UPCOMING EVENTS
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WELCOME TO THE MATHER HOMESTEAD
The Mather Homestead of Darien, Connecticut was built in 1778 by Joseph Mather, son of Moses Mather, the first minister of the First Congregational Church of Darien and a fiery patriot and advocate of the Revolutionary cause. The Homestead was enjoyed by the Mather family through seven generations, until 2017 when it was donated to The Mather Homestead Foundation thanks to the generosity of the McPherson family. The Homestead's most famous Mather was Stephen Tyng Mather, owner of the home from 1906 to 1930. He was an avid conservationist and the first Director of our National Park Service.
The Mather Homestead is rich in history and open for public enjoyment and education. Come visit us!
The Mather Homestead Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, oversees the Mather Homestead.
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.
CELEBRATING 200 YEARS OF FREDERICK LAW OLMSTED - lecture available online!
We are thankful to DAF Media for broadcasting our recent event featuring Jonathan Olmsted, descendant of Frederick Law Olmsted (FLO). FLO, the famed “Father of American Landscape Architecture,” and his family firm, were arguably the most influential landscape architects in the United States with over 500 commissions that included 100 public parks and recreational areas. These include New York’s Central Park (1857), the Buffalo Park System (1868), Boston Park System (1870) and the United State Capitol (1874), which are all standouts in American landscape design.
Watch broadcast LINK
NEWS!
The Mather Homestead Foundation welcomes new Assistant Director, Lisa Kennedy
Lisa Kennedy is excited to be part of the legacy of the Mather Homestead organization through her role as an Assistant Director to Heather Raker. She recently relocated from Atlanta to Darien and brings with her over 10 years of nonprofit experience with a start-up and management of an Atlanta-based nonprofit that provided financial assistance to children with brain and spinal cord injuries. She is very passionate about getting involved in the local community and helping Mather Homestead continue to provide enjoyment for everyone through their education programs and expanding opportunities at the Elizabeth Chilton Education Center. Lisa and her husband Dan have three children that are in college and a lab named Sophie.
The Mather Homestead Foundation is gifted an additional acre of property!
We are excited to announce that at the end of 2021, the McPherson family (Mather descendants) generously gifted an additional five acres of property, ensuring the preservation of the meadow bordering the North side of the Homestead property. This land is now owned by the Mather Homestead (1.1 acres) and the Darien Land Trust (3.8 acres). We look forward to welcoming you to our expanded campus for education and enjoyment in 2022 and beyond!
The Mather Homestead Foundation is awarded two grants from CT Humanities!
Also at the end of 2021, the Mather Homestead was awarded two grants from CT Humanities, one a grant for operating support, and one a SHARP grant which will allow us to conduct a survey to better understand YOUR interests and needs as we launch into our second five years as a historic museum and center for education and enjoyment.
Painting of North meadow by Elizabeth Agresta, painted during Plein Air week 2021
2021 ANNUAL REVIEW
The Homestead was abuzz with activities during 2022! Our scholars’ lectures, concerts, family events, workshops, yoga classes, Plein air weeks and more brought people from Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk and other towns nearby and far to the Homestead.
We are thankful to those of you who donated not only to make these events possible, but to help us preserve, restore and maintain this beautiful house and property on Darien's four corners.
Our "Annual Review," right, celebrates an exciting year at the Homestead and also our donors who made it all possible.
HERITAGE DAY - CELEBRATING DARIEN'S 200TH!
The Mather Homestead joined in Darien's celebration of its 200th birthday on "Heritage Day" -- October 23, 2021.
The activities began in town with a reenactment of the 1781 Tory raid on the First Congregational Church and demonstrations of colonial period activities (cooking, crafts) at the Museum of Darien. Activities were led by the 5th Connecticut Regiment. The Regiment then marched up Brookside Road to the Mather Homestead where a crowd of ~50 people watched a reenactment of the 1781 raid of the Homestead by British soldiers, a skirmish between Patriots and Loyalists, and a cannon demonstration. ~250 people joined in the fun!
Many thanks to the Bicentennial Committee for their organization of these events and Dave Miller for leading the Mather Homestead activities!
Video of the events at the homestead at facebook.com/matherhomesteadfoundation
CHECK OUT "NOW WE'RE TALKING DARIEN" PODCAST
LISTEN: The Story of the Mather Homestead
Taylor Carter and Liz Geiger, local Darien residents, are taking Darien by storm by interviewing local figures and business owners. They interviewed Heather Raker, Executive Director of the Mather Homestead Foundation, and Jennifer Foster, founding board member, on September 3rd. Jennifer and Heather shared stories about the Mather Family and Homestead, and highlighted the generosity of the individuals and community that brought this incredible asset to life.
LISTEN
FRESH OFF THE PRESS!
From the desk of Donn Smith: new blogs posted
Docent Donn Smith has been busy poking around the attic of the Mather Homestead and he's found treasures abound! Check out his blogs which document his findings including artifacts fro 250 years of American life - a bible from 1743, a girl's dress from the 1860's, Stephen Mather's camera and more. Oh the stories they tell!
One of Donn's most recent post is a love letter written by Stephen Mather to his wife. ❤️
Read up.
BECOME A DOCENT!
Calling all history lovers!
Do you love history? Do you love sharing history with others? We are eager to train new docents to join our all star cast which includes Gordon Hastings, Donn Smith, and Nina and Dave Miller. Please contact us if you are interested in getting involved! Tour groups include school aged children and adults.
Gordon Hastings giving a tour to a very young history buff!
CHECK OUT OUR VIDEO
The Story of the Mather Homestead
This video was "premiered" at our recent Barnraiser event. It tells the story of the Mather Homestead from 1778 to present.
Thank you Pablo Villa, Allie Bernene, Gordon Hastings, the McPherson sisters, Penny Rashin and all who brought this story to life!
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE MATHER HOMESTEAD!
Become a Member of the Homestead for benefits and also to support our mission:
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.
Click here for more information on membership
