IN PERSON-NEW PROGRAM! Tracing Irish Immigrants in Illinois and Michigan Canal Records by Debra M. Dudek, October 8, 2026 7:00 PM (Central)

During America’s great canal-building boom, it was said that all you needed to build a canal was a pick, a shovel, a wheelbarrow, and an Irishman. Far from being lazy, unwashed, and unskilled, these new immigrants labored long hours, built churches, and created communities in and around the growing city of Chicago. Learn how to track down records on early Irish immigrant ancestors living and working in the Illinois & Michigan Canal zone located in Cook, DuPage, Will, and LaSalle counties from 1830-1850.

LOCATION: Grace United Methodist Church – Fellowship Hall (Lower Level)
300 E Gartner Rd, Naperville, IL 60540