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SPRING SCHOLARS SERIES WOMEN + ARCHITECTURE This spring, we celebrate the impact of women in architecture with a special event series honoring Bertha Mather McPherson (1906–1993), a pioneering preservationist, and her contemporary, Theodate Pope Riddle (1867–1946). Both earned their architecture licenses in 1933, shaping the built environment and paving the way for future generations. Join us for one, two or all! March 27: Lecture by the authors of Women Architects at Work: Making American Modernism (Princeton University Press, 2025 It will be followed by a panel discussion with four local women architects, including Mary Burr, Susan Lockwood, Amanda Martocchio, and Kate Perez. April 5 & May 10: Kids At Mather: Architecture Workshop and embroidery workshop May 14: Tour of the Hillstead Museum and Avon Old Farms School, designed by Theodate Pope Riddle; she and Bertha were among the 4 women registered in CT in 1933. May 15: Book Club Discussion: Dearest of Geniuses: A Life of Theodate Pope Riddle May 14-22 (TBD): Private reception in a Darien home designed by Bertha Mather McPherson June: Launch of the Bertha Mather McPherson Exhibit at Mather Homestead We appreciate the generous support of our sponsors (below). UPCOMING EVENTS Exhibit - Bertha Mather McPherson: Visionary Preservationist By appointment More info RSVP Thank You to Our Sponsors Diana Mikkidou Galik Joellyn and Kevin Gray Kate and Greg Perez Alison and Jamie von Klemperer Annie Roberts and Charles Ziga Become a Sponsor Sponsors will be recognized in the following ways: All sponsors will be listed by support level on the walls of the Bertha Mather room where the exhibit will be viewed for years to come. All sponsors will be recognized with company logo/name prominently displayed at all Women + Architecture events through signage and program. All sponsors will be recognized by level on our website and through dedicated email blasts to ~2,500 subscribers and boosted social media posts. $5,000 Preservationist Spring Scholars Series/Exhibit "presented by xxx" Private reception in a Darien home designed by Bertha Mather McPherson 8 tickets to all 5 Spring Scholars Series events 8 copies of Women Architects at Work: Making American Modernism $2,500 Architect Private reception in a Darien h ome designed by Bertha Mather McPherson 4 tickets to all 5 Spring Scholars Series events 4 copies of Women Architects at Work: Making American Modernism $1,000 Gardener 2 tickets to all 5 Spring Scholars Series events 2 copies of Women Architects at Work: Making American Modernism $500 Historian 1 ticket to all 5 Spring Scholars Series events 1 copy of Women Architects at Work: Making American Modernism

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. Our workshops give participants knowledge and hands-on experience with activities that would have been undertaken by Homesteaders. 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 Tour The Mather Homestead T/W/Th 9a (1) Mar 04, 2026, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Join one of our expert tour guides on a walk back in time. Learn about life in the year 1778, the raid by Tories on the Mather Homestead, and the life and legacy of Stephen Tyng Mather, first director of the National Parks System, who summered here in his family home in the early 20th century. Buy Tickets Lecture featuring Cornelia Dayton - What the Court Records Reveal: Families in Revolutionary Turmoil Mar 05, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Cornelia Dayton, Professor of History at UConn and author of Women's America: Refocusing the Past, will share previously unexplored court records and what they reveal about marriage and family life during The American Revolution. The evening kicks off at 6:30 with wine and sweet and savory treats. Buy Tickets Mixed Media Collage Making with Lisa Thorén Mar 26, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM In 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. Buy Tickets Records Erased - Professor Chris Brown on Antislavery and The Declaration of Independence Apr 23, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Chris 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. Buy Tickets Painting Patriotism, Healing Wounds: The Art of Col. John Trumbull with Walter W. Woodward Apr 28, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM This 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 Details Soldiers and Storytellers LIVE at The Homestead May 02, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Join us for an afternoon of story, song, and soldiers. CT’s first state troubadour will set the stage, the 5th Connecticut Regiment will reenact a Revolutionary War battle, and Sarah Mather will share her personal stories. Colonial treats and Revolutionary books for sale. Fun for the whole family! Details Field Trip to Yale University Art Gallery May 14, 2026, 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM Join us for a spring outing to Yale University Art Gallery, where we will take a guided tour of the Wurtele Gallery, include their Keeping Alive the Remembrance installation, which celebrates America's founding, as well as their John Trumbull artworks. Followed by lunch at Mory's! Buy Tickets Sixth Annual Garden Tea - Tickets on Sale Soon! Jun 04, 2026, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM This year we welcome author Allison Pataki to speak about her new book It Girl, on shelves March 10. Join us for lunch in the garden, plus raffles, prizes, and more as we celebrate America at the turn of the 20th century and the women who broke barriers. Tickets on sale soon! Details Middlesex Parish Open House Day Jun 13, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Celebrate 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. RSVP Vinyasa Yoga with Mary Ann Wednesday/Saturday 9:30a Join us Wednesdays and Saturday mornings at 9:30a! Buy Tickets Request a tour of The Mather Homestead on a day and time of your choosing Date and time is TBD Join one of our expert tour guides on a walk back in time. Learn about life in the year 1778, the raid by Tories on the Mather Homestead, and the life and legacy of Stephen Tyng Mather, first director of the National Parks System, who summered here in his family home in the early 20th century. Buy Tickets Vinyasa yoga with Mary Ann - Purchase a Ten-Pack Ticket Here Date and time is TBD 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. Buy Tickets 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. RSVP 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 RSVP Past Workshops

The Mather Homestead Foundation is overseen by the Board of Directors: Chair: Richard L. Chilton, Jr., Stephen Berger, Diane Boston, Meredith Edwards, Jennifer L. Foster, Carol Glassmeyer, Ania Janis, Ronald LaMorte, Maeve McGovern, Ginger Morgan, Penny Rashin, John Sini, Tammy Sload, Lauren Swenson, Tiffany Van Elslander. Other boards include: Advisory Board, Junior Board, Teen Board. MATHER HOMESTEAD HIGH SCHOOL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES TEEN BOARD The Mather Homestead Teen Board offers high school students with an interest in history an opportunity to both contribute to and learn from the Mather Homestead, including its rich collection of original documents and antiques. MORE MH Teen Board 2022-23 SPRING INTERN PROGRAM High School seniors participating in Darien High School and New Canaan High School's intern programs are invited to apply for our internship. MORE MH Interns 2023

MARGARET HENDERSON PAPERS Margaret Henderson, born 1805 in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, was the great-great Aunt of Edward McPherson, Bertha Mather McPherson's husband. In 1820, Margaret was sent to Lititz, PA, home of the Lititz Seminary, a school founded by Moravians and which later became, and remains, Linden Hall. Margaret’s letters show that this all came without notice: “…you were surprised, when you heard I had gone to Lititz. It was very unexpected to me too. I did not know I was going three days before I left home.” Her letters which reflect great anxiety about leaving home, are a rare first hand account of an early 1800s schoolgirl. MORE in Donn's Blog November 13, 1820 transcription November 20, 1820 transcription November 27, 1820 transcription

Middlesex Parish 250 will host a year-long series of events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The initiative brings together local organizations—the Mather Homestead, the Museum of Darien, Historic Rowayton, the Darien Library, the Rowayton Library, Lockwood Mathews Mansion, the DAR, and the Darien Town Historian—to celebrate America’s founding and the shared Revolutionary War history of Darien and Rowayton, once united as Middlesex Parish. MIDDLESEX PARISH CELEBRATES AMERICA250 Beginning August 2025, Middlesex Parish 250 will host a year-long series of events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The initiative brings together local organizations—including the Mather Homestead, the Museum of Darien, Historic Rowayton, the Darien Library, the Rowayton Library, Lockwood Mathews Mansion, the DAR (Good Wife’s River Chapter), and the Darien Town Historian—to celebrate America’s founding and the shared Revolutionary War history of Darien and Rowayton, once united as Middlesex Parish. Enjoy lectures, reenactments, exhibits, a self-guided tour, and family-friendly activities throughout the year. For details and the full schedule, visit www.middlesexparish250.org and follow us on Instagram @middlesexparish250. Questions? Email: middlesexparish250@gmail.com EVENTS AT THE HOMESTEAD Lecture featuring Cornelia Dayton - What the Court Records Reveal: Families in Revolutionary Turmoil Thu, Mar 05 19 Stephen Mather Rd More info Buy Tickets Mixed Media Collage Making with Lisa Thorén Thu, Mar 26 Mather barn More info Buy Tickets Soldiers and Storytellers LIVE at The Homestead Sat, May 02 The Mather Homestead More info Details Middlesex Parish Open House Day Sat, Jun 13 Middlesex Parish - 12 local sites More info RSVP More Middlesex 250 Events at middlesexparish250.org

England, 1821. A formulaic/pattern work, well executed, featuring figures, animals, and biblical script. < Back English 1821 “Adam and Eve” Sampler, Silk-on-Linen Second Floor - Guest Room Other Decorative Arts England, 1821. A formulaic/pattern work, well executed, featuring figures, animals, and biblical script. Along the upper section enclosed by scrolling vines: Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain but a woman that feareth the lord she shall be praised. In the lower half, surrounded by animals, birds, and figures are Adam and Eve by the apple tree and the snake, and this verse: Adam and Eve. Whilest innocent in paradise were placed but soon the serpent by his while the happy paire disgraced. The maker’s stitched signature is along the bottom section: Eliza Sumner finished this work december the 8 1821 aged 9 years. Condition is good with light discoloration of linen ground. Previous Next

The Mather Homestead Foundation appreciates the generosity of donors who appreciate the home's rich history and its mission of preserving the Homestead for historical education. THANK YOU! Thank you for donating to the Mather Homestead Foundation! Your support will enable us to fund our educational programs, the care and maintenance of our buildings and property and more. You are BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE!

Our literary series is led by Samantha Gault, a seasoned educator who brings American literature to life! Our discussions include "book club" discussions of historical fiction and non-fiction, poetry discussions, and other discussions of literature. These discussions include events for both adults and kids. Samantha makes learning fun and accessible for all. UPCOMING LITERARY EVENTS BOOK CLUB, POETRY & MORE No events at the moment 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. 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.

The annual garden tea raises funds for property beautification projects at the Mather Homestead. Thank you to our attendees, sponsors and raffle donors for your generosity! GARDEN TEA 2025 Thursday, May 22, 2025 The rain didn't keep us from fun and learning at the Garden Tea which shifted inside in 2025. Thank you to Fred Landman of Sleepy Cat Farm for an incredibly interesting and entertaining lecture! And also thank you to our generous supporters who helped us to raise over $30,000 for property beautification projects including Sponsors, Raffle Donors, Patrons and all of our attendees! Pictures below courtesy of Katharine Calderwood. SLEEPY CAT FARM Fred Landman Sleepy Cat Farm is the vision of one man, Fred Landman, who acquired the handsome Georgian Revival house and grounds in 1994. Deeply committed to the concept of harmony between house and garden, he has dedicated himself to the landscape to create “a garden of which the house could be proud.” Collaborating with Greenwich architect Charles Hilton and noted landscape architect Charles J. Stick and drawing inspiration from travels in Europe and Asia, Landman has done just that. The landscape unfolds in a series of garden rooms encompassing pavilions, pathways, and pools, statuary and staircases, trees, shrubs, and flowerbeds. Hillsides and vistas change daily, monthly, almost minute by minute, in this undulating landscape of surprises, intrigue, and unexpected beauty. Guests at the garden tea will hear Fred's incredible story of designing, building a now sharing the lavish Greenwich estate known Sleepy Cat Farm. Thank You to Our Sponsors PRESENTING SPONSOR TULIP SPONSORS LILY SPONSORS DAFFODIL SPONSORS Amy Nidds, Valerie Wilson Travel Ariane de Braux Triay, French Goose Interiors Be Well With Michelle GARDEN TEA 2024 Featuring Pieter Estersohn Thursday, May 30, 2024 Many thanks to all supported the fourth annual garden tea which welcomed ~150 women for education and fun. The event began with beverages in the garden, followed by tea sandwiches and sweet treats on the lawn. Then, guests heard Pieter Estersohn, photographer and author, and Nancy Sheed, author advocate, discuss Pieter's new book Back to the Land: A New Way of Life in the Country , and Nancy Sheed. This important fundraising event raised over 30,000 for property enhancement projects identified in a recent master plan. Thank you Bedford New Canaan Magazine and Andrea Ceraso for the fabulous photos below! GARDEN TEA 2023 Featuring Calvert Crary Thursday, June 1, 2023 Our third annual garden tea raised over $15,000 for beautification and gardening projects. The event featured Calvert Crary, florist, photographer and author of Flower School. Guests enjoyed beverages in the garden, hearty tea boxes by Carolyn's Absolutely Fabulous Events on the lawn, and a presentation in the barn. Many thanks to our sponsors, volunteers and the many people who purchased raffle tickets!! Photos by Katharine Calderwood. GARDEN TEA 2022 Featuring Katie Marron Thursday, May 26, 2022 We raised over $10,000 for beautification and gardening projects at our second annual garden tea featuring Catie Marron, author of Becoming a Gardener: What Reading and Digging Taught Me About Living . Guests enjoyed beverages in the garden, hearty tea boxes by Carolyn's Absolutely Fabulous Events on the lawn, and a lecture in the barn. Photos by Katharine Calderwood. GARDEN TEA 2021 Featuring Victoria Johnson Thursday, June 2, 2021 We welcomed Victoria Johnson, author of American Eden: David Hosack, Botany, and Medicine in t he Garden of Hosack Early Republic , for our first Garden Tea. Photos by Katharine Calderwood.

Our first Plein air art class with Lisa Thoren: Learn the art of landscape painting! A special lesson on how to sketch plein air with Lisa Thoren. Creating outdoors, we will discover techniques to learn perspective, composition and values. Includes wine to help your creative inspiration :-). < Back How to Paint Plein Air with Lisa Thoren - September 24, 2020 Our first Plein air art class with Lisa Thoren: Learn the art of landscape painting! A special lesson on how to sketch plein air with Lisa Thoren. Creating outdoors, we will discover techniques to learn perspective, composition and values. Includes wine to help your creative inspiration :-). Previous Next

South-Central Pennsylvania, 1775-1800. Mahogany, unidentified secondary woods; 38" h. x 20 ⅜" w. x 20" d. < Back Side Chair Second Floor - SE Bedroom Furniture and Hard Furnishings South-Central Pennsylvania, 1775-1800. Mahogany, unidentified secondary woods; 38" h. x 20 ⅜" w. x 20" d. With a pierced and relief-carved splat and crest rail with an oculus at the top and looped strands near the bottom. Splat design is English in origin but copies may be found in examples on chairs labeled by Philadelphia maker, Benjamin Randolph. Unlike many Philadelphia chairs, side rails are not tenoned through the rear stiles. Corner blocks within the seat frame are vertically grained. Straight Marlborough front legs, H-stretchers. (Twentieth century needlework upholstery was not removed to examine the separate slip seat.) “II” is chiseled into the inside of rear rail. Minor repairs to the splat. Previous Next

Northern Europe, 20th century. Walnut, pine, mirrored glass; 31" h. x 13 ¼" w. < Back Looking Glass Second Floor - SE Bedroom Other Decorative Arts Northern Europe, 20th century. Walnut, pine, mirrored glass; 31" h. x 13 ¼" w. Rectangular with a scalloped and pierced walnut-veneered crest rail, gilded appliqués at the center, a repeated motif at the veneered base. Ogee molding and parcel gilt inner edge appear to be 18th century, however the backboards exhibit little or no age, and modern wire nails appear to be the original fasteners. Previous Next