The National Society Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) was founded on April 5, 1895, by Harriett M. Lothrop. Mrs. Lothrop wanted to “instill patriot values in the youth.” She presented her plan to the 1895 NSDAR Continental Congress asking the NSDAR to help her organize this new patriotic endeavor. Today, the C.A.R. is the nation’s oldest and largest youth organization. It offers membership to anyone 22 years or younger who is lineally descended from someone who rendered aid to the cause of American independence as a soldier, sailor, civil officer, or recognized in one of the several colonies or states. Notable past members include Julia Roberts, Janet Reno, Elizabeth Dole, and Chief Justice Alfred Paul Murrah, Jr.
Harriet Lothrop was a noted children’s author under the pen name Margaret Sidney. She was the author of “Five Little Peppers and How They Grew” and many other stories and sketches. The publisher of her stories was so impressed, he asked to meet her and they eventually married. They moved into the Wayside house in Concord, Massachusetts. The Wayside had its own history as it was initially occupied by minutemen in 1717. Over the years, it was occupied by Louisa May Alcott (in which many of the scenes later appeared in Little Women), and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Harriet was an active member in the NSDAR; and only one year after the founding of the NSDAR, she served as founder and first regent of Old Concord Chapter, NSDAR.
The local C.A.R. Society in Central Arkansas is called The Rock. They recently placed flags on the gravesites at Mount Holly Cemetery for Memorial Day and greeted veterans at the Jacksonville Museum of Military History.
“The Rock Society C.A.R. is grateful to Major Jacob Gray Chapter, NSDAR, members for their monetary, emotional, and physical support. Through C.A.R., they are becoming confident speakers in a public situation. The Rock Society C.A.R. members are learning parliamentary procedures along with ways to contribute to local communities. They are learning what it takes to be a good citizen: constitution issues, civil debate, knowledge of history, interpersonal relationships. And they are having fun doing it. Because of the senior leadership our chapter provides, the young people interact with young and old, novices and veterans; learn the importance of under-standing our past; and prepares them for the future. They have been in cockpit simulators, toured museums, interacted with military veterans, tried on flight suits, discovered pioneer life, and handled replicas of American Revolutionary War clothing and tools. They have opportunities to develop long-lasting friendships with others across the state, region, and nation. ” -Marylee Schultz, Senior State Secretary for the Arkansas C.A.R., past Senior State President C.A.R. and The Rock Society C.A.R.
For more information on the C.A.R., visit the official website, NSCAR.org or email the national headquarters here.