The Chilren of the American Revolution (C.A.R.) was founded in 1895 by Harriett Lothrop. After proposing the idea for a children’s branch at the Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Congress, it was promptly chartered by the United States Congress. C.A.R., the nation's oldest, largest, patriotic youth organization, offers membership to anyone under the age of 22, lineally descended from someone who served in the Continental Army or gave material aid to the cause of freedom in the American Revolution.