About

The National Society of the Children of the American Revolution, founded in 1895, is the oldest patriotic youth organization in our country. Membership is open to descendants of patriots of the American Revolution.

Members gain valuable leadership experience in conducting meetings, following parliamentary procedures and standard protocol, serving as delegates and speaking before groups at local, state and national conferences. The responsibility and privilege of selecting officers helps members gain an understanding of the democratic process.

The Old Stone House Society, based in Brooklyn, NY, was organized in 2004 to honor the Old Stone House, a prominent location in the 1776 Battle of Brooklyn, an important battle in the Revolutionary War.

The Old Stone House, nestled in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, stands as a beacon of American Revolutionary War history. This historic site is a testament to the resilience and strategic importance of the location during the tumultuous times of the late 18th century. The house we see today is a 1933 reconstruction of the Vechte–Cortelyou House, employing original materials to preserve the authenticity of the structure that played a pivotal role in the 1776 Battle of Long Island.

Originally built around 1699 by Dutch immigrant Claes Arentson Vechte or his son Hendrick, the Old Stone House was more than just a residence; it was a fulcrum of community and military activity. Its proximity to the Gowanus Creek, a vital waterway at the time, made it a key location for the local economy and military operations. During the Battle of Brooklyn, the first major engagement after the Declaration of Independence and the largest battle of the entire Revolutionary War, the house was at the heart of the conflict. George Washington himself realized the strategic disadvantage of the American troops and rushed reinforcements to Brooklyn from Manhattan.

The Old Stone House's significance is further underscored by the heroic stand of the Maryland 400. Under the command of Major Mordecai Gist, these brave soldiers launched a rear-guard action against a vastly superior British force, allowing the majority of the American forces to retreat to safety. This act of valor is immortalized in the legacy of the house and the state of Maryland, earning it the nickname "The Old Line State."

Beyond its military history, the Old Stone House has served various community functions, including a period as the clubhouse for the Brooklyn Superbas, later known as the Brooklyn Dodgers. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2012, the house now serves as a historic interpretive center. The Old Stone House of Brooklyn, a not-for-profit corporation, operates it under license from the Parks Department, offering exhibits on the battle, educational programs, and a venue for cultural events.

The Old Stone House is more than a structure; it is a symbol of the American spirit of resistance and the sacrifices made for freedom. Its walls tell the story of a pivotal moment in American history, serving as a memorial to those who fought and died in the quest for independence. Through its preservation and the educational efforts of the Old Stone House Society and the Children of the American Revolution, the legacy of this historic site continues to inspire future generations.