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
Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton
Book Club
Wednesday, July 1st, 5:30 - 6:30 pm
Our next book club event features My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton, by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie. Depending upon social distancing rules, this discussion will take place in the Homestead garden or virtually via zoom. Stay tuned but start reading! Please, buy your book locally at Barrett Bookstore. Email us to rsvp.
Plein Air Week -- calling all artists!
May 30th to June 7th
We are excited to share our first image from "Plein Air Week", taken by Mary Wade of Leap Year Images. This week (May 30th to June 7th), artists are painting, photographing and sketching the Mather Homestead and grounds. It's not too late to join the fun! Please email us for further details.
Scholar's Lecture
POSTPONED .. stay tuned for new date
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.
Scholar's Lecture: The National Parks, America's Best Idea
Sunday, October 4th, 2:00 pm
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. more
Lecture will take place in the NEW Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center.
BLOGS ABOUT THE HOMESTEAD
Donn Smith - "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 including momentos from 250 years of American life -- a bible from 1743, a little girl's dress from the 1860's, Stephen Mather's camera, and lots more. Click here for blogs Click here for Darien Times article on Hidden Treasures
Gordon Hastings - "The Story of the Mather Homestead"
Docent Gordon Hastings has blogging since 2011 about books and subjects that he enjoys. Lucky for us that the Mather Homestead is a subject of interest! Click here for blogs
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.
Help wanted!
During these unprecedented times, the Mather Homestead Foundation appreciates the efforts of the many individuals and organizations who are supporting those in need. While recognizing that we are not an "essential business", we expect our fundraising to be impacted and appreciate all who are willing and able to help us make our budget and keep Mather Homestead fiscally sound. More about donating here.
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.
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!
ANNUAL FUND!
Thank you for your support of the Mather Homestead!
We rely on contributions from the community to fund our programs and the preservation of the Mather Homestead and property. We appreciate the support of our donors! Click here to donate.
