PRESERVATION
Preservation is job #1 to ensure that generations to come will be able to enjoy this remarkable Registered National Historic Landmark. Preservation projects include restoring buildings as well as transitioning the buildings and collection from "home" to "museum" and taking the necessary measures to protect and preserve as stewards of this collection.
1778 House Restoration
In 2022, the Mather Homestead Foundation commissioned a "Condition Assessment" of the historic house and other buildings on the property. The work was completed by Architectural Preservation Studios with the support of a grant from the Connecticut State Preservation Office. The resulting 152 page document concluded that while the ~250 year old house was well maintained by the Mather-McPherson family, there is still much work to be done to keep in the house in shape for generations to come with projects totaling $400-500,000.
In 2023, the Foundation hired Scholar's Painting and Restoration to begin the first phase of the restoration project, which will be completed in 2024. MORE
Collection
The Mather Homestead Collection consists of antiques, artwork, artifacts and more which were enjoyed by the Mather Homestead for generations. The Foundation recently hired a consultant to conduct a "collections assessment" report. The report includes many recommendations which we will be implementing to preserve our collection for generations to come. COLLECTION
Archives & Donn's Blog
The Mather Homestead Foundation is uncovering and preserving stories of the past. The Collection includes six generations of papers which were carefully stored by Bertha Mather in the 1778 attic. These documents are now sorted and cataloged in our "archiving room" thanks to Docent Donn Smith. He has been pouring through these documents and capturing their stories in his "blog". A favorite is the story of Stephen Mather blowing up an unsightly sawmill with TNT on his daughter, Bertha's birthday! DONN'S BLOG
Playhouse Restoration
The Playhouse which was enjoyed by generations of Mathers was in disrepair and unsuitable for children. The Mather Homestead Foundation completed the renovation of the playhouse in 2023. The playhouse can now be a place of learning and play for future generations of children. Many thanks to the Junior Board for leading this project, to Creative Building (Dan Lamontagne) for contributing your time and resources to complete the project, the many donors who donated, and finally Jenny Gjervold who decorated the playhouse for play! MORE