Portrait: Pastel on paper; 18 ½” h. x 13 ¾” w. (sight size). Letter-book: Brown ink on wove paper, 6 ¼” x 8” sheets; 11 sheets, plus three stamped, folded, and postmarked family letters, 3” x 5”. < Back Early American Portrait, Margaret Henderson and Letter-Book Archive First Floor - Parlor Fine Art Portrait: Pastel on paper; 18 ½” h. x 13 ¾” w. (sight size). Letter-book: Brown ink on wove paper, 6 ¼” x 8” sheets; 11 sheets, plus three stamped, folded, and postmarked family letters, 3” x 5”. In half pose profile, a young Margaret Henderson with upswept hair style, in a high-waisted blue gown with double white neck ruffle, against a grey ground. Portrait is well executed and in very good condition. In period gilded molded frame, glazed. Circa 1825-1830. Together with Margaret Henderson’s (b. 1805) Schoolgirl Letter-book, dating over a period of three months in 1820 while she attended the Linden Hall School in Lititz, Pennsylvania. [Founded in 1746, the Linden Hall School is the oldest day and boarding school for girls in the United States.] Linden Hall School confirms from their archives that Margaret Henderson was fifteen years old when she enrolled at the school in 1820. The letter-book, containing a series of weekly letters to Margaret’s parents, and three family letters to her over a three month period, October to December 1820, comprises an important record of life for a teenage schoolgirl in rural Pennsylvania in the early nineteenth century. Excerpts, for example, detail the difficulties of Margaret’s buggy transport traveling from Shippensburg to Lititz, Pennsylvania, a journey of two days and about 80 miles. In another, she writes of her loneliness and longing to hear news from her family. Another letter describes the distressful news received by her friend at the school of the accidental death of a brother. In a letter from Margaret’s mother, she writes of Margaret’s sister giving birth alone with no one to assist other than “the girl” (presumably, a servant), and of the sister’s poor condition and potential impending death as a result of the childbirth. Documents such as these letters, along with a portrait of the writer serve as an important historical record, capturing details of daily life in early nineteenth century America—these are rare artifacts and survivors. Previous Next

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. It includes movement through yoga poses and breathwork to get your morning or week started in a positive and uplifting way. YOGA IN THE MATHER HOMESTEAD BARN Yoga is now Wednesdays! (not Saturdays, as it says below - apologies!) 9:30-10:30a Purchase tickets below. Single Class: $30 Ten-Pack: $250 See you at the barn! Vinyasa Yoga with Mary Ann Wednesday/Saturday 9:30a Join us Wednesdays and Saturday mornings at 9:30a! 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 Yoga at the Mather Homestead with Mary Ann Morning Flow and Breathwork Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9:30 am $30 per class 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. It includes movement through yoga poses and breathwork to get your morning or week started in a positive and uplifting way. BYO mat and water.

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.

American Vistas - from the Hudson River School to the National Parks < Back ArtScapes Robin Hoffman - Jan. 18, 2023 American Vistas - from the Hudson River School to the National Parks Previous Next

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 Fall Harvest Festival, Presented by BMW of Darien Oct 24, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM Fun for the whole family! Join us for pony rides, hay rides, face painting, crafts, treats, live music, lots of pumpkins, and - new this year - ride-on farm equipment. This annual celebration is a beloved tradition and great way to support The Homestead! Kids under one year old free. Buy Tickets Lecture from Former National Park Service Director Chuck Sams and the Official Unveiling of the Stephen Mather Plaque Oct 29, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM “National Park Service: Rising to the Challenge.” How do we protect America’s public lands? Drawing on his experience leading the Park Service and his Native American heritage, Sams brings a rich perspective to the challenges of the past - and those that lie ahead. Lecture begins at 6:15 PM. Buy Tickets Election Day Camp for Young Creators, K-5 Nov 03, 2026, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Spend the day creating art inspired by the original WPA National Parks posters. Children will go home with four gorgeous projects as well as a little knowledge about our National Parks, the WPA, and how The Mather Homestead is part of the National Parks story. For students in grades K-5. Buy Tickets Field Trip to Hamilton Grange National Memorial Nov 12, 2026, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM As part of our celebration of the National Parks, we venture to an NPS site and historic home commemorating one our Nation's original great leaders, Alexander Hamilton. Join us for coffee and pastries at the Mather Barn before we drive to 414 West 141st street. Buy Tickets Holiday Ornament Homesteading Finishing Class Nov 15, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM With Lauren Keena's guidance, come learn how to finish the project you have started so it is ready to gift to a friend or hang on your tree. Extra kits are available for $50 and pick-up at the barn if you missed our October 8th class. Price for November 15 includes finishing kit and refreshments. Buy Tickets Our National Parks: Past, Present, and Future Panel Discussion Nov 19, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Join us for a discussion with Tiernan Sittenfeld, President and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association. Discuss the past, present, and future of park conservation and discover how each of us can help support and strengthen these places for generations to come. Refreshments included. Buy Tickets Holiday Wreath Making at 5:30 PM or 7:30 PM Dec 02, 2026, 5:30 PM Gather your friends and join us for an evening of creativity and holiday cheer! We’ll provide everything you need to craft a magazine-worthy wreath—and table reservations include champagne to toast the season. No experience necessary, but we do appreciate if you bring your own clippers! Buy Tickets Watch The Mather Legacy: An American Story Multiple Dates and Times Upcoming Screenings: October 28, 10a: Darien Men's Association November 16, 6:30p: Darien Public Library January 22, 10a: New Canaan Men's Association Details Book a Tour T-Th 9a to 2p Tours are available Tuesday through Thursday, 9a to 2p or by appointment. Book your tour here or email us at info@matherhomestead.org. Please note: We are unable to offer tours the week of July 6, 2026 through July 10, 2026. Enjoy the Fourth of July Holiday! Happy 250, America! Buy Tickets Vinyasa Yoga with Mary Ann Wednesday/Saturday 9:30a Join us Wednesdays and Saturday mornings at 9:30a! 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 is a historic home in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Built in 1778, the home was raided by Tories during the Revolutionary War and was later the summer home of Stephen Tyng Mather, founder of the National Parks Service. Tours by appointmentment and the Mather Homestead Foundation hosts a wide range of educational programs designed for all ages. Tour the 1778 House and Experience the Revolutionary Era The Mather Homestead is Darien's only Registered National Historic Landmark. It was raided by Tories during the Revolutionary War and later home to Stephen Tyng Mather, an avid conservationist and the first Director of the National Park Service. Stephen Tyng Mather (1867-1930) Director of the National Park Service 1917-1929 Owner of the Homestead 1906-1930 PRESERVE. EDUCATE. INSPIRE. We preserve the 1778 Mather Homestead - a National Historic Landmark set in a timeless New England landscape and home to a bold American family. We educate and inspire through exploration of American history and the National Parks, and celebrate those individuals who embody the enduring values of integrity and stewardship for the common good. VISIT THE HOMESTEAD The Mather Homestead is rich in history and open for public education and enjoyment. We are open for tours Tuesday through Thursday 9 am to 2 pm, Fridays and Saturdays by appointment. Email us at info@matherhomestead.org to inquire about and schedule a tour. UPCOMING EVENTS Fall Harvest Festival, Presented by BMW of Darien Sat, Oct 24 More info RSVP Lecture from Former National Park Service Director Chuck Sams and the Official Unveiling of the Stephen Mather Plaque Thu, Oct 29 More info RSVP Election Day Camp for Young Creators, K-5 Tue, Nov 03 More info RSVP Field Trip to Hamilton Grange National Memorial Thu, Nov 12 More info RSVP Holiday Ornament Homesteading Finishing Class Sun, Nov 15 More info RSVP Our National Parks: Past, Present, and Future Panel Discussion Thu, Nov 19 More info RSVP Holiday Wreath Making at 5:30 PM or 7:30 PM Wed, Dec 02 More info RSVP Watch The Mather Legacy: An American Story Multiple Dates and Times More info Details Book a Tour T-Th 9a to 2p More info RSVP Vinyasa Yoga with Mary Ann Wednesday/Saturday 9:30a More info RSVP BECOME A MEMBER When you become a member of the Mather Homestead you support our mission and help to secure our future. Membership Benefits include: Invitations to member-only events, d iscounts on Mather Homestead events, f ree tours for you, family and friends , m embership to NARM (North American Reciprocal Museum Association), offering free entry to over 1,400 museums*. $150 Family Membership $100 Individual Membership Become a Member THANK YOU! The Mather Homestead Foundation is thankful to the generosity of the Mather-McPherson family, Richard L. Chilton, Jr., the Darien Foundation, and our many other supporters . Give

Mahogany and veneer; circa 1825-1840. American; 28 ¾” h. x 21” w. x 17” d. < Back Empire Three-Drawer Worktable Second Floor - NW Sitting Room Furniture and Hard Furnishings Mahogany and veneer; circa 1825-1840. American; 28 ¾” h. x 21” w. x 17” d. A molded top over three ogee graduated drawers with book-matched veneer, glass knobs; ring-turned and block legs ending in casters. Few small veneer losses, but generally good condition. Previous Next

Four teacups, 3 ½” d. Four saucers, 5 ½” d. Teapot with strawberry finial, twist handle, 5 ¾” h. x 8 ¾” w. Two plates, 9 ¼” d., and 7 ⅝” d. < Back Chinese Export Porcelain Armorial Tea Service of Fifteen (15) Pieces First Floor - Parlor Ceramics and Glass and Objects of Vertu Four teacups, 3 ½” d. Four saucers, 5 ½” d. Teapot with strawberry finial, twist handle, 5 ¾” h. x 8 ¾” w. Two plates, 9 ¼” d., and 7 ⅝” d. A white ground is festooned with blue ribbon enamels and gilt decoration of family crest with monogram, JG, surmounted by a crane. Label verso identifies family as Godey Family. Condition is good overall with two small rim chips on teapot; circa 1800. Previous Next

Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, 1800-1820. Figured walnut and veneer, tulip poplar, resinous white pine 43" h. x 41" w. x 22" d. < Back Slant-Lid Desk Second Floor - SE Bedroom Furniture and Hard Furnishings Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, 1800-1820. Figured walnut and veneer, tulip poplar, resinous white pine 43" h. x 41" w. x 22" d. Desk interior has an oval-inlaid central prospect door flanked by inlaid column drawers and two tiers of small drawers above three pigeonholes at each side. Prospect door encloses two small drawers above a pigeonhole through which three secret drawers may be accessed. Lower case with four graduated and cockbeaded drawers with grain arranged symmetrically, and string inlay; oval brasses are replacements (and at least the third set of brasses). Case stands on flared “French” feet with a shaped skirt across front and sides; diamond banding borders the base. Chamfered case corners inlaid in a fluted design. Condition: A strip of walnut along the bottom of the hinged lid is a repair, attached with three fasteners now covered by wood plugs in the bottom edge. Hinges appear to be replacements; lid is warped. Previous Next

New York or Southwestern Connecticut, 1805-1825 Cherry; tulip poplar; 43 ¼" h. x 45" w. x 20 ⅛" d. < Back Chest of Drawers Attic Furniture and Hard Furnishings New York or Southwestern Connecticut, 1805-1825 Cherry; tulip poplar; 43 ¼" h. x 45" w. x 20 ⅛" d. A rectangular top (originally a lid) over a deep drawer above three cockbeaded and graduated drawers, original stamped oval brasses; case sides extend to form straight bracket feet flanking a deeply serpentine skirt with large ogees and central half-round drop. Condition: missing veneer on the skirt and a section of cockbeading. Finish has broken down and now is crackled; originally would likely have been painted. Previous Next

We introduced our "Music at Mather" series with the classical sounds of the Con Fuoco String Quartet. These accomplished young musicians, Ari Matsushita, Kay McIlhenny, Josh Bustamente and Ami Matsushita, performed an hour long program including: String Quartet in G Major KV 156, Mozart; String Quartet no. 11 in F Major Op. 96 "American," Dvorak; and Eine Kleine Nacht Musik in G Major KV 525, Mozart. < Back Con Fuoco String Quartet - October 4, 2020 We introduced our "Music at Mather" series with the classical sounds of the Con Fuoco String Quartet. These accomplished young musicians, Ari Matsushita, Kay McIlhenny, Josh Bustamente and Ami Matsushita, performed an hour long program including: String Quartet in G Major KV 156, Mozart; String Quartet no. 11 in F Major Op. 96 "American," Dvorak; and Eine Kleine Nacht Musik in G Major KV 525, Mozart. Previous Next

Kitchen Garden < Back Connor Blenke Kitchen Garden Previous Next