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7 ⅝” h. x 5 ¾” w. x 3 ⅜” d.; late 18th century. Containing an 18 kt. yellow gold Jules Jürgensen/Copenhagen pocket watch. < Back Watch Hutch with Yellow Gold Jules Jürgensen Pocket Watch Second Floor - Guest Room Other Decorative Arts 7 ⅝” h. x 5 ¾” w. x 3 ⅜” d.; late 18th century. Containing an 18 kt. yellow gold Jules Jürgensen/Copenhagen pocket watch. Cube-form pine box with a tombstone-shaped door and small glazed windows each side; wire hinges on door, carved latch. Watch is stamped: 13453 with patent mark: Patent 1867 January 15, along with maker’s crown/ JJ mark and K/ 18 mark. Condition of watch is very good; working condition is unknown. Previous Next

The history of Mather barns goes back well over 100 years. The most recent iteration, the Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center, was built in 2020. < Back The Barn Listen to Audio Tour for this location: 00:00 / 01:26 The history of Mather barns goes back well over 100 years. The most recent iteration, the Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center, was built in 2020. Image Gallery A photo of the barn today, as the Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center A photograph of the barn built by Joseph Wakeman Mather and William F. Mather, circa 1900 A photo of the barn and garage in 1974 Site Description Joseph Mather and William Mather, his brother, who were both grandson's of Deacon Joseph Mather, constructed a new barn 120 feet west of the house in 1891 to replace the prior structure which dated back to the late 1770s. In 1905 the barn was destroyed by a fire. The pond currently known as ‘Mathers Pond’ had recently been let down in order to repair a dam downstream. Without a supply of water, the barn burned to the ground. A cow was saved, but the fire killed two horses, destroyed the greenhouse as well as a Ford automobile. The first did not damage the other structures on the property. In 1927, Stephen Mather built a new barn which remained on the property until 2020 when it was replaced with the new Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center. The new barn structure houses lectures, school groups, art exhibits and more, supporting the Mather Homestead’s vision of becoming a preeminent center for historical education in Fairfield County. The 1800 square foot structure resembles an 18th century dairy barn on the exterior with an open interior floor plan in order to maximize the opportunity for gatherings of up to 130 people. Please proceed to the Site #8: The Root Cellar. Previous Next

< Back Donor Appreciation Cocktail Party Thurs., Oct. 27, 6:30 pm Donor Appreciation Cocktail Party Previous Next

Part 2 of our National Park Mystery Series led by educator Samantha Gault! < Back Book Club for Kids! Discovery in Great Sand Dunes National Park - May 13, 2023 Part 2 of our National Park Mystery Series led by educator Samantha Gault! Previous Next

< Back Easter Egg Roll and a visit with the Easter Bun Sat., April 16, 10:30 am Our second annual old fashioned Easter egg roll on the Mather Homestead lawn will involve, of course, egg rolling (wooden egg and spoon provided), plus outdoor games, Easter treats and live music! Previous Next

This field is the site of what was once a 100 acre self-sustaining farm managed by the Mather family which provided everything the family needed centuries ago. < Back The Field Listen to Audio Tour for this location: 00:00 / 00:54 This field is the site of what was once a 100 acre self-sustaining farm managed by the Mather family which provided everything the family needed centuries ago. Image Gallery A photo of the field and playhouse today A photo of the field and playhouse in 1974 A photo of Stephen Mather holding a hay rake for putting the hay on a horse-drawn wagon, circa 1910 A photo of Stephen Mather McPherson on a horse pulling a plow, circa 1945 Site Description The field was once part of the 100 acre self-sustaining farm operated by the Mather family during the 18th and 19th centuries. Almost everything the family needed came from the farm including the wood to heat the house, vegetables such as carrots, turnips, wheat, and corn, and farm animals providing milk, eggs and meat. They even grew flax which they turned into fabric to make their own clothes. Later, the property included fruit orchards bearing apples, apricots, peaches and prunes, plus grapes that were used to make their own wine which was called ‘Mather Wine’. Today, the Mather Homestead property comprises seven acres which is surrounded by another 15 acres of the original Homestead property which is managed by the Darien Land Trust. The land is home to many native plants and animals including deer, turkeys, beavers, coyotes, hawks and more. Please proceed to the Site #6: The Playhouse in the Field. Previous Next

< Back Music at Mather featuring Nick Depuy Sat., Feb 12, 4 pm KIDS, 6:30 pm ADULTS, Barn, $10 kids, $35 adult concert Kid's concert (reco ages 5 to 12): First up, Nick will entertain and educate kids about American Folk music. He'll play folk songs from the 40s through the present, think Woodie Guthrie, Pete Segar, and talk about the historical influences behind these songs and how they've inspired the music that followed. Adult/Young Adult concert: Singer/Songwriter Nick Dupuy will perform his original music (he has penned over 60 songs and counting!) and a few cover favorites. Nick calls his music “folksy with a few twists" -- think a combination of James Taylor meets Mumford & Sons. His goal, he said, is to tell a meaningful story through his music. His recent album "Don't Be Sorry" is out on iTunes, amazon and spotify - check it out! Nick Depuy, an American University graduate majoring in music and literary studies, is an evocative and haunting singer-songwriter. Nick boasts a unique sound that is rooted in old time folk, jazz and blues. But his influences do not define him, as he puts his own stamp on the likes of rock, pop, and hip-hop in the songs that he writes and sings. Previous Next

Covid didn't keep St. Nicholas from visiting the Homestead! Children enjoyed a socially distanced visit with Santa and received a stocking filled with old fashioned games. < Back A Visit from St. Nicholas - December 19, 2020 Covid didn't keep St. Nicholas from visiting the Homestead! Children enjoyed a socially distanced visit with Santa and received a stocking filled with old fashioned games. Previous Next

We are excited to announce the winners of our first middle school essay contest. Winners include local students Zoe Younessian (seventh grade), and Pavana Attonito and Juliet Chattaway (tied sixth grade), plus an honorable mention for Benjamin Kelsey (fifth grade). Middle school students from four local middle schools submitted essays which argued the importance of the National Parks. They shared personal stories about their experiences in the National Parks, demonstrated knowledge of the National Parks system which was founded in 1872 and now includes 423 sites across the United States, and paid tribute to Stephen Tyng Mather who was the first Director of the National Park Service. Students argued that parks are important for their role in educating children and adults, with many having participated in park Junior Ranger programs. They recognized the National Parks’ important role in protecting wildlife and natural habitats, combating climate change, and fostering mental health. And finally, the students cited enjoyment of nature and accessibility for all as key reasons why parks are important. Congratulations to all of the participants who demonstrated that our local schools are doing a great job of producing talented young writers! < Back Middle School Essay Contest 2022 - Fall 2023 We are excited to announce the winners of our first middle school essay contest. Winners include local students Zoe Younessian (seventh grade), and Pavana Attonito and Juliet Chattaway (tied sixth grade), plus an honorable mention for Benjamin Kelsey (fifth grade). Middle school students from four local middle schools submitted essays which argued the importance of the National Parks. They shared personal stories about their experiences in the National Parks, demonstrated knowledge of the National Parks system which was founded in 1872 and now includes 423 sites across the United States, and paid tribute to Stephen Tyng Mather who was the first Director of the National Park Service. Students argued that parks are important for their role in educating children and adults, with many having participated in park Junior Ranger programs. They recognized the National Parks’ important role in protecting wildlife and natural habitats, combating climate change, and fostering mental health. And finally, the students cited enjoyment of nature and accessibility for all as key reasons why parks are important. Congratulations to all of the participants who demonstrated that our local schools are doing a great job of producing talented young writers! Previous Next

< Back Trivia Night: American History TBD Are you as smart as a fifth grader? Test out your American history knowledge at our trivia night! Previous Next

We celebrated local artists by hosting the second annual Darien Alumni Art Show! < Back Darien Alumni Art Show 2022 We celebrated local artists by hosting the second annual Darien Alumni Art Show! Previous Next

A Revolutionary Day featuring Sheldon's Horse: the Second Regiment Light Dragoons! Calvary drills, crafts, live music, tours of the Homestead and Revolutionary education and fun! < Back A Revolutionary Day featuring Sheldon's Horse - April 27, 2024 A Revolutionary Day featuring Sheldon's Horse: the Second Regiment Light Dragoons! Calvary drills, crafts, live music, tours of the Homestead and Revolutionary education and fun! Previous Next