The Mather Homestead, Darien's only Registered National Historic Landmark, was built in 1778 by Deacon Joseph Mather, son of the fiery Patriot Reverend Moses Mather, and raided by Tories during the Revolutionary War. The Homestead was later the home of Stephen Tyng Mather, an avid conservationist and the first Director of the National Park Service. Following his death, his daughter, Bertha Mather McPherson, one of Connecticut's first female architects and a visionary preservationist, preserved the home and left it as it is today. In 2017, Mather descendants generously donated the Homestead to a newly created foundation to be operated as a museum dedicated to historical education.
The Mather Homestead Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
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
MH CELEBRATES AMERICA250!
Step into America's Revolutionary past with our Fall Scholars Series. As we celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary, explore three unique perspectives on our founding era: Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Alan Taylor on a Continental soldier's ordeals (Sept 18), Connecticut's exclusive preview of Ken Burns' new "American Revolution" documentary (Oct 14), and the story of preserving Darien's Revolutionary War houses (Nov 12).
UPCOMING EVENTS
Fall Scholars Series: Revolutionary Voices (3 events)Sept 18, Oct 14, Nov 12
Revolutionary War ReenactmentSpring, 2026
Vinyasa yoga with Mary AnnMonday & Wednesday 9:30 am
BECOME A MEMBER
When you become a member of the Mather Homestead you support our mission and help to secure our future.
Mission Statement:
The Mather Homestead Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of the Mather Homestead, built in 1778 and enjoyed by seven generations of Mather descendants, as a treasured place for public education and enjoyment. The Foundation is committed to raising awareness of the Homestead’s unique history, dating back to the Revolutionary War, and Stephen Tyng Mather’s legacy as an important conservationist and the founder of our modern National Parks System.
Membership Benefits include: Invitations to free member-only events, discounts on Mather Homestead events, free tours for you, family and friends, 10% off in our (new!) gift shop, membership to NARM (North American Reciprocal Museum Association), offering free entry to over 1,400 museums*.
$150 Family Membership
$100 Individual Membership
THANK YOU!
The Mather Homestead Foundation is thankful to the generosity of the Mather-McPherson family, Richard L. Chilton, Jr., the Darien Foundation, and our many other supporters.
