COMING UP AT THE HOMESTEAD
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**VACCINATION REQUIRED TO ATTEND EVENTS
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.
NEWS!
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!
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
Join us on November 5 at 2 pm to see the unveiling of the Heritage Day marker at the Mather Homestead.
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
