Indian Prairie Program Highlights the Allure of Tracing Genealogy

Although she began her career in advertising, Grace DuMelle, a genealogist and associate with The Newberry Library in Chicago, has always had a fascination with history lurking within her.

As a child, DuMelle's father fostered in her an interest in historical buildings that resulted in her evolution into an acclaimed genealogy researcher.

In a seminar titled “Writing Your Family’s Story” at Indian Prairie Public Library Monday, DuMelle combined her talents and those of Daniel P. Smith, award-winning freelance journalist and author of On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department, a riveting inside look into the lives of police officers.

DuMelle presents 20 seminars each year imparting her extensive knowledge of research tips, including obituaries, census records and city directories.

Her 2005 book, Finding Your Chicago Ancestors: A Beginners Guide To Family History In The City Of Chicago gives readers a floor plan for investigating their Chicago  roots.

Smith offered his expertise to more effectively interview family members so as to glean the most accurate and useful histories and anecdotes.

Being a good listener, asking open-ended questions and paying attention to small details are some of the points that Smith highlighted from his 12 Steps to a Better Interview handout.

“So much about research leads you to little facts, which then lead you to other facts,” Smith explained. "And I immerse myself in information about the subject before the interview."

Smith has conducted many interviews as a freelance writer, primarily for the restaurant industry, and in preparation for his book and has taken many cues from Studs Terkel.

“Besides all of the facts, you want to get stories and anecdotes that help make a family history also a story,” Smith suggested.

DuMelle listed many references for looking up ancestors in the Chicago area— including Ancestry.com, HeritageQuest Online and ChicagoAncestors.org, a project of The Newberry Library.

She also recommended visiting local libraries that house local historical and public records.

DuMelle explained that libraries have reciprocal privileges between them (including Newberry), and each library has a database that patrons can access for research.

Researchers should strive, DuMelle said, to “make the history truthful and interesting," so it is based on facts but has elements that warrant repeating.

Even if a relative has lead an ordinary life, you can infer information and historical facts from unexpected places, she added.

DuMelle referred to Only a Few Bones, by John Philip Colletta, a genealogist and affiliate of the Smithsonian and National Archives, as an example of how to write a family story in which most substantiating documents had been destroyed and originated in lore.

DuMelle said she gets a sense of personal satisfaction from helping people link with their past.

"It's such a thrill to make that connection for them in a way that validates their existence," she said.