WELCOME TO THE MATHER HOMESTEAD
The Mather Homestead of Darien, Connecticut was built in 1778 and 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 home is rich in history and open for public enjoyment and education. Come visit us!
THE MATHER HOMESTEAD LAUNCHES MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM
Become a Member!
Become a Member of the Homestead for benefits and also to support our mission:
To preserve the Mather Homestead in order to educate the community about Revolutionary times, eighteenth and nineteenth century living, and Stephen Mather’s legacy as an important conservationist and the founder of our modern National Parks System.
Click here for more information on membership
UPCOMING EVENTS
Scholar's Lecture: The British Are Coming!
Thursday, May 14th, 6:30pm
The Mather Homestead Foundation is excited to welcome bestselling author and pulitzer prize winner in both history and journalism, Rick Atkinson to the Homestead. Lawrence Rush "Rick" Atkinson IV will discuss his latest book: The British Are Coming: The War for America, Lexington to Princeton, 1775-1777, the first volume in the Revolution Trilogy. Other bestselling books include An Army at Dawn (winner of the Pulitzer Prize for history), The Day of Battle, The Long Gray Line, In the Company of Soldiers, and Crusade. His many other awards include the George Polk award, and the Pritzker Military Library Literature Award. Tickets on sale April 1.
Back by popular demand ... Roses and Roses!
Early June ... stay tuned for date
Last Spring, ladies enjoyed rose, nibbles, and the beautiful Mather Gardens which have been restored by superstar volunteer Andy Huntington.
Scholar's Lecture: The National Parks, America's Best Idea
Sunday, October 4th
Dayton Duncan is an Emmy award-winning writer and documentary film maker, best known for his stunning series The National Parks, America’s Best Idea. An artistic visionary who brings history to life through his books and film, he has been the creative partner of director, Ken Burns for over twenty years.
Duncan has been a consultant or writer/producer for the two most watched programs in PBS’s history, the documentary series The Civil War and Lewis & Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery. Overall his impressive portfolio of films and books captures the heart and spirit of U.S. history and culture.
RECENT EVENTS
Did you miss the "All Star" tour?
On Sunday, March 1st, Docents Donn Smith AND Gordon Hastings gave ~20 guests an "all star" tour of the Homestead.
Please click here to hear the stories told by Gordon Hastings and click here to see interesting Mather Homestead artifacts!
NEWS
New Education Center
The Mather Homestead is excited to embark upon a plan to rebuild our "barn" as an education center. The new Barn will house lectures, school groups, art exhibits and more, enabling the Mather Homestead to reach its vision of becoming a preeminent center for historical education in Fairfield County.
WHAT'S IN THE ATTIC?
"Hidden Treasures"
Docent Donn Smith has been poking around the Mather Homestead and he has found treasures abound! Check out his blogs which document his findings -- A bible from 1743, a girl's dress from the 1860's, Stephen Mather's camera. Click for more
AROUND THE HOMESTEAD
Photo Exhibit by DHS Senior Sarah McLaughlin
Sarah McLaughlin, DHS Class of 2019, recently completed a summer internship at the Mather Homestead. Using historical photos of the house, its inhabitants and Stephen Tyng Mather's time with the National Parks Service, she created our first exhibit. Come view her work and see the Homestead through the past century. Thank you Sarah!
SUNDAY TOURS
Stay tuned for upcoming dates
Join one of our docents on scheduled Sundays at 1 pm to learn more about this remarkable property. Suggested donation: $10 per person. Tours are also available by appointment. Schedule a tour.
