Dr. Wayne Duerkes

Dr. Wayne Duerkes received his PhD at Iowa State University, prior to that he received his MA and BS at Northern Illinois University, all in history. Prior to his academic pursuits and after his service in the USMC, he acquired over two decades worth of volunteering, work, and consulting with local museums and historical societies. All his research focuses on Midwestern society. His forthcoming monograph, which will be an evolution of his dissertation, explores the intersectionality of the growth and development of local communities and regional markets in northern central Illinois from 1833-1852. He has published several articles in various publications dealing with Illinois and public history. He is a long time member of the Illinois State Historical Society and a member of its Advisory Board, as well as numerous county, regional and national historic organizations.