COMING UP AT THE HOMESTEAD
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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 owned 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. The Foundation recently completed a new "barn," the Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center, which will enable the Foundation to reach its vision of becoming a preeminent center for historical education in Fairfield. Come visit us!
The Mather Homestead Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, oversees the Mather Homestead.
Mission: The Mather Homestead Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of the Mather Homestead, built in 1778 and passed through 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.
THANK YOU TO OUR 2020 ANNUAL FUND DONORS!
You are helping us bring History to Life!
The Annual Fund which provides for the ongoing preservation and maintenance of the Homestead and the funding of our educational programs. 85% of our budget comes from individual donations. In short, YOU enable us to keep our doors open and run our programs! Please note that all donors contributing $250 or more to the annual fund are automatically "members."
AND THANK YOU TO OUR IN-KIND SPONSORS!
Bartlett tree experts has been generously caring for our beautiful trees and plantings. Thank you for your green thumb!
Other past supporters include SONO1420, TOASTs, Greggs Garden Center & Landscaping, NEAT Coffee and ERI Building & Design, LLC.
Thank you!!
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!
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 passed through 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