The German Genealogy Group will hold its next monthly meeting on Thursday, March 5th at: Hicksville VFW Hall—Post 3211 320 South Broadway (Route 107) Hicksville, New York 11801 The program this month is, “Soldiers, Scoundrels and Substitutes: The Records of the Civil War Draft” with presenter Patrick Connelly. On March 3, 1863 the United States Congress Passed An Act for Enrolling and Calling out the National Forces. Men between the ages of 20 and 45 were required to register with their local draft board regardless of physical ability or nativity. Were your ancestors counted? Archivist Patrick Connelly of the National Archives Northeast Region will discuss the wide variety of records produced as a result of the act. An Orientation session for beginners and newcomers will be held at 7 PM and the regular meeting will start at 7:30. GGG members and guests will have access to the building beginning at 6:30 PM. Among the many benefits of membership are a newsletter published ten times a year, a database of surnames, a free translation service, a book and CD lending library, interesting guest speakers at the meetings, mentoring, a start-up kit of helpful information and much more. We welcome all who are interested in researching their Germanic origins. There is no fee for guests and all are welcome. Visit our website at http://www.GermanGenealogyGroup.com and while there, be sure and visit our free, searchable Church, Yearbook, Vital Records and Naturalization databases.