HOMESTEAD HAPPENINGS

There's lots happening at the Homestead!
We are bringing history to life through lectures, reenactments, literary workshops, kids learning & fun, art-at-mather, music-at-mather, field trips and more!
Upcoming events below ...

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.
RSVP

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.
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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.
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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
Join us for pony rides, petting zoo, hay rides, face painting, pumpkin decorating, crafts, games, cider & donuts, live music plus visits from George Washington, author Stephanie Pearson (50 True Tales of the National Parks)! Tickets - members: $15 adult/$10 child, non-members: $20 adult/$15 child.
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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.
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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.
RSVP

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.
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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.
RSVP

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
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Book Club with Samantha: "James" by Percival Everett
Wed, Jan 08
Mather Homestead Barn
Jan 08, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Jan 08, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Samantha will lead us through a discussion of a "brilliant, action-packed reimagining of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."
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Tea + Lecture at the Homestead
Thu, Jan 30
Mather Homestead Barn
Jan 30, 2025, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Jan 30, 2025, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
January is "hot tea month" and we are celebrating with a traditional tea by Carolyn's Absolutely Fabulous Events plus tea lecture. Presenter to be announced soon.
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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.
RSVP

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
RSVP