Reviews

A gold mine of information! . . . Her book is sure to be a standard reference for years to come."

—Joan Griffis, The News-Gazette (Champaign, IL), Illinois Ancestors column, "Book aids Chicago area research," April 22, 2005

"This book is significantly different from many of the books I have reviewed over the years. Most books that are billed as a guide to genealogy research in a particular location are simply lists of where records may be located. Indeed, Finding Your Chicago Ancestors does have many such lists; but, this book also contains hundreds of suggestions, finer points, and other tips of use that go far beyond simple lists. . . . Author Grace DuMelle is well qualified to write a book on Chicago genealogy. . . . Finding Your Chicago Ancestors - A Beginner's Guide to Family History in the City and Cook County is an excellent resource for anyone researching in the area."

—Dick Eastman, Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter, May 21, 2005

"Although the book's primary focus is the Chicago area, as indicated by the title, I found it to be chock full of useful tidbits and extremely informative for researchers anywhere in Illinois, and anywhere else for that matter! DuMelle clearly knows her stuff and has done a terrific job of sharing her expertise with easy to follow recommendations. . . ."

—Lauri Gray-Stoewsand, The Ava Citizen (Jackson County, IL), "Diggin' For Your Roots," July 2005

"DuMelle, a hard-working member of the Newberry Library team in Chicago . . . comes out swinging in this great new publication that gets right to the point. . . . A beginner in Chicago genealogical research should carry this in their purse or hip pocket. Even an experienced researcher can gain a great deal from this unique book. . . ."

—Peggy Gleich, President, British Interest Group of WIIL; Vice President, Green County Genealogical Society; President, Walworth County Genealogical Society; April 2005

"Whether you've always wanted to verify if these old family stories are true or simply the result of indigestion from too many Chicago-style hot dogs at a family picnic . . . Finding Your Chicago Ancestors  . . . is a must-have."

—Lorraine Swanson, Skyline, May 12, 2005

"If your family tree includes Chicago roots, you better make sure a copy of Finding Your Chicago Ancestors: A Beginner's Guide to Family History in the City and Cook County is on your shelf: family historian Grace DuMelle shows how and what to research in a Chicago-specific guide to genealogy which covers everything from local resources to Chicago research facilities and how to access them. Any beginner can use Finding Your Chicago Ancestors because it also covers important changes in search routines, how to make the most of 'hidden documents', how to overcome common records-seeking problems and much more."

—Midwest Book Review, "The Genealogy Shelf," October 2005

"DuMelle's guide is a thorough, user-friendly resource for genealogical novices, offering a step-by-step research tool that's as much fun as it is enlightening. Her lively writing style demystifies the daunting processes of combing through archival records, checking facts, and avoiding stumbling blocks and dead ends. . . . DuMelle helps . . . lay out a plan of action broken down into doable steps designed to keep frustration low and the exhilaration of discovery high. . . . A well researched bevy of resources, including ethnic organizations, Internet databases, and recommendations for additional reading, enhances DuMelle’s savvy, stimulating text, highlighting ways to follow personalized family leads and glean a larger sense of Chicago's cultural evolution as well. . . ."

—Jean Kozlowski, Cricket in the Corner, May 2005

"I gave up working on my dau-in-law’s Sweden-to-Chicago ancestry because I had no knowledge of the Chicago resources and (to be honest) didn't want to spend the time to learn. But now I may return to tackle the problem! Author Grace DuMelle has written Finding Your Chicago Ancestors . . . Seems to me I couldn’t go wrong with a guide penned by such an expert."

—Donna Phillips, Genealogy Blog, April 11, 2005

". . . A blueprint on how to successfully research one's family tree. . . . Follow your genealogy dream. It's a piece of cake with this new guidebook."

—Dolores Madlener, The Catholic New World, September 25–October 8, 2005

"Finding Your Chicago Ancestors: A Beginner's Guide To Family History In The City And Cook County by Grace DuMelle reveals the wealth of documents available for those with Chicago ancestors and how to research them. With many black and white illustrations, author DuMelle covers everything from birth records to burial spots, including address, ethnic and occupational research, websites, Chicago-area research facilities and tips on how to use microfilm and microfiche machines."

—Family Chronicle, "Research Resources," August 2005

“Though the book is aimed at the Chicago research beginner, the author promises and delivers some surprises for the more experienced researcher. Professional genealogists who work with clients who have Chicago-area or Cook County, Illinois roots will find this book worth the space it takes on their shelves.”

—Edwina Case Skyles, Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly, December 2005

“The tone is conversational and the instructions are clear. . . . Anyone beginning Cook County research should have this book at hand, and it can serve as a touchstone for experienced researchers.

—Jeanne Larzalere Bloom, National Genealogical Society Quarterly, December 2005

Also In Print

Chicago magazine, "House Hunter: For Grace DuMelle, genealogy sleuth and sought-after architectural  researcher, every home tells a tale," January 2005
Family Chronicle, "Research Resources," August 2005
The Fogcutter, The Newberry Library, April 2005
The Genealogy Society of Southern Illinois Newsletter, May 2005
The Jeffersonville Evening News & The New Albany Tribune (IN), "Book helps researchers with family in Chicago," May 29, 2005
The Newberry Library Newsletter, Winter 2005
South Suburban Genealogical & Historical Society News, April 2005
The Star (Tinley Park, IL), "How genealogical beginners can find their family history," May 26, 2005
Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society Enews, May 2005

Broadcast Appearances

WLS–Channel 7, Chicago, ABC News, On the Shelf with Janet Davies, June 30, 2005
WGN–720 AM, Chicago, The Steve and Johnnie Show, May 24–25, 2005
WGN–720 AM, Chicago, Sunday Papers with Rick Kogan, May 22, 2005
WBEZ–91.5 FM, Chicago Public Radio, Eight Forty-Eight, January 26, 2005

For press kits and review copies of all Lake Claremont Press titles,

and for information on media interviews, bookstore/library programs, and other events,

contact Therese Newman at 312/226-8400 or therese@lakeclaremont.com.