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CONTACT US Phone: 203-202-7602 Text: 475-755-9649 Email: info@matherhomestead.org

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MATHER HOMESTEAD Stories from the Attic Docent and Archivist Donn Smith has been busy poking around the attic of the Mather Homestead and he's found treasures abound! Check out his blogs which tell the stories of artifacts from six generations of Mathers including a bible from 1743, a girl's dress from the 1860's, Stephen Mather's camera, a love letter written by Stephen Mather to his wife and more! BLOG Educ ational Resources We have many sources for more information about the Mather Homestead and the life and legacy of Stephen Mather. MORE

Learn more about the Mather Homestead through video, podcast, historical papers and more. VIDEO 2020 The Story of the Mather Homestead This video was "premiered" at our 2020 Barnraiser event. It tells the story of the Mather Homestead from 1778 to present. Thank you Pablo Villa, Allie Bernene, Gordon Hastings, the McPherson sisters, Penny Rashin and all who brought this story to life! PLEASE GIVE THE VIDEO A FEW SECONDS TO LOAD! CHECK OUT "NOW WE'RE TALKING DARIEN" PODCAST WITH TAYLOR & LIZ LISTEN: The Story of the Mather Homestead Taylor Carter and Liz Geiger, local Darien residents, are taking Darien by storm by interviewing local figures and business owners. They interviewed Heather Raker, Executive Director of the Mather Homestead Foundation, and Jennifer Foster, founding board member, on September 3, 2021. Jennifer and Heather shared stories about the Mather Family and Homestead, and highlighted the generosity of the individuals and community that brought this incredible asset to life. LISTEN DOCUMENTS FROM THE ARCHIVES The Mather house is filled with two and a half centuries of antiques, artifacts and papers. We are working on organizing and digesting all of the fascinating documents. A few below ... Letter from the "Old Homestead", 1877 Letter from Rev. C. G. Selleck, grandson of Joseph and Sarah Mather, 1878 Anne McPherson paper on the Homestead 1956 National Register of Historic Places - Nomination Form prepared by Bertha Mather McPherson Library of Congress - Historic American Buildings Survey - prepared July, 1967 Margaret Henderson letters Check out Donn's Blog for more information on what's been found "in the attic"! THE STORY OF THE MATHER HOMESTEAD As told by Gordon Hastings Docent Gordon Hastings has blogging since 2011 about books and subjects that he enjoys. Lucky for us that the Mather Homestead is a subject he enjoys! It begins like this .... Now that you are all sitting comfortably, I want to ask you to leave the 21st Century and go back with me 240 years and picture yourself here with Deacon Joseph Mather, son of Reverend Moses Mather, his wife Sarah and eight of their 11 children still living at home. One child is an infant, another just two years old. It is 15 degrees outside with a 25 mile per northeast wind blowing snow through tiny cracks in these walls and around the windows. Candles flicker, as there is no electricity. A fire glows in the hearth and in the pot above the hot coals is a rich stew which Sara prepared this morning and will be ready for an early dinner after Joseph and the oldest boys return from the barn following milking their four cows and making them safe for the night. continue The Story of the Mather Homestead as told by Gordon Hastings Check out more of Gordon's blogs at gordonsgoodreads.com . FROM THE PULPIT On April 22, 2018, Pastor Gary Morello gave a sermon on the the history of The First Congregational Church of Darien and its connection with the Mather Homestead, the home of Deacon Joseph Mather, the son of Reverend Moses Mather. He honored the Mather's determination to stand up against the British and for what they believed was right. Read an excerpt from his sermon BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Mather Homestead This information was compiled for the Bicentennial of the Mather Homestead in 1978. The Mather Homestead was erected in 1778 by Deacon Joeseph Mather on land inherited from his mother, Hannah Bell, a descendant of Francis Bell, one of the early settlers of Stamford. This house, properly modeled after the usual style of New England architecture of the second half of the 18th Century, was built in the extreme corner of the township now known as Darien, the land lying partly in that township, partly in Norwalk and partly in New Canaan. It was hoped that a house erected thus far from Old King's Highway and the Sound would not be bothered by raiders during the Revolutionary War. Deacon Joseph and his wife Sarah Scott, with their oldest child, Hannah, took possession of their new dwelling in early July 1778. At this time, the Deacon's father, the Rev. D. Moses Mather, sixty years pastor of the Congregational Church of Darien, was present, and when a fire first was wanted, he took his solar glass from his pocket, ignited the tobacco in his box and from that kindled the fire, remarking, "The first fire in the new house came from Heaven." This house, being on the outskirts of the settlement, was considered a safe repository by the neighbors for their silver and valuables. These were hidden down the well and also suspended by straps under the top of the highboy, still standing in the homestead. But the house was discovered and one evening a band of Tories came, plundered the house, and compelled Mrs. Mather, at the point of a bayonet, to prepare them supper at the huge fireplace. They then ordered the Deacon to accompany them to Long Island Sound to prevent his giving alarm in the community until they were a safe distance away. The Deacon fought as a soldier in the Revolution on a number of occasions, following the custom of the period in returning to his farm between campaigns. He first entered service in 1775, was engaged in the siege and capture of St. John's in Canada and went on to Montreal. In 1776 he was a member of the militia guarding the coast along Stamford. He enlisted as a sergeant in the Coast Guard again in 1779 and in 1780 he was appointed an Ensign in the Connecticut Militia. As the family increased and, in the process of time, the children married and had many little children of their own. The annual Thanksgiving celebration around the table of the Grandparents was a gathering of great happiness for all ages. "Dinner being served, always sumptuous and ample, first to the grown people and then to the numerous children, the table was removed and the afternoon was given up to chat and hilarity. No wine and no smoking, but all satisfied and serious, the elder members sat by the fire in the west room and talked of the crops and the profits realized, the genealogy of the families, of marriages, births, and deaths, and of experiences of the Revolution, so recently passed." In the West room also, where the same clock that now stands there indicated that it was bedtime, the family gathered for evening worship around the hearth. All stood up and turned toward their chairs and the grand-sire lead in prayer to give thanks for the blessing of another day just passed and to commit the household to the safekeeping of God for another night. Here in this house the Deacon and his wife resided for the remainder of their long lives, he dying in 1840 and she in 1843. Here all of their eleven children, with the exception of the oldest, were born and here some of their descendants still live. Their little daughter Clara, who died in infancy in 1786, was the first to be buried across the field in what is now the Mather Cemetery. Upon his death, the Deacon left the house, valued at $500 in the inventory of his estate, to his widow for the remainder of her life and then to his two maiden daughters, Rana and Pheobe. They continued to live here all their lives, beloved by their brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews who were always welcome at the Homestead and were frequent visitors. A widowed sister, Betsy Lockwood, with her daughter Ann Elizabeth also lived with them for many years. At Aunt Rana's death in 1880, aged 96, it was written of her "Her life has run on parallel with the existence of this nation which at her birth was in its infancy. She has been a member of the Congregational Church for 72 years. As a Christian, she was quiet, consistent, and devoted, always hopeful and cheerful and ever pleased to see all friends and neighbors who called." Ann Elizabeth Lockwood, daughter of Aunt Betsy, was bequeathed the house in 1886 at the death of Aunt Pheobe. Shortly thereafter, in 1887, she sold the house and twelve acres for $1,000 to her first cousin Joseph Wakeman Mather. He made various improvements on the place, erecting a new barn 120 feet west of the house, in 1891, which was constructed by his brother William F. Mather. Joseph W. Mather occupied the Homestead in the summers and during the winters lived at the St. George Hotel in Brooklyn so that he did not experience the discomforts of a house without central heating which must have been difficult for the "old aunties" in their declining years. The new barn burned in 1905 and the exertions and excitement caused by this event were supposed to have hastened the death of the 85-year-old owner who died shortly after. In his will, he left the house to his sole surviving child, Stephen Tyng Mather of Chicago, and to his niece, Bertha Mather, daughter of his brother Henry. She had been his constant companion and he had been devoted to her. The house and twenty-two acres were valued at this time at $1,300. Stephen bought his cousin's interest in the place and began to make changes almost immediately, building a new barn further from the house, a cottage for a gardener, lying a sunken garden, and changing the front porch of the house to one that extended across the front. Stephen Mather, with his wife and baby daughter, first occupied the house in 1930. In spite of his absorbing interest in the National Parks and his busy life on their behalf for the last 15 years of his life, his affection for the Homestead was always keen. He made two other series of alterations on the house, one in 1915 and the last one, leaving the house in the present condition in 1927. In spite of much change, many features remain as they originally were or have been returned to their original condition. Bertha Mather McPherson inherited the Homestead upon the death of her father in 1930. She and her husband, Edward R. McPherson, Jr., made it their year-round home for 70 years. Their three children, Anne McPherson Tracy, Stephen Mather McPherson, and Jane McPherson Nickerson grew up here, generously gifted the homestead to the Foundation to open for the publics enjoyment. Their children and grandchildren are the seventh and eighth generation to visit the Homestead, built by their great-great-great-great-great grandfather in 1778. BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION DARIEN In 2021, Darien celebrated its 200th anniversary ... one year late due to COVID. The events included a reenactment of the raid on the Congregational church of Darien as well as a reenactment at the Mather Homestead. RAID ON THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Raid of Mather Homestead CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT In 2023, The Mather Homestead Foundation hired Heritage Landscapes to conduct a Cultural Landscape Report of the property. T he report will provide a better understanding of the property, its history and usage, and inform a Master Plan for the future. LANDSCAPE HISTORY CHAPTER

The Mather Homestead Foundation relies on contributions from community members who are dedicated to the preservation of the Mather Homestead and its important and unique place in Darien's history. Donations support the following: Ongoing maintenance of the Mather Homestead and property, Educational programs, Public tours, and Oversight of the Mather Homestead. HELP US BRING HISTORY TO LIFE! The Mather Homestead Foundation relies on its generous supporters to fund the ongoing operations of the Homestead as well as special projects related to preservation and beautification. We also rely on our volunteers who generously offer their time - get involved! The Mather Homestead Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All gifts to the Mather Homestead are considered tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Annual Fund The Mather Homestead relies on annual contributions from our Mather friends who recognize the importance of the Mather Homestead in our local and national history and are dedicated to the preservation of the 1778 home and surrounding seven acres as a place for historical education. SUPPORT Membership When you become a member of the Homestead your support our mission and help us secure our future. Members enjoy discounted/free tickets to events and free private tours. SUPPORT 1778 Restoration Project In 2022, the Mather Homestead Foundation completed a "Condition Assessment" of the historic house and other buildings on the property. 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 the house in shape with projects totaling $400 - $500K. SUPPORT Beautification The Mather Homestead property was originally 100 acres of farmland. The property now consists of seven acres, surrounded by Land Trust property which was also part of the Mather farm. In 2023, The Mather Homestead Foundation hired Heritage Landscapes to conduct a Cultural Landscape Report of the property. The report will provide a better understanding of the property, its history and usage, and inform a Master Plan for the future. The Mather-McPherson family has seeded a fund which will enable us to execute our Master Plan. Please consider a gift to help us plant and beautify the property! Our goal is to create a park like setting to be enjoyed by the community. SUPPORT Sponsor The Mather Homestead Foundation offers many opportunities for sponsorship and appreciates the support of our business sponsors who have contributed with financial and in kind donations. Donors are recognized in various ways - through our events, social media and publicity, and signage at the Homestead. SUPPORT Planned Giving We appreciate individuals who will consider the Mather Homestead in their giving plans through bequest, life insurance beneficiary or trust. Help us to secure the future of the Mather Homestead for another 250 years! SUPPORT Volunteer We welcome the help of volunteers and offer many wants to get involved - join us as a docent, lend us your green thumb, help us plan events ... and more! Thank you to our volunteers! VOLUNTEER T hank you to the McPherson Family The Mather Homestead Foundation thanks the McPherson family (descendants of the Mather Family) for their generous contribution of the Mather Homestead and its six acres of property in 2017, plus an additional acre of property in 2021, for the benefit of the Darien community. The family has maintained and preserved the Mather Homestead for over two and a half centuries. Now, future generations will enjoy the homestead and be educated about its important place in Darien's rich history. Thank you to the Chilton Family The Mather Homestead Foundation thanks the Chilton family whose generous contributions have made possible the creation of the Mather Homestead Foundation in 2017, the building of the Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center in 2020, the seeding of the new endowment in 2021 which will ensure the long time sustainability of the Mather Homestead, and the creation of the Stephen Tyng Mather exhibit in 2022. Thank you to The Darien Foundation The Darien Foundation proudly supports The Stephen Mather Foundation. "Whether a harvest festival for families or a scholarly lecture over tea in the garden, Mather caters to a range of ages and local constituencies, preserving the past and making history relevant to the future." - Sarah Woodberry, Executive Director, The Darien Foundation Thank you to our grantors We are grateful to CT Humanities, the 1772 Foundation & Preservation CT, Baywater Properties and the First County Bank Foundation for their generous support of the Mather Homestead. T hank you to our Lead Sponsors The Mather Homestead Foundation appreciates the support of Rings End, in kind donor to the 1778 House Restoration Project and BMW of Darien, lead sponsor of the Fall Harvest Festival. Many other sponsors have contributed to various events and projects and we are very grateful. Thank you to our Donors! The Mather Homestead Foundation appreciates the support of the 600 donors who have supported us since inception in 2017. We hope you will help us continue to "bring history to life!" 2024 supporters below.

In 2023, The Mather Homestead Foundation hired Heritage Landscapes to conduct a Cultural Landscape Report of the property. The report provides a better understanding of the property, its history and usage, and informs a Master Plan for the future which will provide for a better visitor experience and enable the property to better tell the stories of the six generations of Mathers. More to come soon as we unveil the exciting plan! MATHER HOMESTEAD PROPERTY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT Artwork by Elizabeth Agresta. MATHER HOMESTEAD 2024 MASTER PLANNING PROJECT In 2023, The Mather Homestead Foundation hired Heritage Landscapes to conduct a Cultural Landscape Report of the property. The report provides a better understanding of the property, its history and usage, and informs a Master Plan for the future which will provide for a better visitor experience and enable the property to better tell the stories of the six generations of Mathers. More to come soon as we unveil the exciting plan! At the end of 2021, the McPherson family (Mather descendants) gifted an additional five acres of land, ensuring the preservation of the beautiful meadow bordering the North side of the Homestead property. This land is now owned and cared for by the Mather Homestead Foundation (1.1 acres) and the Darien Land Trust (3.8 acres). This generous contribution further enhances the beautiful "four corners" of Darien, which already included the 10-acre "Mather Meadows" on the Southern corners, acquired but the Land Trust in 2003, and the Mather Homestead six-acre property on the Northwest corner, donated by the McPherson family to the Mather Homestead Foundation in 2017. In total, these four corners now include 21 acres of property to be preserved in perpetuity. The Mather-McPherson family has seeded a fund which will enable us to execute our Master Plan. Please consider a gift to help us plant and beautify the property! Our goal is to create a park like setting to be enjoyed by the community. Donate to Property Enhancement Project Donate via Check In 2021, we removed several mature trees, including the huge holly trees ( 1 1/2 times the height of the house!) which obscured the North side of the Mather Homestead and "Big Ben," a dangerously large evergreen on the which threatened the East side of the house. We then replanted these gardens. In addition, we added plants behind the barn to obscure the electric box, propane tank and AC units. We selected non-invasive plants, many of which are already represented in the Mather Homestead gardens as planted by Bertha Mather. Thank you to the donors who helped us to bring this project to life! MATHER HOMESTEAD 2021 BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT Thank you to our donors! Amy and John Cholnoky Meredith and Banks Edwards Bet sy and Bill Jones Brandi and Anthony Maniscalco Jane and Bill Nickerson Heather and Todd Raker Michelle and Rich Riley Tiffany and Brian Van Elslander Cathy and Bill Wappler then now Thank you Bartlett Tree Experts for caring for our trees!

We welcome the help of volunteers who can help with the following: Tours, Fall & Spring Clean Ups, Gardening, Research, Scholar Lectures, THE MATHER HOMESTEAD FOUNDATION The Mather Homestead is overseen by the Mather Homestead Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization which was created in 2016 to operate the Mather Homestead as a museum dedicated to historical education. The Mather Homestead, Darien's only Registered National Historic Landmark, is a historic home and property on the four corners of Brookside and Stephen Mather Roads. The home was built in 1778 by Deacon Joseph Mather, raided by Tories during the Revolutionary War, and later the home of Stephen Tyng Mather, an avid conservationist and the first Director of the National Park Service. The Homestead is now open for tours and a wide variety of events intended to bring history to life! More about the Mather Homestead More about the Mather Family Learn More - Donn's Blog,

The Mather Homestead was built in 1778 by Deacon Joseph Mather and passed through six generations of the Mather family before becoming a museum in 2017. THE MATHER HOMESTEAD The Mather Homestead, Darien's historic home on the four corners of Brookside and Stephen Mather Roads, was built in 1778 by Deacon Joseph Mather, son of Moses Mather, the first minister of the First Congregational Church of Darien and a fiery patriot who preached the Revolutionary War cause, on 100 acres of farmland. The house was famously raided by Tories during in 1781and was later the home of Stephen Tyng Mather, an avid conservationist and the first Director of the National Park Service. The home became a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. In 2017, the Mather Homestead was deemed a "Protected Town Landmark" by the town of Darien and donated by the McPherson siblings to a newly created foundation to be operated as a museum dedicated to community education. 1778 Home The historic home was built in 1778 by Deacon Joseph Mather, son of Reverend Moses Mather. It was famously raided by Tories during the Revolutionary War. The home was expanded by Stephen Mather in 1928. MORE Property and Gardens The Mather property originally consisted of 100 acres of farmland. In 1909, Stephen Mather added a sunken garden and many other features to the property, designed by Walter Burleigh Griffin who went on to design Canberra, Australia's new capital city. MORE Mather Barns Many barns have been erected on the Mather property. The current "barn," the Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center, was built in 2020. MORE Collection The Mather Homestead is filled with a collection of period antiques both original to the home and collected over time. MORE Playhouse The playhouse was enjoyed by generations of Mather children and recently renovated for the education and enjoyment of children.

A CHRISTMAS STORY This story, published in 1884 and discovered on the bookshelves of the Mather Homestead, was written by Massachusetts author Mrs. Sophia P. Snow, and published in this book of Christmas stories by Henry Floy, Stephen Tyng Mather's brother-in-law. It tells the delightful story of two young children on Christmas Eve who had lost their mother and whose father had lost Christmas in his heart. We hope that this story brings you a smile this Christmas season! Annie and Willie's Prayer by Mrs. Sophia P. Snow ‘Twas the night before Christmas: "Good-night," had been said, And Annie and Willie had crept into bed. There were tears on their pillows, and tears in their eyes, And each little bosom was heaving with sighs; For to-night their stern fathers's command had been given That they should retire precisely at seven-- Instead of at eight-- for they trouble him more With questions unheard of than ever before. He had told them he thought this delusion a sin, No such creature as "Santa Claus" ever had been; And he hoped, after this, he should never more hear How he scrambled down chimneys with presents each year. And this was the reason that two little heads So restlessly toss'd on their soft, downy beds. Eight, nine, and the clock on the step toll'd ten; Not a word had been spoken by either, till then; When Willie’s sad face from the blanket did peep, And whispered, "Dear Annie, is 'ou fast aseep?" "Why no, Brother Willie," a sweet voice replies, "I've long tried in vain, but I can't shut my eyes; For somehow it makes me so sorry because Dear papa has said there is no 'Santa Claus.' Now we know there is, and it can't be denied, For he came every year before mamma died; But, then, I've been thinking that she used to pray, And God would hear everything mamma would say, And maybe she ask'd him to send Santa Claus here With the sack full of presents he brought every year." "Well, why tan't we pay, dust as mama did den, And ask Dod to send him with pesents aden? "I've been thinking so too," -- and with out a word more Four little bare feet bounded out on the floor, And four little knees the soft carpet press'd, And two tiny hands were clasp'd close to each breast. "Now Willie, you know we must firmly believe That the presents we ask for we're sure to receive; You must wait very still till I say the 'Amen,' And by that you will know that your turn has come then." 'Dear Jesus, look down on my brother and me, And grant us the favor we're asking of thee. I want a wax dolly, a tea-set, and ring, And an ebony work-box that shuts with a spring: Bless papa, dear Jesus, and cause him to see That Santa Claus loves us as much as does he: Don't let him get fretful and angry again At dear brother Willie and Annie. Amen." "Pease, Desus, 'et Santa Taus tum down to-night, And bing us some pesents before it is 'ight; I want he sood div' me a nice 'ittle sed, Wid bight shinin 'unners, and all painted 'ed; A box full of tandy, a book, and a toy, Amen. And den, Desus, I'll be a dood boy." THEIR REST Their prayers being ended, they rais'd up their heads, And, with hearts light and cheerful, again sought their beds. They were soon lost in slumber, both peaceful and deep, And with fairies in dream-land were roaming in sleep. Eight, nine, and the little French clock had struck ten, Ere the father had thought of his children again: He seems now to hear Annie's half suppress'd sighs, And to see the big tears stand in Willie's blue eyes. "I was harsh with my darlings," he mentally said, "And should not have sent them so early to bed; But then I was troubled; my feelings found vent?; For bank-stock to-day has gone down ten per cent. But of course they've forgotten their troubles ere this, And that I denied them the thrice-ask’d-for kiss: But, just to make sure, I'll steal up to their door-- To my darlings I never spoke harshly before." So saying, he softly ascended the stairs, And arrived at the door to hear both of their prayers; His Annie's "Bless papa" drew forth the big tears, And Willie's grave promise fell sweet on his ears. "Strange-- Strange -- I'd forgotten," said he, with a sigh, "How I long'd when a child to have Christmas draw nigh." I'll atone for my harshness," he inwardly said, "By answering their prayers ere I sleep in my bed." Then he turn'd to the stairs and softly went down, Threw off velvet slippers and silk dressing-gown, Donn'd hat, coat, and boots, and was out in the street-- A millionaire facing the cold, driving sleet! Not stopp'd he until he had brought every thing, From the box full of candy to the tiny gold ring; Indeed, he kept adding so much to his store, That the various presents outnumber'd a score. Then homeward he turn'd, when his holiday load, With Aunt Mary's help, in the nursery was stow'd. Miss Dolly was seated beneath a pine tree, By the side of a table spread out for her tea; A work-box, well fill'd, in the center was laid, And on it the ring for which Annie had pray'd; A soldier in uniform stood by a sled "With bright shining runners, and all painted red." There were balls, dogs, and horses; books pleasing to see; And birds of all colors were perch'd in the tree; While Santa Claus, laughing, stood up in the top, As if getting ready more presents to drop. Now as the fond father the picture survey'd, He thought for his trouble he'd amply been paid; And he said to himself, as he brush'd off a tear, "I'm happier to-night than I've been for a year; I've enjoy'd more true pleasure than ever before; What care I if bank-stock falls ten percent. more! Hereafter I'll make it a rule, I believe, To have Santa Claus visit us each Christmas Eve." So thinking, he gently extinguish'd the light, And, tripping down stairs, retired for the night. THE MORNING As soon as the beams of the bright morning sun Put the darkness to flight, and the stars by one, Four little blue eyes out of sleep open'd wide, And at the same moment the presents espied; Then out of their beds they sprang with a bound, And the very gifts pray'd for were all of them found. They laugh'd and they cried, in their innocent glee, And shouted for papa to come quick, and see What presents old Santa Claus brought in the night, (Just the things that they wanted!) and left before light. "And now," added Annie, in voice soft and low, "You'll believe there's a Santa Claus, papa, I know;" While dear little Willie climb'd up on his knee, Determin'd no secret between them should be. And told, in soft whispers, how Annie had said That their dear blessed mamma, so long ago dead, Used to kneel down and pray, by the side of her chair, And that God up in heaven had answer'd her prayer. "Den we dot up and pay'd dust well as we took, And Dod answer'd our payers; now wasn't he dood?" "I should say that he was, if he sent you all these, And knew just what presents my children would please. (Well, well, let him think so, the dear little elf; 'Twould be cruel to tell him I did it myself.") ____ Blind father! who caus'd your stern heart to relent, And the hasty words spoken so soon to repent? 'Twas the Being who bade you steal softly up stairs, And made you his agent to answer their prayers. Sophia P. Snow

Learn more about the Mather Homestead through video, podcast, historical papers and more. VIDEO 2020 The Story of the Mather Homestead This video was "premiered" at our 2020 Barnraiser event. It tells the story of the Mather Homestead from 1778 to present. Thank you Pablo Villa, Allie Bernene, Gordon Hastings, the McPherson sisters, Penny Rashin and all who brought this story to life! PLEASE GIVE THE VIDEO A FEW SECONDS TO LOAD! CHECK OUT "NOW WE'RE TALKING DARIEN" PODCAST WITH TAYLOR & LIZ LISTEN: The Story of the Mather Homestead Taylor Carter and Liz Geiger, local Darien residents, are taking Darien by storm by interviewing local figures and business owners. They interviewed Heather Raker, Executive Director of the Mather Homestead Foundation, and Jennifer Foster, founding board member, on September 3, 2021. Jennifer and Heather shared stories about the Mather Family and Homestead, and highlighted the generosity of the individuals and community that brought this incredible asset to life. LISTEN DOCUMENTS FROM THE ARCHIVES The Mather house is filled with two and a half centuries of antiques, artifacts and papers. We are working on organizing and digesting all of the fascinating documents. A few below ... Letter from the "Old Homestead", 1877 Letter from Rev. C. G. Selleck, grandson of Joseph and Sarah Mather, 1878 Anne McPherson paper on the Homestead 1956 National Register of Historic Places - Nomination Form prepared by Bertha Mather McPherson Library of Congress - Historic American Buildings Survey - prepared July, 1967 Margaret Henderson letters Check out Donn's Blog for more information on what's been found "in the attic"! THE STORY OF THE MATHER HOMESTEAD As told by Gordon Hastings Docent Gordon Hastings has blogging since 2011 about books and subjects that he enjoys. Lucky for us that the Mather Homestead is a subject he enjoys! It begins like this .... Now that you are all sitting comfortably, I want to ask you to leave the 21st Century and go back with me 240 years and picture yourself here with Deacon Joseph Mather, son of Reverend Moses Mather, his wife Sarah and eight of their 11 children still living at home. One child is an infant, another just two years old. It is 15 degrees outside with a 25 mile per northeast wind blowing snow through tiny cracks in these walls and around the windows. Candles flicker, as there is no electricity. A fire glows in the hearth and in the pot above the hot coals is a rich stew which Sara prepared this morning and will be ready for an early dinner after Joseph and the oldest boys return from the barn following milking their four cows and making them safe for the night. continue The Story of the Mather Homestead as told by Gordon Hastings Check out more of Gordon's blogs at gordonsgoodreads.com . FROM THE PULPIT On April 22, 2018, Pastor Gary Morello gave a sermon on the the history of The First Congregational Church of Darien and its connection with the Mather Homestead, the home of Deacon Joseph Mather, the son of Reverend Moses Mather. He honored the Mather's determination to stand up against the British and for what they believed was right. Read an excerpt from his sermon BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION Mather Homestead This information was compiled for the Bicentennial of the Mather Homestead in 1978. The Mather Homestead was erected in 1778 by Deacon Joeseph Mather on land inherited from his mother, Hannah Bell, a descendant of Francis Bell, one of the early settlers of Stamford. This house, properly modeled after the usual style of New England architecture of the second half of the 18th Century, was built in the extreme corner of the township now known as Darien, the land lying partly in that township, partly in Norwalk and partly in New Canaan. It was hoped that a house erected thus far from Old King's Highway and the Sound would not be bothered by raiders during the Revolutionary War. Deacon Joseph and his wife Sarah Scott, with their oldest child, Hannah, took possession of their new dwelling in early July 1778. At this time, the Deacon's father, the Rev. D. Moses Mather, sixty years pastor of the Congregational Church of Darien, was present, and when a fire first was wanted, he took his solar glass from his pocket, ignited the tobacco in his box and from that kindled the fire, remarking, "The first fire in the new house came from Heaven." This house, being on the outskirts of the settlement, was considered a safe repository by the neighbors for their silver and valuables. These were hidden down the well and also suspended by straps under the top of the highboy, still standing in the homestead. But the house was discovered and one evening a band of Tories came, plundered the house, and compelled Mrs. Mather, at the point of a bayonet, to prepare them supper at the huge fireplace. They then ordered the Deacon to accompany them to Long Island Sound to prevent his giving alarm in the community until they were a safe distance away. The Deacon fought as a soldier in the Revolution on a number of occasions, following the custom of the period in returning to his farm between campaigns. He first entered service in 1775, was engaged in the siege and capture of St. John's in Canada and went on to Montreal. In 1776 he was a member of the militia guarding the coast along Stamford. He enlisted as a sergeant in the Coast Guard again in 1779 and in 1780 he was appointed an Ensign in the Connecticut Militia. As the family increased and, in the process of time, the children married and had many little children of their own. The annual Thanksgiving celebration around the table of the Grandparents was a gathering of great happiness for all ages. "Dinner being served, always sumptuous and ample, first to the grown people and then to the numerous children, the table was removed and the afternoon was given up to chat and hilarity. No wine and no smoking, but all satisfied and serious, the elder members sat by the fire in the west room and talked of the crops and the profits realized, the genealogy of the families, of marriages, births, and deaths, and of experiences of the Revolution, so recently passed." In the West room also, where the same clock that now stands there indicated that it was bedtime, the family gathered for evening worship around the hearth. All stood up and turned toward their chairs and the grand-sire lead in prayer to give thanks for the blessing of another day just passed and to commit the household to the safekeeping of God for another night. Here in this house the Deacon and his wife resided for the remainder of their long lives, he dying in 1840 and she in 1843. Here all of their eleven children, with the exception of the oldest, were born and here some of their descendants still live. Their little daughter Clara, who died in infancy in 1786, was the first to be buried across the field in what is now the Mather Cemetery. Upon his death, the Deacon left the house, valued at $500 in the inventory of his estate, to his widow for the remainder of her life and then to his two maiden daughters, Rana and Pheobe. They continued to live here all their lives, beloved by their brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews who were always welcome at the Homestead and were frequent visitors. A widowed sister, Betsy Lockwood, with her daughter Ann Elizabeth also lived with them for many years. At Aunt Rana's death in 1880, aged 96, it was written of her "Her life has run on parallel with the existence of this nation which at her birth was in its infancy. She has been a member of the Congregational Church for 72 years. As a Christian, she was quiet, consistent, and devoted, always hopeful and cheerful and ever pleased to see all friends and neighbors who called." Ann Elizabeth Lockwood, daughter of Aunt Betsy, was bequeathed the house in 1886 at the death of Aunt Pheobe. Shortly thereafter, in 1887, she sold the house and twelve acres for $1,000 to her first cousin Joseph Wakeman Mather. He made various improvements on the place, erecting a new barn 120 feet west of the house, in 1891, which was constructed by his brother William F. Mather. Joseph W. Mather occupied the Homestead in the summers and during the winters lived at the St. George Hotel in Brooklyn so that he did not experience the discomforts of a house without central heating which must have been difficult for the "old aunties" in their declining years. The new barn burned in 1905 and the exertions and excitement caused by this event were supposed to have hastened the death of the 85-year-old owner who died shortly after. In his will, he left the house to his sole surviving child, Stephen Tyng Mather of Chicago, and to his niece, Bertha Mather, daughter of his brother Henry. She had been his constant companion and he had been devoted to her. The house and twenty-two acres were valued at this time at $1,300. Stephen bought his cousin's interest in the place and began to make changes almost immediately, building a new barn further from the house, a cottage for a gardener, lying a sunken garden, and changing the front porch of the house to one that extended across the front. Stephen Mather, with his wife and baby daughter, first occupied the house in 1930. In spite of his absorbing interest in the National Parks and his busy life on their behalf for the last 15 years of his life, his affection for the Homestead was always keen. He made two other series of alterations on the house, one in 1915 and the last one, leaving the house in the present condition in 1927. In spite of much change, many features remain as they originally were or have been returned to their original condition. Bertha Mather McPherson inherited the Homestead upon the death of her father in 1930. She and her husband, Edward R. McPherson, Jr., made it their year-round home for 70 years. Their three children, Anne McPherson Tracy, Stephen Mather McPherson, and Jane McPherson Nickerson grew up here, generously gifted the homestead to the Foundation to open for the publics enjoyment. Their children and grandchildren are the seventh and eighth generation to visit the Homestead, built by their great-great-great-great-great grandfather in 1778. BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION DARIEN In 2021, Darien celebrated its 200th anniversary ... one year late due to COVID. The events included a reenactment of the raid on the Congregational church of Darien as well as a reenactment at the Mather Homestead. RAID ON THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Raid of Mather Homestead CULTURAL LANDSCAPE REPORT In 2023, The Mather Homestead Foundation hired Heritage Landscapes to conduct a Cultural Landscape Report of the property. T he report will provide a better understanding of the property, its history and usage, and inform a Master Plan for the future. LANDSCAPE HISTORY CHAPTER

Back in the 18th century, some things were the same (three meals a day, sleeping and playing), but some things were VERY different! The family operated a farm and everyone had to help. They got up really early in the morning to do chores - like milking the cows and collecting the eggs. If kids were lucky, they went to school. They had toys, but definitely no video games - have you seen jumping jacks? the ball and cup? and marbles? KIDS AT MATHER The Mather Homestead Foundation is dedicated to bringing history to life for kids of all ages through various programs. Click on "more" for more info. Tours Tours of the house are customized for kids to be interactive and fun. Learn about Revolutionary War History and Stephen Mather, the first Director of the National Park Service. We are happy to follow up the tour with a scavenger hunt which will lead kids around the property in search of silver! By appointment. Become a Junior Docent! We invite kids to learn an abbreviated tour of the house and then to lead others through the house! We will provide you with tour materials and you invite your family/friends to tour. Events for kids We have many events geared towards educating kids while having fun. Events include kids book club, Night at the Museum, Fall Harvest Festival and more. MORE Visit the Homestead for a customized program We offer programs for kids which can be scheduled at any time. Great for homeschool groups, play groups, scouts, etc. MORE Teen Board The Mather Homestead teen board, now in its second year, offers high schoolers (grades 9 to 12) an opportunity to both contribute to and learn from this treasured National Historic Landmark. MORE Essay Contest The Teen Board will chose an essay topic each fall with November deadline for submissions. Open to middle schoolers. MORE UPCOMING EVENTS FOR KIDS No events at the moment

We invite you and friends to join us for a tour and tea at the Mather Homestead! Groups are invited to visit the Homestead from 10 to 11:30 am on a weekday. Tea (or coffee), scones, and muffins followed by a tour of the homestead. By appointment. TOUR AND TEA We invite you and friends to join us for a tour and tea at the Mather Homestead! Groups are invited to visit the Homestead from 10 to 11:30 am on a weekday. Tea (or coffee if you prefer), scones and muffins followed by a tour of the homestead. By appointment. $20 per person. Please email us to arrange a date.

Stephen Mather, an avid conservationist and the first Director of the National Park Service, is the "father of the modern national park system." STEPHEN TYNG MATHER AND THE NATIONAL PARKS Numerous National Parks have a plaque dedicated to Stephen Mather. The inscription reads: "He laid the foundation of the National Park Service, defining and establishing the policies under which its areas shall be developed and conserved unimpaired for future generations. There will never come an end to the good that he has done." The National Park System traces its roots all the way back to 1864, when President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Valley Grant Act, thereby protecting the Northern California landscape as California's first state park and one of the first such parks in the country. Eight years later in 1872, Yellowstone became the first National Park (Yosemite became a National Park in 1890). By 1915, there were nine parks in the system, but with little oversight and accessibility for the public. That's where Stephen Mather came in, determined to expand the system and make it accessible for the people. He lobbied for the creation of a National Park Service and became its first director in 1917. Under his direction, the US more than doubled the land in the park system and made the parks accessible to the people. Many consider Mather to be the "father of our modern national park system." Today, the National Park Service manages 431 individual units covering more than 85 million acres in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and US territories. These include 63 National Parks such as Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Acadia etc., plus other natural, historical, and recreational properties with various title designations. The NPS employs 20,000 people and has more than 279,000 volunteers. The agency is charged with preserving the ecological and historical integrity of the places entrusted to its management and with making them available for public use and enjoyment. The Yosemite Valley Grant Act 1864 In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Yosemite Valley Grant Act, creating California's first state park and one of the first such parks in the country, “upon the express conditions that the premises shall be held for public use, resort, and recreation.” Yosemite National Park was designated a National Park by an Act of Congress on October 1, 1890, making it the third national park in the United States, after Yellowstone (1872) and Sequoia (1890). The Early National Park System est. 1872 The Yellowstone National Park Act, signed by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872, established Yellowstone as the world's first true national park. It preserved two million acres of land in Montana and Wyoming to be "dedicated and set apart as a public park or pleasuring-ground for the benefit and enjoyment of the people." It placed the park under the control of the Secretary of the Interior and gave the Secretary responsibility for preserving all timber, mineral deposits, geologic wonders, and other resources within the park. Antiquities Act 1906 The Antiquities Act, signed by President Theodore Roosevelt on June 8, 1906, grew out of a movement to protect the prehistoric cliff dwellings, pueblo ruins and early missions in the Southwest. It authorized Presidents to proclaim and reserve "historic landmarks, historic and prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest" on lands owned or controlled by the United States as "national monuments." Devil's Tower (Wyoming) was the first National Monument to be created in 1906. By the end of 1906, Roosevelt had proclaimed three additional National Monuments: El Morro (New Mexico), Montezuma Castle (Arizona), and Petrified Forest (Arizona). The National Park Service est. 1916 The Organic Act, signed by Woodrow Wilson on August 25, 1916, created the National Park Service. This new agency's mission: "to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations." Stephen Tyng Mather 1867-1930 The charismatic and energetic Stephen Mather lobbied for the creation of the National Park service and served as its new director. A self-made millionaire with a passion for nature and its conservation, Mather retired early from the Borax business where he coined the slogan "20 Mule Team Borax" and dedicated his life to preserving and protecting America's scenic landscapes. He is responsible for saving some of the best known national wonders such as Grand Canyon, Zion, Acadia, Shenandoah and more. He believed that the parks should be accessible to all Americans and worked to ensure access by building roads, lodging, and then publicizing the parks. "He laid the foundation of the National Park Service, defining and establishing the policies under which its areas shall be developed and conserved, unimpaired for future generations." Inscription on bronze plaques in National Parks MORE ABOUT STEPHEN MATHER Other important National Parks contributors: Roosevelt & Muir John Muir (1838-1914) Scottish-born American naturalist, writer, and advocate of U.S. forest conservation, Muir was known as "John of the Mountains," Muir's advocacy helped create several national parks, including Sequoia (1890), Mount Rainier (1899) and Grand Canyon (1908). He wrote “only Uncle Sam” could save our country's land for future generations to enjoy. He and other conservationists founded the Sierra Club in 1892. Stephen Mather said that meeting John Muir on a hike in Sequoia National Park in 1912 was one of the highlights of his life. Teddy Roosevelt (1858-1919) Theodore Roosevelt, often called "the conservation president," doubled the number of sites within the National Park system. As President from 1901 to 1909, he signed legislation establishing five new national parks: Crater Lake, Oregon; Wind Cave, South Dakota; Sullys Hill, North Dakota (later re-designated a game preserve); Mesa Verde, Colorado; and Platt, Oklahoma (now part of Chickasaw National Recreation Area). However another Roosevelt enactment had a broader effect: the Antiquities Act of June 8, 1906. The Antiquities Act enabled President Roosevelt and succeeding Presidents to proclaim historic landmarks, historic or prehistoric structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest in federal ownership as national monuments. Roosevelt is pictured right with naturalist and writer John Muir, The National Park System Today Today, the National Park Service oversees 433 park units, more than 150 related areas, and programs that assist in conserving the nation's natural and cultural heritage for the benefit of current and future generations. The 433 park units include the 63 National Parks plus: 11 National Battlefields, 4 National Battlefield Parks, 1 National Battlefield Sites, 9 National Military Parks, 64 National Historic Parks (e.g., Weir Farm National Historic Park in CT), 75 National Historic Sites, 1 International Historic Site, 3 National Lakeshores, 31 National Memorials, 87 National Monuments, 4 National Parkways, 19 National Preserves, 2 National Reserves, 18 National Recreational Areas, 4 National Rivers, 10 National Wild and Scenic Rivers, 6 National Scenic Trails, 10 National Seashores, and 11 other designations. More at NPS .gov . Exhibit at the Mather Homestead: Stephen Mather & the National Parks In 2022, the Mather Homestead Foundation opened its first exhibit to explore the life and legacy of Stephen Tyng Mather. The images below were presented in the Elizabeth W. Chilton Center ("the barn") as 8 foot high panels along with many items from the Mather Homestead collection related to Stephen Tyng Mather including Stephen Mather's photo collections, his camera and more. The National Parks: America's Best Idea Dayton Duncan On September 11, 2022, the Mather Homestead welcomed Dayton Duncan for a lecture The National Parks: America's Best Idea. More about Dayton Duncan View lecture Passcode: v*v8mQJp Read transcript