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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 DatesJul 28, 2025, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AMRefresh 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.
Jul 31, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PMWe’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!
Multiple DatesAug 04, 2025, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PMFour 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
Multiple DatesSep 07, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PMJoin 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.- Sep 10, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMJoin 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.
Sep 18, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMWe 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.
Multiple DatesOct 10, 2025, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PMNight 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.
Oct 14, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PMThe Mather Homestead will be the first to host a preview of Ken Burns new series "The American Revolution".
Oct 25, 2025, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PMJoin 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.
Multiple DatesNov 05, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMNeedlepoint 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!
Jan 22, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMJoin 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.
Jan 23, 2026, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PMJanuary is "hot tea month" and we are celebrating with a traditional tea by Carolyn's Absolutely Fabulous Events plus talk tbd.- Jan 24, 2026, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PMJanuary is "hot tea month" and we are celebrating with a traditional tea by Carolyn's Absolutely Fabulous Events. Bring your American Girl dolls!
Date and time is TBDJoin us for a day of Revolutionary fun with the 5th Regiment of Connecticut.
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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