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The Homestead was built in 1778 by Deacon Joseph Mather during the Revolutionary War as a safe house and raided by the Tories in 1781. REVOLUTIONARY WAR TIMES The Mather Homestead was built in 1778, during the Revolutionary War, by Deacon Joseph Mather, a deacon in Middlesex Parish. It was built as a "safe house" in a location thought to be far from incoming British soldiers, who raided towns along the Connecticut shoreline in order to wipe out ammunition reserves of the Continental Army and steal the valuables of the local residents. Not only were residents threatened by the British soldiers, but also by the many Tory spies who sided with the British. While they hoped the home would be safe from Tories, they nonetheless hid valuables in the house and the outdoor water well. Unfortunately, with the help of Tory spies, the British found their way to the home with bayonets in search of valuables. The raiders found nearly 100 pounds of silver and clothing which were hidden in the well. They even forced Sarah Mather to cook for them! However, they did not find the silver flatware that was hidden in the "high-boy" chest dresser that still resides in the dining room of the home. Deacon Joseph Mather was son of the Reverend Dr. Moses Mather, an important figure in Darien's history. Moses Mather, a graduate of the Yale, was hired as the first minister of Middlesex Parish Church, now the First Congregational Church of Darien, in 1744. He held that position for 62 years until 1806 when he passed at the age of 87. At that time, the minister was the preeminent leader in the town. During the Revolutionary War, Moses Mather, a fierce patriot, boldly preached against the British, resulting in the July 22, 1781 raid of the church during service, just three months after the raid on the Homestead. More on the raid below. Reverend Moses Mather also made the case that part of Stamford would become Middlesex Parish, a case championed by Thaddeus Bell, and in 1820 it became an official town on the map. The murals above (top of page) were painted in the Darien Town Hall (originally a school) during the 1930s with funding from the Works Progress Administration. The murals depict the infamous Sunday, July 22, 1781 raid of Middlesex Parish, when the church was surrounded by a party of Tories from Lloyd's Neck, LI, under Captain Frost, just as the congregation were singing the first tune. Dr. Mather and 50 men of the congregation were taken to the banks of the Sound, thrust into boats, and conveyed across to Lloyd's Neck, on Long Island, and then carried to New York and placed in the Provost Jail where some died. Rev. Mather and most of the prisoners were eventually released. In one mural, a woman named Sally Dibble defends a young boy (left above). The two murals convey how relations between the Colonials and the British—and their sympathizers—could become brutish as war waged on. Rev. Mather and 50 members of his congregation were captured during the siege and imprisoned in New York. "."

The Mather Homestead Foundation seeks to enhance its programming for children. Our historic playhouse was enjoyed by generations of Mathers but is now in disrepair. Our goal is to renovate the playhouse to be the cornerstone for future generations of children who will come to learn and play. All donors contributing $250 or more will be recognized at our renovated playhouse! Huge thanks to Rings End and Dan Lamontagne who are providing materials and labor! PLAYHOUSE RENOVATION PROJECT The Mather Homestead Foundation recently completed the historic renovation of the playhouse which was enjoyed by generations of Mathers. The playhouse can now be a place of learning and play for future generations of children. We are still accepting donations! ALL DONORS CONTRIBUTING $250 OR MORE WILL BE RECOGNIZED AT OUR RENOVATED PLAYHOUSE! ** PLEASE NOTE: Any funds raised in excess of playhouse needs will be used to support restoration projects at the Main House. Donate via check: Please send check with memo "playhouse" to: The Mather Homestead Foundation 19 Stephen Mather Road Darien, CT 06820 THANK YOU TO OUR PLAYHOUSE SUPPORTERS! Huge thanks to Rings End and Dan Lamontagne who are providing some of the materials and labor! Leap Frog ($1,000) Baywater Properties Compass Barvida Hopscotch ($500) Alex and Robert Eising Andy and J ohn Hunt ington Ania and Michael Janis Paige and Tyler Kyle Mather Homestead Teen Board Pickup Sticks ($250) Marissa and Luke Andrews Allison and Scott Arneill Ingrid and William Bell Page and Stephen Berger Tasha and Thomas Blair Barclay and Scott Bowen Meredith and Banks Edwards Lauren Frank and Adam Frapart Sarah and Tom G uilbride Sarah and Br ian Hen derson Sally and Pat Houlih an Marissa and Patrick Khayat Allison and Brandon Kiss Stephanie and Cooper Kramer Julie and Matthew Mainelli Jessica and Cliff Merrill Ginger and Howard Morgan Kate and Matt Piselli Heather and Todd Raker Whitney and Alex Ranson Michelle and Rich Riley Lauren and Doug Ryder Heather and Jason Stricker Lauren and Harris Swenson Abby and Erik Ward Tokeneke Girl Scouts Troop Other Donors (under $250) Samantha Small

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

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. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH The Mather Homestead Foundation seeks a new Executive Director to lead the dynamic organization into its next chapter. Message from the Board of Directors It is with tremendous appreciation - and yes some sadness - that we share this message from Executive Director Heather Raker: With heartfelt gratitude, I share that I will be stepping down as Executive Director of the Mather Homestead Foundation this fall. It has been a true privilege to work alongside the Foundation’s dedicated Board to help build a vibrant museum and dynamic educational programs that engage visitors of all ages. This role has been deeply enriching both personally and professionally, and I’m profoundly grateful to all who have supported the Foundation and inspired me along the way. I’ve made this difficult decision to step down as Executive Director in order to spend more time with my family, but I remain passionately committed to the Mather Homestead’s mission and look forward to supporting its continued success in every way I can. Thank you to everyone who has championed our efforts to bring history to life for our community and beyond! Heather has served the Mather Homestead Foundation since 2017, first as a founding Board member, and then as Executive Director in 2020. Her leadership has been marked by her relentless energy, her awesome creativity, and her passion for sharing the Mather story with one and all. Mather is a young organization, and Heather’s impact has helped to put us on the map by creating compelling programming that brought so many to our beautiful campus. Heather produced and executed events that were well loved by visitors of all ages, with especially fun educational content for our young visitors. We will miss her spirit and enthusiasm which was contagious, but we will greatly value her continuing support of the Mather Homestead. Please join us in extending our heartfelt gratitude to Heather for her wonderful contributions to the Mather Homestead. We wish her nothing but continued success and much happiness. This fall we will thank Heather with an appropriate celebration at the Homestead – stay tuned for details! As we prepare to find our next Executive Director, we ask all of you to spread the word to those in your network who may be interested in this unique role. We seek a leader who brings a deep passion for history and education as well as strong executive skills. Please read the full position description here . Sincerely, The Mather Board of Directors Job Description Leadership Anna Denoyer (2017-2018) Founding Director Anna Denoyer established the foundation and opened the newly created museum to visitors for tours of the historic home. A move to Ohio prompted a quick departure! Lauren Swenson (2018-2020) Lauren Swenson grew the museum, most notably leading the building of the new Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center and establishing new trademark events such as the Fall Harvest Festival. Heather Raker (2020-2025) With the addition of the new Education Center, founding board member Heather Raker embraced the role of Executive Director and transitioned the museum from a quiet place of history to a vibrant place of learning and engagement.

The Mather Homestead offers many opportunities for sponsorship. We are appreciative of your support and look forward to promoting your business! Sponsor payment may be made via check payable to "The Mather Homestead Foundation" or by credit card (link right). Please send checks to: The Mather Homestead Foundation, 19 Stephen Mather Road, Darien, CT, 06820 SUPPORT THE MATHER HOMESTEAD BY SPONSORING ONE OF OUR EVENTS! The Mather Homestead Foundation offers many opportunities for sponsorship and appreciates the support of our businesses 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. SPONSOR OPPORTUNITY FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL 2024 Our sixth annual Fall Harvest Festival on October 26th will feature fun for the entire family including hay rides, pony rides, face painting, the red fire truck, crafts, games and this year … a visit from George Washington! Funds raised will support restoration projects at the Mather Homestead. In the past, over 500 people have attended the event over three hours. These include families with young children from Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk and surrounding towns. We are also looking for in-kind donations to our raffle and food for the event, e.g., donuts, cider, apples, and more. In-kind donors will be recognized at check in. Sponsorship offers a great marketing opportunity with the 500+ attendees! We are seeking financial sponsors for our various activities and look forward to recognizing businesses through the following: Lead sponsor $5,000: Branded Logo Banner (3' x 8') on Brookside/Stephen Mather Roads intersection for weeks leading up to event Lawn signs throughout town with brand logo Table and presence at event check-in. Product display. Other benefits below - signage at event, logo on website and event communications, recognition in 'boosted" social media, PR through local magazines and papers, email promotion to 2,000+ list. George Washington/Ponies sponsors $2,500: Prominent table and presence at event with product display. Other benefits below - signage at event, logo on website and event communications, recognition in 'boosted" social media, PR through local magazines and papers, email promotion Storytime/Hayride sponsors $1,000: Presence at event with product display. Signage at the event (e.g., “hay ride sponsored by …”) Logo prominently displayed on website and event communications according to giving level Recognition in “boosted” social media - instagram and facebook Thank you recognition in MH email to 2,000+ list. PR through magazines (e.g., Bedford New Canaan Magazine), local newspapers, Darien patch and others. Face Painting/Crafts in the Barn/Candy Land/Firetruck sponsors $500: Signage at the event (e.g., “face painting sponsored by …”) Logo prominently displayed on website and event communications according to giving level Recognition in “boosted” social media - instagram and facebook Thank you recognition in MH email to 2,000+ list. Note: firetruck sponsor - we will make donation directly to the Noroton Fire Department Pumpkin patch/Apple Bobbing/Colonial Photo "Booth" sponsors $250: Signage at the event (e.g., “pumpkin patch sponsored by …”) Logo prominently displayed on website and event communications according to giving level Recognition in “boosted” social media - instagram and facebook In-kind donations We are also looking for in-kind donations to our raffle and food for the event, e.g., donuts, cider, apples, and more. In-kind donors will be recognized at check in. SPONSOR PAYMENT via CC THANK YOU TO OUR PAST SPONSORS! JUNIOR BOARD SUMMER SOLSTICE 2024 The Junior Board welcomed 140 guests for cocktails on the patio followed by dinner in the field prepared by Ardens. A magical night! GARDEN TEA 2024 The May 30, 2024 Garden Tea welcomed 150 women for tea, lunch and a conversation with Pieter Estersohn, author of Back to the Land , and local book PR guru Nancy Sheed. FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL 2023 Our fifth annual Fall Harvest Festival welcomed families (~500 people) from Darien, New Canaan and surrounding towns to the Homestead for good old fashioned fun including a petting zoo, pumpkin decorating, face painting, crafts, fire truck rides and more! GARDEN TEA 2023 The June 1, 2023 Garden Tea welcomed over 130 women for tea, lunch and a presentation by Calvert Crary of NY/LA Flower School. APRÈS SKI 2023 Our second annual Après Ski event welcomed nearly 150 people for fun and fundraising. PLAYHOUSE RENOVATION PROJECT 2023 Our historic playhouse was enjoyed by generations of Mathers but was sadly in disrepair. Thanks to Dan Lamontagne of Creative Builders, Rings End and many other donors, the playhouse has been restored future generations of children who will come to learn and play. FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL - OCTOBER 22, 2022 We appreciate the financial support of Harbor Point Dental Group at our fourth Fall Harvest Festival. We also appreciate our in kind sponsors including Palmers Market , Stop & Shop , Stew Leonards and Cabana . Over 600 people from Darien, New Canaan, Norwalk and other surrounding towns joined us for hay rides, a petting zoo, crafts, face painting, games, tours of the Homestead, pumpkin decorating, live music and more! To inquire about 2023, please email info@matherhomestead.org or call 203-202-7602. Thank you! STEPHEN MATHER AND THE NATIONAL PARKS EXHIBIT Fall 2022 - Spring 2023 Our first exhibit welcomed hundreds of people to learn more about the life and legacy of Stephen Tyng Mather, the first Director of the National Park Service and owner of the Mather Homestead from 1906 to 1930. BUILDINGS & GROUNDS! Many thanks to the businesses who provide services pro bono in order to maintain the beautiful Mather Homestead buildings & grounds: Bartlett T ree Davis Tree & Logging . SPONSORSHIP PAYMENT - THANK YOU! Sponsor payment may be made via check payable to "The Mather Homestead Foundation" or by credit card (link right). Please send checks to: The Mather Homestead Foundation 19 Stephen Mather Road Darien, CT. 06820 An acknowledgement form will be mailed to Thank you!

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 TEEN BOARD The Mather Homestead, a historic home and museum in Darien, CT, is rich with history and alive with activities and events which promote public education and enjoyment. The Mather Homestead Teen Board offers high school students with an interest in history and the National Parks an opportunity to both contribute to and learn from the Mather Homestead, including its rich collection of original documents and antiques. Applications due Friday, September 19th for participation in 2025-2026 Teen Board. More info Application Pay Program Fee 2024-25 Teen Board Back row L to R: Claire Maruszeski, Caroline DiBiasio, Todd Cannaliato, Bella Fiordalis, Matthew Riley, Katie Ruhe, Alex Kettell, James DiBiasio, Luke Riley, Ava Mohr, Liv Stricker. Front row L to R: Luke Mihopoulos, Finn Wild, Need Sahgal, Lachlan Blair, Sydney Kettell, Jack Lang. Missing: Quincy Kettell, Consolo Bowman, Holden Mohr, Luke Richards Teen Board 2023-24: Katie Barr, Consuelo Bowman, Todd Cannaliato, Caroline DiBiasio, James DiBiasio, Bella Fiordalis, Daley Keogh, Alex Kettell, Sydney Kettell, Quincy Kettell, Claire Maruszewski, Ali Meyer, Ava Mohr, Marney Rand-Sweeney, Luke Richards, Lukę Riley, Matthew Riley, Katie Ruhe, Sofia Schimmeck, Lucas Singh, Lily Stricker, Sarah Williams, Teen Board 2022-23: Katie Barr, Consuelo Bowman, Todd Cannaliato, Sophye Davey, Caroline DiBiasio, Daley Keogh, Sydney Kettell, Claire Maruszewski, Ali Meyer, Marney Rand-Sweeney, Luke Richards, Matthew Riley, Sofia Schimmeck, Lily Stricker, Sarah Williams

Our first exhibit in the Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center explores 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. Stephen Mather's legacy is memorialized on over 70 plaques in parks and other places across the U.S., including the Mather Homestead. STEPHEN MATHER AND THE NATIONAL PARKS 2023 EXHIBIT Our first exhibit in the Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center explores 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. Stephen Mather's legacy is memorialized on over 70 plaques in parks and other places across the U.S., including the Mather Homestead. The plaque 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 exhibit is open by appointment. Please email info@matherhomestead.org The main exhibit is geared towards adults but our "Kids Corner" has learning and fun for kids of all ages. Many thanks to the exhibit sponsors (right)!

Darien High School seniors will treat your kids to learning and fun at the Homestead! June 3 to 6, 12 to 1:45pm. Themes include Colonial Day, Nature Day, Art Day, and Games Day (a.k.a., field day!) LUNCH BUNCH WITH THE INTERNS Darien high school seniors will treat your kids to learning and fun at the Homestead! June 3 to 6, 12 to 1:45 $150 for four days, $35 per day Themes: - Colonial Day - Nature Day - Art Day - Games Day (a.k.a., field day!) Lunch Bunch with the Interns! When Jun 03, 2024, 12:00 PM – 1:45 PM Where The Mather Homestead, 19 Stephen Mather Rd, Darien, CT 06820, USA Details

Our lectures explore a variety of topics and a variety of formats. Some of our lectures are traditional lecture format, while others involve a bit of hands on learning (e.g., honey tasting). All Mather Homestead lectures, past and future, are listed here. LECTURES Our lectures explore a variety of topics and a variety of formats. Some of our lectures are traditional lecture format, while others involve a bit of hands on learning (e.g., honey tasting). We are eager to hear ideas you might have for lectures that would be a good fit with the Mather Homestead. Email us ! UPCOMING EVENTS 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 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 Past Lectures

We welcome the help of volunteers who can help with the following: Tours, Fall & Spring Clean Ups, Gardening, Research, Scholar Lectures, VOLUNTEER! The Foundation is grateful to the many volunteers contribute their time and energy to the Mather Homestead. We welcome the help of volunteers and offer many ways to get involved - join us as a docent, help us preserve and manage our collections, lend us your green thumb, plan events with us ... and more! Thank you to our volunteers! Board Members Other Volunteers Docent/Tour guides – available for public tours. Please contact us at info@matherhomestead.org to join the team!Lead Docent/Archivist Donn Smith has single handedly organized and documented the collection, starting with bringing documents from attic, reading through materials, blogging, organizing into folders/boxes and creating system. Gardener Andy Huntington has restored and maintained the historic gardens. We are always looking for additional help with our gardens! Darien Scouts (groups offering hours to clean or prepare an area that will be used for recreation. – fall clean up, eagle scout projects. We welcome scout help! Darien Garden Club or local nature group offering to help with planting of a garden and/or removal of invasive species.– installed foundation plantings for barn. High School Spring Interns – help with Garden Tea, Lunch Bunch with the Interns, act as docents for fifth grade tours. See application below. National Charity League, Canaan Parish - hands on mother/daughter helpers. Summer Interns – various projects. Other Event Support - contact us to help us with our events! Email info@matherhomestead.org to get involved! HIGH SCHOOL INTERN PROGRAM The Mather Homestead Foundation's intern program is open to students from Darien and New Canaan High Schools. Internship Overview MH Description : The Mather Homestead, a historic home and museum in Darien, CT, is rich with history and alive with activities and events which promote public education and enjoyment. The Mather Homestead Senior Internship Program offers high school students with an interest in history and/or national parks/conservation an opportunity to both contribute to and learn from the Mather Homestead, including its rich collection of original documents and antiques. The mission of the Mather Homestead: to preserve the Mather Homestead as a treasured place for public education and enjoyment, and to raise awareness of the home’s unique history, dating back to the Revolutionary War, and Stephen Tyng Mather’s legacy as an important conservationist and the founder of our modern National Parks System. Intern Qualifications : Must be proactive, responsive, dependable and punctual, enthusiastic about our organization. Other skills. We look forward to benefitting from your other skills as you design and execute a special project. Internship Overview : Interns will learn to be docents/tour guides of the Mather Homestead. Will conduct a tour for family/friends and will help with Darien’s 5th grade tours. Interns will help with various Mather Homestead events including the June Garden Tea. Interns will represent the Mather Homestead in local Memorial Day Parade. Interns will execute one week “lunch bunch” for preschoolers, helping to “bring history to life” for local kids Gardening – get hands dirty in the garden! Field trip – interns will travel to one or more local historic homes. Will formulate recommendations for the Mather Homestead Foundation based on their experience. Project – each intern will formulate their own project, fitting with their skills and interests and the needs of the Mather Homestead Foundation. Timing : Days consistent with Darien/New Canaan internship program (Darien: May 15 to June 9) 9 am to 3 pm Some other hours required but will give time off during the regular day for extra hours worked! THANK YOU TO OUR INTERNS! Summer College Intern Sophye Davey, High School Interns Snahasish Datta and Sarah Frank, Museum Assistant Emma Grayeb (left to right) High School 2024 interns: Elly Patterson (New Canaan), Luna Ersek (Darien), Campbell Bonanno (Darien), Amanda O'Flanagan (Darien), Julianne Bauer (Darien) Darien High School 2023 interns: Sophie Curtis, Avery Johnson, Conan Thibodeau, Cole Deline Darien High School 2022 interns: Alexis Lyons, Matthew Magnotta, Piper Henderson, Margaret Williams

Thank you to our 2024 Annual Fund donors. The Mather Homestead relies on a generous community of donors to fund the ongoing preservation of the Mather Homestead for the purposes of historical education. Thank you to our 2024 Donors! Your gifts provide enable us to preserve and share the rich history of our beloved Homestead. Thank you! Donate

SUMMER SOIRÉE Saturday, May 31, 2025 Photos by Andrea Ceraso Thank you to our Sponsors! SUMMER SOLSTICE Saturday, June 22, 2024 Presented by t he Mather Homestead Junior Board: Alison Arneill l Tasha Blair l Taylor Carlson l Lauren Frank l Caitlin Griswold l Sarah Guilbride Sally Houlihan l Anna Janis l Stephanie Kramer l Paige Kyle l Sarah Henderson l Jessica Merrill Kate Piselli l Lauren Swenson l Stephanie Tucker 2023 Après Ski Thank you for helping us raise $17K for our historic Playhouse! Presented by the Mather Homestead Junior Board: Alison Arneill l Tasha Blair l Taylor Carlson l Lauren Frank l Caitlin Griswold Sarah Guilbride l Sally Houlihan l Anna Janis l Stephanie Kramer l Paige Kyle Sarah Henderson l Jessica M errill l Kate Piselli l Whitney Ranson l Lauren Swenson The historic Mather playhouse was enjoyed by generations of Mathers and is now in disrepair. Our goal is to renovate the playhouse to be the cornerstone for future generations of children to come for learning and play. Heading 4 Before After