naturalizations (Virtual)
    Wed, Aug 09
    Pikes Peak Genealogical Society
    Aug 09, 8:00 PM CDT
    Pikes Peak Genealogical 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
  • Wide World of Passports (Virtual)
    Thu, Aug 17
    Elgin Genealogical Society
    Aug 17, 7:00 PM
    Elgin 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.
    Share
  • Unusual Places to Find Births and Naturalizations (In-Person)
    Sep 20, 7:00 PM CDT
    Wheaton Public Library, 225 N Cross St, Wheaton, IL 60187, USA
    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
  • Internet Archive - The Amazing Genealogical Resource!  (In-Person)
    Sep 21, 10:30 AM
    Elmhurst Public Library, 125 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126, USA
    Learn all about Internet Archive and its amazing collection of city directories, county histories, gazetteers, yearbooks, and family genealogies.
    Share
  • 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)
    Learn how to navigate the site, browse resources effectively, and find the hidden gems on this fantastic database.
    Share
  • Wide World of Passports (Virtual)
    Mon, Oct 02
    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.
    Share
  • Discovering Witches: The Real Records and Manuscripts Seen in Movies, Books, and TV Shows (Virtual)
    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 Witches: The Real Records and Manuscripts Seen in Movies, Books, and TV Shows (Virtual)
    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
  • Mixers and Shakers - Tracing your Saloon, Tavern, and Bar Keeping Ancestors Before Prohibition (In-Person)
    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.
    Share
  • Discovering Witches: The Real Records and Manuscripts Seen in Movies, Books, and TV Shows (Virtual)
    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

Free Webinars


Fabulous Frakturs - Documenting Family Life Through Folk Art

1776c Baptismal Certificate for Maria Gertraud Fraktur.jpg

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

Come on boys_edited.jpg

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.

1845 Will County Census square.jpg

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.

Get in Touch

Debra M. Dudek

Lockport, Illinois

  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
IMG_2362_edited.jpg
bottom of page