Royal Auvergne Society (C.A.R.)
The Royal Auvergne Society, National Society of the Children of the American Revolution (N.S.C.A.R.).
The organization helps give our young members a sense of the deep and historic friendship between France and the United States, drawing on the many resources in the Paris area and enjoying the benefits of bicultural exchange. Activities range from visits to historic sites, to conferences on topical themes, to commemoration ceremonies of national historic events.
The Royal Auvergne Society, a non-profit association in Paris, France, is affiliated with the National Society of the Children of the American Revolution (N.S.C.A.R.), whose headquarters is located in Washington, D.C.
The Royal Auvergne Society was named on February 2, 1968, in Paris, France. At the initiative of DAR member Genviève Sanua-Seymour, the Society was organized on January 23, 1969, with 12 active members. Its registration was confirmed by the N.S.C.A.R. on February 23, 1969.
The goal of the Royal Auvergne Society is to maintain and develop the ties between France and the United States that have their roots in the American War of Independence when France came to the aid of American Patriots.
As required by the N.S.C.A.R. statutes, qualifying members may belong to the Society from birth to their 22nd birthday, when they may transfer to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) or the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR), both of which have active and dynamic chapters in France.
The Royal Auvergne Society has grown from its early beginnings to an official membership of over 20 members, with ages ranging from 1 to 20 years old.
Chapter Officers (2022-2025)
- President Armand de Bremond d’Ars
- Vice President Bérénice Dupuy-Guérin
- Secretary Neva Christensen
- Treasurer Ythier Harel
- Registrar Colombe Pozzo di Borgo
- Historian Colombe Pozzo di Borgo
- Flag Bearers Vigo Christensen and Amicie de Bremond d’Ars
Senior:
- President Hélène Dupuy-Guérin
- Vice President Matt Christensen
- Secretary Bénédicte Quilliec
- Treasurer Donatienne de Bremond d’Ars
- Registrar Béatrice des Rotours
- Historian Marie-Noëlle Pozzo di Borgo
Membership
According to Article III of the Bylaws of the National Society of the Children of the American Revolution (N.S.C.A.R.) :
“Any boy or girl under the age of twenty-one is eligible for membership in the N.S.C.A.R. 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.”
Candidates for membership should contact the N.S.C.A.R. to obtain an application form.
The form requires exact genealogical information for each generation back to the ancestor who performed the service. The Society has an index of patriots whose service already has been recognized; if a candidates’ ancestor is not already on the list, his or her service must be documented.”
Documentary evidence in the form of a birth, death or marriage certificate for each generation must accompany the application.
As the Society does not undertake research for prospective members, the candidate should consider seeking advice from a professional genealogist to complete research, if necessary.
Activities
The Society’s activities focus on French-American historical and cultural themes, with particular emphasis on the men, women, and children who committed themselves to American independence, and whose descendants continue, today, to share common roots of friendship.
Meetings are organized around a wide spectrum of themes, such as: the history of the Royal Auvergne regiment commanded by General Rochambeau at the Battle of Yorktown; a Halloween tour of the catacombs of Paris; the origins of American jazz music in France; 18th century painting, with a guided tour of a special exhibit of works by the French painter Jacques Louis David; a brief history of Christmas carols, followed by a sing-along with C.A.R. members and their parents; and a tour of the Versailles royal stables.
The Society also participates fully in the annual commemoration of French American historic events, such as Memorial Day on the last Sunday of May and American Independence Day on the 4th of July.
Since 2005, the Royal Auvergne Society has been invited to participate in the official Memorial Day ceremony held each year at the American Cemetery in Suresnes, outside of Paris. On this occasion, the C.A.R. Society President lays a wreath in the Society colors.
Organization
The Royal Auvergne Society elects a board composed of Society and Senior officers for renewable, three-year terms.
The Society President works closely with the Senior President in planning meetings and activities. The Society officers also help run the meetings, with regular reports from the President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Flag Bearer carries the C.A.R. flag in commemoration ceremonies, marching with American Legion veterans and US military personnel. The Senior Treasurer maintains the Society bank account. Dues are collected once a year from members, a portion of which is paid to the N.S.C.A.R., with the remaining portion dedicated to Society activities.
The Senior Registrar prepares membership applications to the society for mailing to the N.S.C.A.R. and also acts as liaison officer for membership questions between Washington and Paris. The other Senior officers assist the board in many and varied ways.
The Royal Auvergne Society has grown from its early beginnings, with 12 members, to an official membership today of over 20 members, with ages ranging from 1 to 20 years old.
