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Bringing History to Life!
The Mather Homestead is closed for tours as we undergo a house renovation project.
WELCOME TO THE MATHER HOMESTEAD!
The Mather Homestead, Darien's historic home on the four corners of Brookside and Stephen Mather Roads, was built in 1778 by Deacon Joseph Mather, son of Moses Mather, the first minister of the First Congregational Church of Darien and a fiery patriot. The house was famously raided by Tories during the Revolutionary War. It was 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 community 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.
HOMESTEAD HAPPENINGS
HOMESTEAD HAPPENINGS
Our Mission Statement
The Mather Homestead Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of the Mather Homestead, established in 1778 and home to seven generations of Mather descendants, as a treasured place for historical education and enjoyment. The Foundation will raise 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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sun, Jan 21The Mather HomesteadJan 21, 2024, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PMJan 21, 2024, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PMLocal author, Laurence Jurdem, discusses his new book, "The Rough Rider and the Professor," which evokes the political intrigue of the Gilded Age and chronicles the extraordinary thirty-five-year friendship between President Theodore Roosevelt and Senator Henry Cabot Lodge of Massachusetts.
Tue, Jan 23The Mather HomesteadJan 23, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Sat, Feb 10The Mather Homestead BarnFeb 10, 2024, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Sat, Feb 10The Mather Homestead BarnFeb 10, 2024, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Sat, Apr 27The Mather HomesteadApr 27, 2024, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
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!
Sat, Jun 01Mather Homestead PropertyJun 01, 2024, 9:00 AM – Jun 16, 2024, 5:00 PMJun 01, 2024, 9:00 AM – Jun 16, 2024, 5:00 PMArtists and aspiring artists are invited to enjoy the Mather Homestead property from June 1st through June 16th. 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 12 or 13th. Please RSVP!
Thu, Jun 06BethlehemJun 06, 2024, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMJun 06, 2024, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMJoin us for an adventure! We'll visit the Bellamy-Ferriday House in Bethlehem, CT which shares so many similarities to the Mather Homestead! A beautiful, historic home and gardens preserved by a 20th century woman. In their case, Caroline Ferriday. In our case, Bertha Mather.
by appointmentThe Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Cntrby appointmentby appointmentLearn about the life and legacy of Stephen Tyng Mather (1867-1930), the first Director of the National Park Service and the owner of the Homestead from 1906 to 1930. Exhibit geared towards adults PLUS "kids corner" for kids of all ages. Open hours Thurs. 6 to 7:30, Sat. 11 to 1, Sun. 1 to 3
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