Background:

The National Society of the Children of the American Revolution, founded in 1895, is the oldest patriotic organization for young people in the United States. Members gain invaluable leadership experience in conducting meetings, following parliamentary procedures and standard protocol, serving as delegates and speaking before groups at local, state and national conferences. The responsibility and privilege of selecting officers helps members gain an understanding of the democratic process.

Mission Statement:

“The National Society of the Children of the American Revolution trains good citizens, develops leaders and promotes love of the United States of America and its heritage among young people.”

Organization and History:

How did C.A.R. begin? Harriett Lothrop, a prominent citizen and 19th century children’s author of Concord, MA, presented the idea for a children’s organization to the Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Congress in 1895; it was then chartered by the United States Congress. Organized “for the training of young people in true patriotism and love of country,” C.A.R. has promoted this vision to hundreds of thousands of members. These boys and girls are the leaders of yesterday, today and tomorrow, now in a second century of keeping patriotism alive.

Objectives:

The objectives of this Society as stated in Article II of the National Bylaws are these:

  • 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

Eligibility

Any boy or girl under the age of twenty-one years is eligible for membership in the National Society 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.

How to Join

Members join through a local society. That local society will provide assistance in filling out the C.A.R. application using documentation supplied by the applicant.   You may look up our local societies at this link and contact them directly or contact to our Senior State President and ask for help getting the process started: SeniorStatePresidentNCSCAR@gmail.com.  If you want to get a head start guidance on how to fill out an application can be found on the National website at this link.