THE MATHER HOMESTEAD
The Mather Homestead, Darien's historic home on the four corners of Brookside and Stephen Mather Roads, was built in 1778 by Deacon Joseph Mather, son of Moses Mather, the first minister of the First Congregational Church of Darien and a fiery patriot who preached the Revolutionary War cause, on 100 acres of farmland. The house was famously raided by Tories during in 1781and was later the home of Stephen Tyng Mather, an avid conservationist and the first Director of the National Park Service.
The home became a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. In 2017, the Mather Homestead was deemed a "Protected Town Landmark" by the town of Darien and donated by the McPherson siblings to a newly created foundation to be operated as a museum dedicated to community education.
1778 Home
The historic home was built in 1778 by Deacon Joseph Mather, son of Reverend Moses Mather. It was famously raided by Tories during the Revolutionary War. The home was expanded by Stephen Mather in 1928. MORE
Property and Gardens
The Mather property originally consisted of 100 acres of farmland. In 1909, Stephen Mather added a sunken garden and many other features to the property, designed by Walter Burleigh Griffin who went on to design Canberra, Australia's new capital city. MORE
Mather Barns
Many barns have been erected on the Mather property. The current "barn," the Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center, was built in 2020. MORE
Collection
The Mather Homestead is filled with a collection of period antiques both original to the home and collected over time. MORE
Playhouse
The playhouse was enjoyed by generations of Mather children and recently renovated for the education and enjoyment of children.