WELCOME TO THE MATHER HOMESTEAD

We celebrate five years as a museum dedicated to public education in 2022! 

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!

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The Mather Homestead Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, oversees the Mather Homestead.  

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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.  

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STEPHEN MATHER AND THE NATIONAL PARKS

The Mather Homestead Foundation presents its first exhibit in the Mather Homestead Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center.  This exhibit celebrates the life and legacy of Stephen Mather, the first Director of the National Park Service and the owner of the Mather Homestead from 1906 to 1930.  Mather is credited with creating the modern park system that we enjoy today: 

He laid the foundation of the national park service, defining and establishing the policies under which its areas shall be developed and conserved unimpaired for future generations. There will never come an end to the good that he has done.

We appreciate the sponsors who have made this exhibit possible.

Platinum:  The Chilton Trust Foundation

Gold:  Carlson & Carlson Insurance

Silver:  Cavan Images; Hollow Tree Self Storage;  Wofsey, Rosen, Kweskin & Kuriansky, LLP

Bronze:  Darien Rowayton Bank, Serena Richards of Brown Harris Stevens

The exhibit will open with a special preview party for our most generous donors on Friday, October 21st - thank you!

Regular public hours below. BY APPOINTMENT.  Also open other times by appointment - reach out and we'll schedule a mutually agreeable time.  LET US KNOW YOU'RE COMING
Thursdays 5:30 to 7 pm (with refreshments!)
Saturdays 11 am to 1 pm
Sundays 1 to 3 pm

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

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.  

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.   

The Story of the Mather Homestead
 
This video was "premiered" at our 2020 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 Homestead for benefits and also to support our mission:

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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

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