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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.

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The Mather Homestead is Darien's only Registered National Historic Landmark

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Stephen Tyng Mather (1867-1930)
First Director of the National Park Service
Owner of the Homestead 1906-1930

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • Book Club with Samantha: Frozen River
    Book Club with Samantha: Frozen River
    Book Club with Samantha: Frozen River
    Wed, Oct 09
    Darien
    Oct 09, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Oct 09, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    The 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.
  • Night at the Museum... the National Parks!
    Night at the Museum... the National Parks!
    Night at the Museum... the National Parks!
    Fri, Oct 18
    Darien
    Oct 18, 2024, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Oct 18, 2024, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Night at the Museum returns for the third year! This year we’ll have two groups. 5 to 6:30 pm, ages 5 to 9; 7:30 to 9 pm ages 10 to 13. Limited to 25 kids per session.
  • Field Trip to the New York Historical Society
    Field Trip to the New York Historical Society
    Field Trip to the New York Historical Society
    Wed, Oct 23
    New York
    Oct 23, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
    Oct 23, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
    Field trip to the New York Historical Society, New York's first museum which covers 400 years of history through groundbreaking exhibitions, outstanding collections, immersive films, and more. Customized docent-led tour with optional lunch at the Yale Club NYC.
  • Lecture featuring Jonathan Waterman (back by popular demand!): Into the Thaw
    Lecture featuring Jonathan Waterman (back by popular demand!): Into the Thaw
    Lecture featuring Jonathan Waterman (back by popular demand!): Into the Thaw
    Thu, Oct 24
    The Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Cente
    Oct 24, 2024, 7:00 PM
    Oct 24, 2024, 7:00 PM
    Jon Waterman, photographer, filmmaker, adventurer, and author of the bestselling Atlas of the National Park, returns for a discussion of his latest book, "Into the Thaw: Witnessing Wonder Amid the Arctic Climate Crisis," a first-hand account of the Arctic crisis.
  • Fall Harvest Festival - sponsored by BMW of Darien
    Fall Harvest Festival - sponsored by BMW of Darien
    Fall Harvest Festival - sponsored by BMW of Darien
    Sat, Oct 26
    The Mather Homestead
    Oct 26, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Oct 26, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    The Fall Harvest Festival is in its sixth year! Join us for hay rides, face painting, pumpkin decorating, crafts, games, cider & donuts, live music & a special visit from George Washington! Tickets - members: $15 adult/$10 child, non-members: $20 adult/$15 child.
  • Poetry with Samantha: Poetry in the Parks #3
    Poetry with Samantha: Poetry in the Parks #3
    Poetry with Samantha: Poetry in the Parks #3
    Wed, Nov 13
    Mather Homestead patio (rain go away)
    Nov 13, 2024, 7:00 PM
    Nov 13, 2024, 7:00 PM
    The National Park Service launched a project in March: "You Are Here: Poetry in Parks." This initiative will feature site-specific poetry installations in seven national parks.  During our last session #3, we will discuss poets Lucille Clifton and June Jordan.
  • Concepts Art Show: Can You Imagine? Opening reception
    Concepts Art Show: Can You Imagine? Opening reception
    Concepts Art Show: Can You Imagine? Opening reception
    Fri, Nov 15
    Darien
    Nov 15, 2024, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Nov 15, 2024, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Local artists from the Concepts Art Group will showcase their work which is inspired by the National Park Service's "Poetry in the Parks" initiative. Join us for an opening reception on Friday, November 15! Painting by Cate Leach.
  • Artscapades presents: The Beauty of our National Parks in the 19th Century
    Artscapades presents: The Beauty of our National Parks in the 19th Century
    Artscapades presents: The Beauty of our National Parks in the 19th Century
    Tue, Nov 19
    Mather Homestead Barn
    Nov 19, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    Nov 19, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    Art – 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.
  • Painting inspired by Poetry
    Painting inspired by Poetry
    Painting inspired by Poetry
    Thu, Nov 21
    Mather Homestead Barn
    Nov 21, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Nov 21, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Lisa 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.
  • Homesteading 101 Workshop: Holiday Greenery
    Homesteading 101 Workshop: Holiday Greenery
    Homesteading 101 Workshop: Holiday Greenery
    Thu, Dec 05
    MH Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center
    Dec 05, 2024, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    Dec 05, 2024, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
    Create your holiday wreath! We provide all the materials -- plus a holiday cocktail or two for inspiration. Bring clippers please! $95/$85 members
  • Yoga with Mary Ann
    Yoga with Mary Ann
    Yoga with Mary Ann
    Mon., Weds. 9:30 am
    Mather Barn
    Mon., Weds. 9:30 am
    Mon., Weds. 9:30 am
    Vinyasa style yoga in the barn. No class Pres. Day Week Feb 19 & 21.
  • Exhibit: Stephen Mather and the National Parks
    Exhibit: Stephen Mather and the National Parks
    Exhibit: Stephen Mather and the National Parks
    by appointment
    The Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Cntr
    by appointment
    by appointment
    Learn 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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