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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

Upcoming Events

Free Webinars


What’s the Buzz About BillionGraves?

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June 2023

BillionGraves is contending to be the top cemetery search site on the web.  Toting a hot new app and an easy interface, BillionGraves is making cemetery transcription projects and research information more accessible to tech-friendly users. Get a look at this site as a researcher, transcriber, and in-the-field data gatherer.

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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

May 2025

Illinois Heritage Magazine

What Are You Doing for America’s 250 Anniversary?  As the countdown to America’s 250th continues!  Whether you are a member of a historical society, genealogical organization, museum, historic house, library, special archive, or municipal entity, there are numerous community and solo projects you can undertake for America’s celebratory year and beyond.

March 2025

Illinois Heritage Magazine

Free Digital Tools for Digging Deep into Your Illinois Family History

Whether an armchair, hobbyist, or professional Illinois historian, you might find a link between your family’s history coinciding with events occurring in the Prairie State.  This article contains a list of free online tools catered specifically to Illinois which can assist you on your quest to learn more about your ancestors.

March 2023

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.

Get in Touch

Debra M. Dudek

Lockport, Illinois

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