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Bringing History to Life!
The Mather Homestead, Darien's only Registered National Historic Landmark, is a historic home and property on the four corners of Brookside and Stephen Mather Roads. The home was built in 1778 by Deacon Joseph Mather, raided by Tories during the Revolutionary War, and later the home of Stephen Tyng Mather, an avid conservationist and the first Director of the National Park Service. The house was enjoyed by seven generations of Mathers until 2017, when the home was generously donated by Mather descendants to a newly created foundation to be operated as a museum dedicated to historical education.
The Mather Homestead is rich in history and open for public education and enjoyment. Come visit us!
The Mather Homestead Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, oversees the Mather Homestead.
The Mather Homestead is Darien's only Registered National Historic Landmark
Stephen Tyng Mather (1867-1930)
First Director of the National Park Service
Owner of the Homestead 1906-1930
UPCOMING EVENTS
Fri, Apr 26Mather BarnApr 26, 2024, 5:00 PM – 6:15 PMApr 26, 2024, 5:00 PM – 6:15 PMLearn about Revolutionary Heroes through fun games - bingo, charades ... and more! We encourage you to read a book on your favorite Revolutionary Hero, but definitely not required. Barrett has many books to recommended. Buy local! Bringing history to life! Ages 8 to 12.
Sat, Apr 27The Mather HomesteadApr 27, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Thu, May 02MH BarnMay 02, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMMay 02, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMJane Mossa from The Pink Rhubarb will teach us about cooking with the freshest ingredients - whether from your own garden or the farmer's market. We'll make fresh salsa, tomatillos, tortillas, and chili rellenos while sipping on margaritas. Farm fresh Mexican just in time for Cinco de Mayo!
Thu, May 16Mather Homestead - barn or garden tbd!May 16, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMMay 16, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMAhead of our field trip to the Bellamy-Ferriday house in Bethlehem, Connecticut, we will discuss "Lilac Girls" by Martha Hall Kelly. Kelly's book about socialite Caroline Ferriday and her fight to help a group of concentration camp survivors became an instant NY Times bestseller after publication.
May 18, 2024, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PMJoin us for a tour of New York City’s earliest pubs … the rooms where it happened! We’ll start downtown at Fraunces Tavern, the place where George Washington gave his Farewell address to his officers in 1783, and end at Pete’s Tavern in Midtown with lots of pubs, history and fun in between!
Sun, May 19The 1778 Homestead - start at the well!May 19, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PMMay 19, 2024, 1:00 PM – 2:30 PMOur teen board members will be giving tours of the Homestead! They've been working hard to learn all about this historic treasure - Darien's only Registered National Historic Landmark. Come cheer them on and learn about the Homestead! Price is up to you - make a contribution if you'd like!
Tue, May 21BethlehemMay 21, 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMMay 21, 2024, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMJoin us for a visit to the Bellamy-Ferriday House in Bethlehem, CT which shares many similarities to MH! A beautiful, historic home and gardens preserved by a 20th century woman. In their case, Caroline Ferriday, in ours, Bertha Mather. Incl. ride, tour & lunch at the historic 1754 House, Woodbury.
Wed, May 22The BarnMay 22, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMMay 22, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMRolf Diamant, co-author "Olmsted and Yosemite: Civil War, Abolition, and the National Park Idea," will discuss his fascinating take on the national parks, linking their creation to the abolition of slavery and questions of citizenship and nationhood in the Civil War years.
Mon, May 27Meet at Goodwives Shopping CenterMay 27, 2024, 10:00 AM
Tue, Jun 11Mather Homestead BarnJun 11, 2024, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PMJun 11, 2024, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PMArtists and aspiring artists are invited to enjoy the Mather Homestead property from June 8 through June 15. Come to paint, draw, photograph and be inspired!! We will have iced tea and snacks available every day. Lunch event on Wednesday, June 11th! Raindate June 12th. Please RSVP!
Tue, Jun 11Mather HomesteadJun 11, 2024, 12:30 PMJun 11, 2024, 12:30 PMArtscapades returns to the Homestead for a lecture about American Portraiture. They will focus on well known artists such as John Singleton Copley, as well as a discussion of the portraits in the 1778 Mather home. BYO lunch, we’ll supply the dessert and drinks! Plein Air artists attend for free.
Tue, Jun 11Mather groundsJun 11, 2024, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Mon, Jun 17The Mather HomesteadJun 17, 2024, 7:00 PM – Aug 01, 2024, 11:00 PM
Wed, Jun 19Start in the MH Barn!Jun 19, 2024, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PMJun 19, 2024, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PMThe national parks are simply spectacular and you can capture the beauty even with your iPhone! Whether you're planning a trip to a stunning park or simply want to capture the beauty of Darien’s local parks and beaches, this hands-on workshop will elevate your landscape photography.
Wed, Jun 26Mather Homestead patio (rain go away)Jun 26, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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