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
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Upcoming Events
Sat, Feb 15West Houston Area Genealogical Society
Thu, Feb 20St. Croix Valley Genealogy Society
Thu, Feb 27Town and Country Public Library District
Tue, Mar 04Highlands Ranch Genealogical Society
Tue, Mar 11Manhattan- Elwood Public Library
Sat, Mar 15Arlington Heights Memorial Library
Mon, Mar 17Fountaindale Public Library District
Thu, Mar 20Elmhurst Public Library
Tue, Apr 01Arlington Heights Memorial Library
Thu, Apr 03Heritage Quest Research Library- Mon, Apr 07West Branch Aurora Public Library
Thu, Apr 17Chicago Ridge Public Library- Fri, Apr 25Nebraska State Genealogical Society
Sat, Apr 26Nebraska State Genealogical Society
Wed, Apr 30White Oak Library District: Crest Hill- Thu, May 15Chicago Ridge Public Library
Tue, May 27Genealogical Society of Rockland County
Mon, Jun 23Helen Plum Library
Free Webinars
What’s the Buzz About BillionGraves?
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
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.
