About N.S.C.A.R. – Children of the American Revolution

Founding of the National Society

Harriett M. Lothrop (1844–1924), NSDAR member and well-known author, founded the N.S.C.A.R. in 1895 to instill patriotic values in the youth of America. During the 1895 NSDAR Continental Congress Mrs. Lothrop delivered a moving speech to its members urging them to join her in helping create a patriotic organization for their children. Mrs. Lothrop’s vision was well received, and the Children of the American Revolution was founded on April 5, 1895. Below you will find excerpts of her speech to the Daughters.

“I think you will agree with me that the hope of this country is with her youth. All of us now convened in a few years will pass from the scene; those to follow us will be the ones who are now in their formative state under our guidance. Into their hands will be laid the important trusts, the weighty responsibilities, the affairs of government, the whole executive and moral forces that make or mar the country. Tremendous questions of moral, civil, and religious nature are to arise in the not distant future. Already some of them are overwhelming us. Face to face we as a nation are to be brought to issues, vital not alone in this country, but the whole world. America as a nation is yet in her infancy. It doth not yet appear what she is to become among the nations of earth. Certainly no one who reads the signs of the times can doubt that God has designed a mighty work to be achieved by her. Into her vast territories have been and are now pouring millions who “seek the home of the free.” Evangelizing America means evangelizing the world. American institutions and principles means evangelization. Civil and religious liberty, built on the eternal principles of truth, honesty, and tolerance, means a God-fearing and God-loving nation.”

“What a tremendous thought that some of our boys and girls may be growing up in our very midst with no adequate idea of what it is to be an American youth, claiming a heritage of these American principles. Can we as American women rest a moment while the impressible period is swiftly passing on with them?….”

“I would also advise most strongly the forming of historical societies, especially for young people, who should have their own society of this kind adapted to their age….”

“I would even say that the time is propitious for us convening here to form a young people’s society to be called Children of the American Revolution….”