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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 Dates
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.
Apr 09, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM"These are the times that try men's souls..." So begins "The American Crisis." Paine's essays stirred the hearts and minds of early Americans. What do they have to teach us 250 years later? Come find out! No advance reading required. We might take a look at some of his poetry too!
Apr 23, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PMChris Brown, Professor of History at Columbia University and author of Moral Capital: Foundations of British Abolitionism, will discuss the consequential decision to remove any reference to slavery from the Declaration of Independence. Wine and cheese at 6:30 followed by a lecture at 7:00p.
Apr 28, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PMThis richly illustrated talk discusses the lifelong struggle of John Trumbull to earn respect for his art by painting what he told Thomas Jefferson were some of the “noblest series of actions which have ever presented themselves in the history of man.” It’s a Connecticut family story about a talente
May 02, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PMSoldiers and Storytellers LIVE! Be there as the 5th CT Regiment confronts the 38th Regiment of Foot and Sarah Mather defends the Homestead against British raiders. Alongside CT's first state Troubadour, she'll serve up Revolutionary War stories and treats. Fun and FREE for the whole family!
May 14, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PMJoin us for a spring outing to Yale's Beinecke Library followed by the Yale University Art Gallery. Take guided tours of the Beinecke's "Unfurling the Flag" exhibit and the Wurtele Gallery's "Keeping Alive the Remembrance" installation, celebrating America's founding. Followed by lunch at Mory's!
Jun 04, 2026, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PMThis year, we welcome author Allison Pataki to discuss her newly released novel It Girl, inspired by the life of Evelyn Nesbit. Join us for a garden lunch, raffles, prizes, and more as we celebrate America—and The Homestead—at the turn of the 20th century, and the women who broke barriers.
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.
Sep 14, 2026, 9:00 AM – Sep 18, 2026, 7:00 PMArtists and aspiring artists are invited to enjoy the Mather Homestead property from September 14 through September 18. Come to paint, draw, photograph and be inspired! Lunch will be served on Wednesday, 9/16. Rain date 9/17. Please RSVP.
Wednesday/Saturday 9:30aJoin us Wednesdays and Saturday mornings at 9:30a!
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.
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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