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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 passed through six 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.

 

We are open for tours BY APPOINTMENT Tuesday through Thursday 11 am to 3 pm, Fridays and Saturdays 1 to 3 pm.

Schedule tour

Please email us to schedule your tour outside of our normal hours - we are happy to accommodate when available. 

Tours are $10/adult, $5 for kids under 18 and FREE for our members (become a member) and members of NARM (North American Reciprocal Museum Association).

 

Please click here for upcoming events.

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

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Stephen Tyng Mather (1867-1930)
First Director of the National Park Service
Owner of the Homestead 1906-1930

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • The Pink Rhubarb Summer Workshops for Kids - Weeks TBD
    The Pink Rhubarb Summer Workshops for Kids - Weeks TBD
    Mon, Jun 17
    The Mather Homestead
    Jun 17, 2024, 7:00 PM – Aug 01, 2024, 11:00 PM
    Jun 17, 2024, 7:00 PM – Aug 01, 2024, 11:00 PM
    The Pink Rhubarb returns to the Mather Homestead with summer workshops featuring cooking, gardening and crafts. Kids will learn essential skills in the kitchen, develop a green thumb in the garden, and explore the beautiful Mather Homestead property. Mixed ages 4 to 13. Hi
  • Mather Kids:  Writers Workshop
    Mather Kids:  Writers Workshop
    Mon, Aug 05
    The Mather Homestead
    Aug 05, 2024, 9:00 AM – Aug 09, 2024, 12:00 PM
    Aug 05, 2024, 9:00 AM – Aug 09, 2024, 12:00 PM
    Writing workshop inspired by 18th & 19th century poets, storytellers, letter writers, journalists, nature writers, and travel writers. Samantha will lead kids through the process of writing -- selecting topics, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing their original work! Reco ages 8 to 13.
  • Poetry with Samantha:  Poetry in the Parks #2
    Poetry with Samantha:  Poetry in the Parks #2
    Wed, Sep 04
    Mather Homestead patio (rain go away)
    Sep 04, 2024, 7:00 PM
    Sep 04, 2024, 7:00 PM
    The National Park Service launched a project in March: "You Are Here: Poetry in Parks." This initiative will feature site-specific poetry installations in seven national parks.  We will be discussing the seven featured poems with Samantha over three sessions.
  • Fall Kick Off:  Ice Cream Celebration!
    Fall Kick Off:  Ice Cream Celebration!
    Sun, Sep 08
    The Mather Homestead
    Sep 08, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
    Sep 08, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
    Family fun at the Homestead! Join us for games, tours and ICE CREAM!
  • Field Trip to Teddy Roosevelt's Birthplace National Historic Site, NYC
    Field Trip to Teddy Roosevelt's Birthplace National Historic Site, NYC
    Thu, Sep 19
    New York
    Sep 19, 2024, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    Sep 19, 2024, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    Private tour of Teddy Roosevelt's Birthplace followed by lunch at Gramercy Tavern.
  • Field Trip to Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
    Field Trip to Sagamore Hill National Historic Site
    Fri, Sep 20
    Oyster Bay
    Sep 20, 2024, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Sep 20, 2024, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
    Visit to the Summer White House of Teddy Roosevelt. Sagamore Hill was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. During Roosevelt's time in office, his "Summer White House" was the focus of international attention.
  • Scholars Lecture featuring Edward O'Keefe
    Scholars Lecture featuring Edward O'Keefe
    Thu, Sep 26
    The Mather Homestead
    Sep 26, 2024, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Sep 26, 2024, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    A dazzling and lyrical look at the making of one of America's most remarkable presidents, "The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt: The Women Who Created a President" celebrates five extraordinary yet unsung women who opened the door to the American Century and pushed Theodore Roosevelt through it.
  • Night at the Museum... the National Parks!
    Night at the Museum... the National Parks!
    Fri, Oct 18
    Darien
    Oct 18, 2024, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Oct 18, 2024, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Night at the Museum returns for the third year! This year we’ll have two groups. 5 to 6:30 pm, ages 5 to 9; 7:30 to 9 pm ages 10 to 13. Limited to 25 kids per session.
  • Field Trip to the New York Historical Society
    Field Trip to the New York Historical Society
    Wed, Oct 23
    New York
    Oct 23, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
    Oct 23, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
    Field trip to the New York Historical Society, New York's first museum which covers 400 years of history through groundbreaking exhibitions, outstanding collections, immersive films, and more. Customized docent-led tour followed by lunch at Clara.
  • Scholars Lecture featuring Jonathan Waterman:  Into the Thaw
    Scholars Lecture featuring Jonathan Waterman:  Into the Thaw
    Thu, Oct 24
    The Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Cente
    Oct 24, 2024, 7:00 PM
    Oct 24, 2024, 7:00 PM
    Jon Waterman, photographer, filmmaker, adventurer, and author of the bestselling Atlas of the National Park, returns for a discussion of his latest book: Into the Thaw: Witnessing Wonder Amid the Arctic Climate Crisis, a first-hand account of the Arctic crisis.
  • Fall Harvest Festival - sponsored by BMW of Darien
    Fall Harvest Festival - sponsored by BMW of Darien
    Sat, Oct 26
    The Mather Homestead
    Oct 26, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Oct 26, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    The Fall Harvest Festival is in its sixth year! Join us for hay rides, face painting, pumpkin decorating, crafts, games, cider & donuts, live music & a special visit from George Washington! Tickets - members: $15 adult/$10 child, non-members: $20 adult/$15 child.
  • Homesteading 101 Workshop:  Holiday Greenery
    Homesteading 101 Workshop:  Holiday Greenery
    Thu, Dec 05
    MH Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center
    Dec 05, 2024, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    Dec 05, 2024, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    Create your holiday wreath! We provide all the materials -- plus a holiday cocktail or two for inspiration. Bring clippers please! $95/$85 members
  • Yoga with Mary Ann
    Yoga with Mary Ann
    Mon., Weds. 9:30 am
    Mather Barn
    Mon., Weds. 9:30 am
    Mon., Weds. 9:30 am
    Vinyasa style yoga in the barn. No class Pres. Day Week Feb 19 & 21.
  • Exhibit: Stephen Mather and the National Parks
    Exhibit: Stephen Mather and the National Parks
    by appointment
    The Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Cntr
    by appointment
    by appointment
    Learn 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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