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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, son of the fiery Patriot Reverend Moses 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 Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
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.
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
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Oct 09, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMThe Darien Library's "Novel Tea" event on October 16 will welcome author Ariel Lawhon for a discussion of her book Frozen River. The Library has kindly invited the Mather Homestead to host a book discussion given the relevance of our home to the time period -- late 18th century.
- Thu, Oct 24The Elizabeth W. Chilton Education CenteOct 24, 2024, 7:00 PM
- Sat, Oct 26The Mather HomesteadOct 26, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Wed, Nov 13Mather Homestead patio (rain go away)Nov 13, 2024, 7:00 PM
- Fri, Nov 15DarienNov 15, 2024, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Tue, Nov 19Mather Homestead BarnNov 19, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMNov 19, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMArt – in particular, landscape art and photography – was crucial to the establishment of the National Park Service. ArtScapades' Robin Hoffman will discuss the work of Albert Bierstadt, George Caitlin, and Sanford Gifford which captured the grandeur and beauty of the West and need for preservation.
- Nov 21, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMLisa Thoren will guide us as we use the poems that inspired the Concepts Art Show on the Mather Homestead barn walls to inspire our own paintings. Whether you are a beginning painter or more advanced, Lisa will help to move your painting skills along. Wine & hors d'oeuvres served for inspiration.
- Thu, Dec 05MH Elizabeth W. Chilton Education CenterDec 05, 2024, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- 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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