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LITERARY EVENTS
BOOK CLUB, POETRY
Our literary series is led by Samantha Gault, a seasoned educator who brings American literature to life! Our lively discussions include "book club" discussions of historical fiction and non-fiction, poetry discussions, and other discussions of literature. And our discussions include events for both adults and kids. Samantha makes learning fun and accessible for all. JOIN US!
And please consider purchasing from our friends at Barrett Bookstore or Elm Street books - buy local!
Do you have a book/topic to recommend? Email us!
About Samantha Gault
A career educator, Samantha taught high school English at Greenwich Academy for eight years and at The Dalton School for five. She currently teaches ninth grade English at New Canaan Country School, where her own children – William, age 9, and Georgia, age 7 – are students. She holds a Bachelor's in English from Dartmouth College and a Master's in English from Middlebury, with a specialty in poetry and American and modern literature. Samantha and her family live in Darien and are pleased to welcome the Mather Homestead Education Center to the neighborhood!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wed, Jan 22Mather Homestead BarnJan 22, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMSamantha will lead us through a discussion of a "brilliant, action-packed reimagining of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."
Thu, Jan 30Mather Homestead BarnJan 30, 2025, 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 featuring beekeeper and honey sommelier Marina Marchese aka “the queen bee” who returns for her second visit to the Homestead.
Wed, Feb 26Mather Homestead barnFeb 26, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMAuthor Brian Shellum will share the fascinating life of Charles Young (1864-1922), born into slavery in Kentucky, who was the third Black graduate of the United States Military Academy, first Black U.S. national park superintendent, first Black military attaché, and first black Colonel in the Army.
Multiple DatesWed, Mar 19The Mather HometeadMar 19, 2025, 2:00 PM – Mar 21, 2025, 3:30 PMKids - Join us for fun + learning at the Mather Homestead on March conference days! Day #1: Escape the Tories! Day #2: Fun at the National Parks! Day #3: Mather Crafts & Games!
Thu, Mar 27Mather Homestead BarnMar 27, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PMAuthors Kevin D. Murphy and Mary Anne Hunting will discuss a topic near and dear to the Mather Homestead's heart -- female architects, as Bertha Mather McPherson attended the Cambridge School of Architecture and became one of Connecticut's first female architects.
Thu, Apr 24MH Elizabeth W. Chilton Education CenterApr 24, 2025, 7:00 PMJoin us for our third annual Night at the Mather Tavern! Tavern Food + Tavern Drink + Tavern History + Tavern Games = Tavern Fun
Thu, May 22Mather Homestead gardens, lawn & barnMay 22, 2025, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PMJoin us for our fifth annual garden tea supporting preservation of the Mather Homestead and property. More details to follow soon.
Tue, Jun 10Mather Homestead BarnJun 10, 2025, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PMArtists and aspiring artists are invited to enjoy the Mather Homestead property from June 7 through June 14. Come to paint, draw, photograph and be inspired!! Join us for lunch on Wednesday, June 10th compliments of the Mather Homestead! Raindate June 11th. Please RSVP!
by appointmentThe Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Cntrby 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
Sat, Dec 21DarienDec 21, 2024, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PMFamily Fun presented by the Junior Board. Crafts, cookie decorating, live music and a visit from St. Nick! Plus festive bevs & sweet treats.- Sat, Dec 21DarienDec 21, 2024, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PMFamily Fun presented by the Junior Board. Crafts, cookie decorating, live music and a visit from St. Nick! Plus festive bevs & sweet treats.
Wed, Dec 18DarienDec 18, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMWe will celebrate the season with a reading and discussion of the classic 1823 poem which may ... or may not have been written by Clement Clarke Moore.
Sun, Dec 15Mather BarnDec 15, 2024, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PMCandlelight, vinyasa style yoga in the Barn with Mary Ann.
Sun, Dec 08The Mather Homestead BarnDec 08, 2024, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PMWith gratitude for our generous donors and members, we invite you for traditional holiday music and cheer featuring the Darien High School Soundwaves a cappella group. Wine & Wassail, hors d'oeuvres & sweet treats!
Fri, Dec 06www.matherhomestead.org/essay-contestDec 06, 2024, 9:00 AMOur 3nd annual essay contest is open to middle schoolers (grades 6 to 8). Essays due Friday, Dec. 6 by 5 pm. Winners will be announced on Friday, Dec. 15th. Click on the "RSVP" link to let us know you intend to submit and to see essay topic and how to submit (scroll down to "About the event")!
Thu, Dec 05MH Elizabeth W. Chilton Education CenterDec 05, 2024, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PMCreate your holiday wreath! We provide all the materials -- plus a holiday cocktail or two for inspiration. Bring clippers please! $95/$85 members
Multiple DatesThu, Nov 21The Elizabeth W. Chilton Education CtrNov 21, 2024, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PMThe Concepts Art Group's show is inspired by the Poetry in the Parks initiative of the National Park Service: “You are Here: Poetry in the Parks.” Artists include Donna Collins, Carol Conze, Cate Leach, Pam Lindberg, Karen Neems, Lisa Thoren, Meg Tweedy. Open at published times or by appointment.
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