The Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) was founded in 1895 by Harriett Lothrop. After the idea for a children’s branch was proposed at the Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Congress, the organization was promptly chartered by the United States Congress. C.A.R., the nation's oldest and largest, patriotic youth organization, offers membership to anyone under the age of 22 who is lineally descended from someone who served in the Continental Army or gave material aid to the cause of freedom in the American Revolution.
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Founding
Harriett Lothrop (1844-1924) was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the owner of The Wayside in Concord, Massachusetts (not to be confused with the Wayside Inn in Sudbury, Massachusetts). She was the author of a number of children's books and the widow of publisher Daniel Lothrop. She was a friend of Julia Ward Howe and the Alcott family.
She felt strongly that there needed to be an organization to teach children American history and patriotic values. She founded the Children of the American Revolution (CAR) to accomplish these goals. Originally, all adult leaders in the CAR were members of the DAR.
Objectives
The N.S.C.A.R. has six primary objectives in its by-laws; these objectives are the foundation of the organization:
- To acquire knowledge of American History.
- To preserve and restore places of Historical importance associated with men and women who forwarded American Independence.
- To ascertain the deeds and honor the memories of the men, women and children who rendered service to the cause of the American Revolution.
- To promote the celebration of patriotic anniversaries.
- To honor and cherish the Flag of the United States of America above every other flag.
- To love, uphold and extend the principles of American liberty and patriotism.
Membership
Originally, membership in the CAR was open to any girl, under age 18, or boy, under age 21, who was descendant from a patriot who supported the cause of American independence. Current membership requirements are as follows -
“Any boy or girl under the age of twenty-two years is eligible for membership in The National Society of the Children of the American Revolution who is lineally descended from a man or woman who, with unfailing loyalty, rendered material aid to the cause of American Independence as a soldier, sailor, civil officer, or recognized patriot in one of the several Colonies or States, or of the United States, provided that the applicant is personally acceptable to the Society."
Members of the CAR are assisted and advised by adults who are known as senior leaders. Senior leaders are usually members of either the Daughters of the American Revolution or the Sons of the American Revolution.
Creed
I believe in the Children of the American Revolution as an organization for the training of young people in true patriotism and love of country, in order that they shall be better fitted for American citizenship. As a descendant of the Founders of my Country, I believe that my birthright brings a responsibility to carry on their work, and that as the boys and girls of 1776 took an active part in the War for Independence, so the boys and girls of today have a definite work to do for their Country. As a member of the Children of the American Revolution, I believe it is my duty to use my influence to create a deeper love of country, a loyal respect for its Constitution and a reverence for its Flag, among the young people with whom I come in contact.