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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!

Mather Homestead drawing

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

  • Vinyasa yoga with Mary Ann
    Vinyasa yoga with Mary Ann
    Multiple Dates
    Jul 28, 2025, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
    Refresh 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.
  • Literary Lyrics with Samantha + Music by Parkway Ramblers:  Dylan!
    Literary Lyrics with Samantha + Music by Parkway Ramblers:  Dylan!
    Jul 31, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    We’re spicing up our literary evening with music! We’ll discuss the lyrics of Bob Dylan, considered one of the greatest lyricists of all time, and hear his music played by Parkway Ramblers!! We'll also discuss his beat poet influences - Kerouac, Ginsberg - plus Guthrie!
  • MH Little Historians
    MH Little Historians
    Multiple Dates
    Aug 04, 2025, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    Four days of learning & fun at the Mather Homestead. Reco ages 5 to 10. Day 1: Colonial Living, Day 2: Revolutionary War: Escape the Tories, Day 3: Explore the National Parks, Day 4: Field Day: Old Fashioned Fun & Games
  • Kids & Families: Tory Hole Community Book Discussion
    Kids & Families: Tory Hole Community Book Discussion
    Multiple Dates
    Sep 07, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
    Join MH literary guru Samantha for a fun and interactive discussion of Tory Hole, written by Darien resident Louise Hall Tharp about the Revolutionary Tory raids. Great read for kids and adults alike! Book available at the Darien Library, Mather Homestead, Museum of Darien, DCA, Barrett Bookstore.
  • Adults - Tory Hole Community Book Discussion
    Adults - Tory Hole Community Book Discussion
    Sep 10, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Join MH literary guru Samantha for a fun and interactive discussion of Tory Hole, written by Darien resident Louise Hall Tharp about the Revolutionary Tory raids. Book available at the Darien Library, Mather Homestead, Museum of Darien, DCA, Barrett Bookstore.
  • Lecture featuring two time Pulitzer winner Alan Taylor: Joseph Plumb Martin: The Ordeals of a Continental Army Soldier.
    Lecture featuring two time Pulitzer winner Alan Taylor: Joseph Plumb Martin: The Ordeals of a Continental Army Soldier.
    Sep 18, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    We off our America 250 academic series with acclaimed historian and two-time Pulitzer winning professor Alan Taylor. Join us for a riveting exploration of one young man's Revolutionary War journey—a compelling lens through which to reflect on the sacrifices that shaped our nation’s founding.
  • Night at the Museum...Celebrate America's 250th!
    Night at the Museum...Celebrate America's 250th!
    Multiple Dates
    Oct 10, 2025, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
    Night at the Museum returns for the fourth year with spies, clues and treasures to find! 5 to 6:30 pm, ages 5 to 9; 7:30 to 9 pm ages 10 to 13. Limited to 25 kids per session.
  • Preview of Ken Burns Series:  The American Revolution
    Preview of Ken Burns Series:  The American Revolution
    Oct 14, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    The Mather Homestead will be the first to host a preview of Ken Burns new series "The American Revolution".
  • Fall Harvest Festival - sponsored by BMW of Darien
    Fall Harvest Festival - sponsored by BMW of Darien
    Oct 25, 2025, 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 a visit from George Washington and his horse! Tickets - members: $15 adult/$10 child, non-members: $20 adult/$15 child.
  • Homesteading Workshop: 1776 Needlepoint  Ornament
    Homesteading Workshop: 1776 Needlepoint  Ornament
    Multiple Dates
    Nov 05, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Needlepoint a 1776 flag ornament for your holiday tree. We’ll kick off on Nov 5 with stitching, then return on Nov 19 to finish the ornament. Wine, cheese & sweet treats!
  • Lecture featuring Kostya Kennedy:  Paul Revere and the Ride that Saved America
    Lecture featuring Kostya Kennedy:  Paul Revere and the Ride that Saved America
    Jan 22, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    Join acclaimed author and historian Kostya Kennedy for a talk on his new book about Paul Revere—the famed man of the midnight ride. With Kennedy's signature storytelling and fresh insights, this event will reveal the real Revere: artisan, revolutionary, innovator.
  • Afternoon Tea
    Afternoon Tea
    Jan 23, 2026, 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 talk tbd.
  • American Girl Doll Parent Child Tea: Felicity
    American Girl Doll Parent Child Tea: Felicity
    Jan 24, 2026, 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. Bring your American Girl dolls!
  • Revolutionary War Reenactment
    Revolutionary War Reenactment
    Date and time is TBD
    Join us for a day of Revolutionary fun with the 5th Regiment of Connecticut.
  • Exhibit - Bertha Mather McPherson: Visionary Preservationist
    Exhibit - Bertha Mather McPherson: Visionary Preservationist
    By appointment
    This 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.
  • Exhibit: Stephen Mather and the National Parks
    Exhibit: Stephen Mather and the National Parks
    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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