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HOMESTEADING WORKSHOPS
Homesteading is a term for a "lifestyle of self-sufficiency" which describes the life of the Mather family back in 1778 when Deacon Joseph and Sarah Mather built the Homestead. Their surrounding 100 acre farm provided everything an 11 person family needed to be self-sufficient. They raised animals, grew vegetables and other crops, cooked, sewed and embroidered their clothing, canned fruits and vegetables, made candles ... and more. Our workshops give participants knowledge and hands-on experience with activities that would have been undertaken by Homesteaders. Join us!
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Multiple DatesFeb 10, 2026, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AMJoin one of our expert tour guides on a walk back in time. Learn about life in the year 1778, the raid by Tories on the Mather Homestead, and the life and legacy of Stephen Tyng Mather, first director of the National Parks System, who summered here in his family home in the early 20th century.
Feb 11, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMArtScapades will look at how artists depicted the events that led up to the Revolution, the battles that raged during the conflict, the creation and signing of a Declaration of Independence, and the early days of a new country. Wine, cheese, sparkling water, and sweet treats will be served.
Feb 19, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMRead Golden Hill with us! Historian Francis Spufford's first and only foray into fiction. The streets of 1746 Manhattan come alive in this vibrant tale. Join us for a warm beverage and book talk.
Feb 26, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PMEric Chandler returns for a lively lunchtime lecture: Slaves, Freemen & Haitians in the American Revolution -Between a Rock and a Hard Place. BYO lunch. We'll provide bevs & dessert.
Mar 05, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PMCornelia Dayton, Professor of History at UConn and author of Women's America: Refocusing the Past, will share previously unexplored court records and what they reveal about marriage and family life during The American Revolution. Wine and cheese at 6:30 followed by a lecture at 7:00p.
Mar 26, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMIn celebration of our country’s 250th birthday, come join our creative mixed media workshop. Jasper Johns’s iconic work will inspire our collage making and painting. All art supplies are included plus wine, cheese & sweet treats for inspiration.
May 02, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PMWe will welcome the 5th Connecticut Regiment for a Revolutionary War Reenactment. Earlier in the day, the Museum of Darien will host the 5th Regiment for Fifth Ct Regiment for colonial cooking and artisan demonstrations.
Jun 13, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PMCelebrate America 250 with Middlesex Parish! Local historic museums and Revolutionary War sites will be open for tours and fun on Connecticut's "Open House" Day.
Date and time is TBDProfessor of History at Columbia, Brown will discuss one of the most consequential editorial decisions in American history: the 168 words Jefferson drafted holding George III accountable for slavery. and the founders' decision to strike them from the Declaration of Independence.
Wednesday/Saturday 9:30aJoin us Wednesdays and Saturday mornings at 9:30a!- Date and time is TBDJoin one of our expert tour guides on a walk back in time. Learn about life in the year 1778, the raid by Tories on the Mather Homestead, and the life and legacy of Stephen Tyng Mather, first director of the National Parks System, who summered here in his family home in the early 20th century.
Date and time is TBDRefresh your mind and energy with this revitalizing practice to uplift and restore your entire system. Enjoy a well-paced flow that will offer you just the right amount of challenge while encouraging strength, resistance, and flexibility while reducing tension in the hips, back and shoulders.
Date and time is TBDJoin MH Literary Guru Samantha Gault as we explore the many portrayals of George Washington's famous crossing of the Delaware on December 25, 1776 -- from art, to poetry and more.
By appointmentThis exhibit will look at Bertha Mather's legacy as preservationist of home, family and community. Opening June 2025 and open by appointment through the summer.
by appointmentLearn 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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