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Including: Shoehorn with repoussé work on handle, 6 ¾” l. Hand mirror with silver frame, 9 ½’ l. Brush with natural bristles, Sterling handle, 9” l. Nail file, Sterling handle, 6 ⅝” l. < Back Sterling Silver Dresser Set, Four Pieces Second Floor - Guest Room Other Decorative Arts Including: Shoehorn with repoussé work on handle, 6 ¾” l. Hand mirror with silver frame, 9 ½’ l. Brush with natural bristles, Sterling handle, 9” l. Nail file, Sterling handle, 6 ⅝” l. Shoe-horn is marked, Hamilton & Diesinger Sterling; circa 1900. 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. MATHER HOMESTEAD IN THE NEWS! Darien Living - Jan 9, 2026 - Mather Homestead's New Executive Director, Samantha Lane Gault Bedford New Canaan Magazine - July 3, 2024 - Bringing History to Life at the Mather Homestead - July 3, 2024.- Out & About: Mather Homestead Garden Tea Luncheon Darien Magazine - Spring/Summer 2024 - House Tour - The Mather Homestead: Bringing History to Life Now We're Talking Darien Podcast - September 3, 2021 - Jennifer Foster & Heather Raker Darien Times - August 13, 2020 - The Mather Homestead Completes Work on Education Center - May 10, 2017 - The Mather Homestead Becomes Darien Museum The Norwalk Hour - December 1, 2016 - Darien’s historic Stephen Mather homestead now town museum Darien Times - July, 2011 - The History Behind the Mather Homestead in Darien The New York Times - February 21, 1964 - Mather Homestead In Darien Becomes National Landmark

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!

Oil on canvas; 33 ¾” h. x 26 ¾” w. (sight size). < Back American School, Portrait of Michael Floy, Sr. (1775-1854) First Floor - Keeping Room Fine Art Oil on canvas; 33 ¾” h. x 26 ¾” w. (sight size). In three quarter pose, against a dark ground, a dark haired gentleman in white cravat and black waistcoat, with hands folded, sitting in a Sheraton armchair. Framed in gold-painted frame; unsigned; circa 1815-1820. Condition is good in spite of old relining; a conservation report is attached verso, dated, October 23, 1964 from Margaret Watherston, NY, NY Previous Next

< Back Field Trip to the Keeler Tavern Museum, Ridgefield Date TBD If you find the Mather Homestead to be fun and interesting, I bet you'll love the Keeler Tavern Museum! Let's take a visit together! Previous Next

MH flower arranging guru led guests through the creation of unique and beautiful spring centerpieces. < Back Flowers and Fun - April 1, 2021 MH flower arranging guru led guests through the creation of unique and beautiful spring centerpieces. Previous Next

145 mi NE of El Paso, TX < Back Carlsbad Caverns 145 mi NE of El Paso, TX 1930 Established: Size: 46,766 acres Visitors: 440,691 in 2019 Summary Carlsbad Caverns National Park, located in southeastern New Mexico, is a subterranean wonderland renowned for its vast underground chambers, intricate limestone formations, and awe-inspiring caverns. The park's centerpiece, Carlsbad Cavern, features an extensive network of caverns adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and draperies, creating a surreal landscape unlike any other. Visitors can explore the caverns via self-guided or ranger-led tours, marveling at the sheer size and beauty of these underground marvels. Above ground, the park's desert landscape provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, bats, and a diverse array of bird species. Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers a unique blend of geological wonders and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Wildlife Carlsbad Caverns National Park, while renowned for its breathtaking underground wonders, also boasts a diverse array of wildlife thriving in its above-ground desert ecosystem. Visitors to the park may encounter mammals such as mule deer, coyotes, and foxes roaming the rugged terrain, while birdwatchers can spot a variety of avian species, including roadrunners, hawks, and numerous migratory birds. One of the park's most notable inhabitants is its bat population, with several species calling the caverns home. Each evening, from spring to fall, thousands of bats emerge from the caverns in a spectacular display of nature's splendor. Additionally, the park is home to reptiles such as lizards and snakes, as well as insects and other small creatures adapted to the desert environment. Exploring Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers not only a glimpse into its stunning geological formations but also an opportunity to appreciate the resilience and diversity of its wildlife. Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors to Carlsbad Caverns National Park can enjoy exploring the cave, or above ground, hiking, stargazing, or bat watching. Note that timed entry permits are required to enter the cavern, and reservations are strongly recommended. When to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park has a semi-arid climate with hot summers, mild winters, and relatively scant precipitation year-round. The transitional seasons of spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) present pleasantly warm weather and are an ideal time to visit, though the park may be more crowded than in other times of the year. To avoid crowds, consider visiting in the middle of the week rather than the weekend, and plan your visit well in advance. Ties to Stephen Mather Carlsbad Cave National Monument, the park's predecessor, was established in 1923, during Mather's tenure as Director of the National Park Service. It was formally established in May 1930, less than four months after Stephen Mather's death. Carlsbad Caverns National Park has a Stephen Mather plaque, located on a limestone wall next to the Cavern Foot Trail entrance. Fun Fact Carlsbad Cavern's "Big Room" is the largest cavern chamber in North America, standing at 4000 feet long, 625 feet long, and up to 255 feet high. Previous Next

The Mather family dates back to 1635 when Reverend Richard Mather sailed from England on the ship James as part of the “Great Migration." Four generations later, Reverend Moses Mather became the first minister at the Middlesex Parish, now the First Congregational Church of Darien. His son Joseph Mather built the Mather Homestead in 1778 on 100 acres of farmland. Six generations of Mathers lived in the home, most notably Stephen Tyng Mather, the first Director of the National Park Service. THE MATHER FAMILY The Mather family has a long history in the United States, dating back to 1635 when Reverend Richard Mather and his family sailed from England to Boston on the ship James as part of the “Great Migration” escaping religious persecution. Four generations later, Reverend Moses Mather moved to Darien, then part of Stamford, to become the first minister at the Middlesex Parish, now the First Congregational Church of Darien. His son, Deacon Joseph Mather built the Mather Homestead in 1778 on 100 acres of farmland inherited by his mother, Hannah Bell. Six generations of Mathers proceeded to live in the home, most notably Stephen Tyng Mather, the first Director of the National Park Service. His daughter, Bertha Mather McPherson, one of the first female architects in Connecticut, raised her three children in the home and they donated the home and property to the newly created Mather Homestead Foundation in 2017. The Early Puritan Mathers 17th century Rev. Richard Mather and his family left England in 1635 on the Ship James as part of the Great Migration facing religious persecution. MORE Revolutionary Mathers 18th century Reverend Moses Mather was the first Minister of the First Congregational Church of Darien and a fiery Patriot. His son, Deacon Joseph Mather, built the Mather Homestead in 1778 during the Revolutionary War. MORE Stephen Tyng Mather (1867-1930) Stephen Tyng Mather, the great-grandson of Deacon Joseph Mather, summered at the Mather Homestead during his childhood while he grew up in California, and became its sole owner in 1906. He became the first Director of the National Park Service and is considered the father of our modern national park system. MORE Bertha Mather McPherson (1906-1993) Bertha Mather McPherson was the only child of Stephen and Jane Mather. She was one of the first female architects in Connecticut and a founding member of the Darien Historical Society. She lived in the home from 1906 until 1993 when she passed. She filled the home with a collection of period antiques and tended the gardens while raising her three children. MORE Mather Family Tree Mather photos through the years IMG_3717.HEIC The Mather Homestead circa 1879 - when Rana and Phebe Mather (two unmarried daughters of Joseph and Sarah) lived in the Homestead. In photo Rana, Phebe and Elizabeth Mather Lockwood who also lived in the house after she was widowed. Rana Mather (1784 – 1880) Phebe Mather (1798 – 1886) Joseph Wakeman Mather (1820 – 1905) and Bertha Jemima Walker Mather (1844 – 1899) Joseph Wakeman Mather in front of the barn that burned. Joseph Wakeman Mather Joseph Wakeman Mather Stephen Tyng Mather (1867 – 1930) and Joseph Wakeman Mather (1869 – 1888) Jane Thacker Floy Mather (1868 - 1944) Stephen (with cane) and Jane Mather in front of the Homestead circa 1929. Dog Kippy. Stephen Tyng Mather in the parks. Bertha Mather McPherson (1906 - 1993) Stephen and Bertha in the parks Bertha Mather with friends in pony cart circa 1910 Prepared by Docent Donn Smith Children and grandchildren of Rev. Moses Mather (1719-1806) Children and grandchildren of Deacon Joseph Mather (1753-1840) Children and grandchildren of Joseph Mather (1789-1864) Children a grandchildren of Joseph Wakeman Mather (1820-1905) Mather Family Genealogy

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

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

Thank you to this year's Garden Tea Sponsors DOWNLOAD SPONSORSHIP DETAILS HERE DOWNLOAD SPONSOR FORM HERE DOWNLOAD RAFFLE FORM HERE THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

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? Let's learn about the MATher Homestead! Why is this house so special? The Mather Homestead is a REALLY old home right here in Darien, Connecticut, where it borders New Canaan and Norwalk. It was built in 1778, back in the 18th century - that's OVER 200 YEARS AGO! The Mather Homestead today! The Mather Homestead 200 years ago... Spooky! The Mather Homestead today! 1/2 Click the arrows to go back in time! The house has lots of cool stuff inside that people used back then. Can you believe THIS is a toaster??? = Where we are on a map: The green line on the map is Stephen Mather Road, named after our main man himself! Norwalk Darien New Canaan Who is this Stephen Mather guy?? Stephen Tyng Mather was the grandson of Deacon Joseph Mather (who built the house.) He is very important in our country’s history because he created the N ational Parks System we have toda y. A National Park is land that is protected by our government so that is can be preserved and well maintained. You may have visited a national park before! Have you bee n to the Grand Canyon? That's a famous one! There are now 63 national parks but when Stephen Mather became head of the national parks th ere was just 14 . By the time he retired as Director of the National Park Service he had doubled the number! Because he did so much to conserve park s in our co untry, you'll see a plaque like this one in most national parks. The Mather Homestead is so important because Stephen Mather lived in many plac es around the country but always considered this house his true hom e ! Stephen Mather and his wife Jane enjoying time out in front of The Homestead! The Revolutionary war The house was built in the beginning of that Revolutionary War, when the American colonies were fighting to be independent from Britain. The Loyalists were the people who agreed with England, that the American Colonies should stay part of England. But the Patriots believed that America should become its own independent country. Watch this video from Schoolhouse Rock! Would you be a loyalist or a patriot? In the area of the Mather Homestead, more people were Patriots. But across the Long Island Sound in Long Island, more people were Loyalists. So the Loyalists would row across the sound and raid houses along the shore. The Mather Raid! The Loyalists came to the Mather Homestead looking for valuables. But the valuables had been hidden!!! Where would you have hidden valuables? Under the bed? In the ground? The Mather family hid silver and other valuables like clothes in the water well (they were found!) and one other place somewhere in this dining room where they were not found! Check out the dining room and take a guess where the valuables were hidden. Answer below. And can you believe that before the soldiers left, they made Mrs. Mather cook them dinner!! But, good news, they didn't hurt anyone. The Secret Hiding Place ... what did kids do back then? Back in the 1700s, when the homestead was built, 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 w ere lucky, they went to school. They had toys, but definitely no video games! have you seen jumping jacks? the ball and cup? and marbles? Click here to see lots of games that you can try! This game is called "rolling the hoop." It's a race to see who can get their hoop to the finish line first. The Secret Hiding Place ... The silver was hidden in the tall pie ce of wooden furniture which has been in the home since it was built. It is called a "high boy." The silver was hidden with leather straps that attached it to the inside top of the cabinet. You can still see the straps today! Boys and girls were treated really differently. Girls learned to do things like sewing, cooking and serving -- even making candles and soap! And boys were usually learning a "trade," which means a job. And their parents were very strict. You'd better pay attention to the rules or else! They did have treats, but no potato chips or pizza. Some of the treats were candied orange peel and marzipan. Believe it or not they were yummy! Mather Homestead ACTIVITY BOOK and ANSWER