Children of the American Revolution

“Good citizens cannot be made suddenly. They must grow…” Harriet M. Lothrop

The National Society Children of the American Revolution (N.S.C.A.R. or C.A.R.) is the nation’s oldest and largest patriotic youth organization. Anyone under the age of 21 who is lineally descended from someone who rendered material aid to the cause of American Independence is eligible for membership in C.A.R.

The Manuel Lisa Society is the C.A.R. chapter sponsored by the Omaha Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Manuel Lisa Society meets once a month September thru May, with outings in November, December, and May. Activities focus on patriotism, service, and education about American heritage. Manuel Lisa Society always welcomes prospective members or interested volunteers to their meetings, if you have any questions or would like to attend the meeting please contact the Senior Society President.

C.A.R. was founded by Harriett Lothrop, a prominent citizen and 19thury children’s author. Mrs. Lothrop presented the idea for a children’s organization to the Daughters of the American Revolution Continental Congress in 1895. It was later 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 generations of young people who have gone on to become leaders in all aspects of society.

Manuel de Lisa

The namesake of the Omaha Chapter of C.A.R. is Manuel Lisa, also known as Manuel de Lisa, who was a Spanish fur trader, explorer, and United States Indian agent. He was among the founders in St. Louis of the Missouri Fur Company. Lisa gained respect through his trading among Native American tribes of the upper Missouri River region, including the Omaha and Ponca.

After being appointed as U.S. Indian agent during the War of 1812, Lisa used his standing among the tribes to encourage their alliance with the United States and their warfare against tribes allied with the British. In 1814 Lisa married Mitain, a daughter of Big Elk, the principal chief of the Omaha people, as part of securing their alliance.