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New England, 1810-1825. Maple, white pine; 28 ½" h. x 18" w. x 16" d < Back One-Drawer Stand Second Floor - SE Bedroom Furniture and Hard Furnishings New England, 1810-1825. Maple, white pine; 28 ½" h. x 18" w. x 16" d The nearly square stand has a thin birdseye maple top (replacement) over a drawer-front of highly figured birdseye maple, stamped brass pull; over four square, tapered legs. Previous Next

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

The beautiful Mather Homestead property provides the perfect backdrop for creative inspiration. Whether you are a photographer, painter, sculptor etc., we invite you to create on property. A list of all art events at the Mather Homestead, past and future, can be found here. ART AT MATHER The beautiful Mather Homestead property provides the perfect backdrop for creative inspiration. Whether you are a photographer, painter, sculptor etc., we invite you to create on property. Plein Air Week September 14 through 18. Please RSVP for lunch September 16 Mon, Sep 14 19 Stephen Mather Rd More info RSVP UPCOMING EVENTS Plein Air Weeks We invite all artists and aspiring artists to head over to the Mather Homestead in order to enjoy the grounds and paint, draw, photograph, etc during the first two weeks of June. View artwork from Plein Air Weeks 2020-2025 Plein Air Class Check events schedule for upcoming classes. Learn the art of landscape painting! A special lesson on how to sketch plein air with Lisa Thoren. Creating outdoors, we will discover techniques to learn perspective, composition and values. Includes wine to help your creative inspiration :-). Plein Air Class with Lisa Darien Alumni Art Show The Mather Homestead hosted the Darien Alumni Art Show in June of 2021 and 2022. More about the Darien Alumni Art Show Plein Air Artists at Mather Plein Air Artists at Mather Plein Air Artists at Mather Plein Air Artists at Mather 1/7 Past Art Events

Middlesex Parish 250 will host a year-long series of events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The initiative brings together local organizations—the Mather Homestead, the Museum of Darien, Historic Rowayton, the Darien Library, the Rowayton Library, Lockwood Mathews Mansion, the DAR, and the Darien Town Historian—to celebrate America’s founding and the shared Revolutionary War history of Darien and Rowayton, once united as Middlesex Parish. MIDDLESEX PARISH CELEBRATES AMERICA250 Beginning August 2025, Middlesex Parish 250 will host a year-long series of events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The initiative brings together local organizations—including the Mather Homestead, the Museum of Darien, Historic Rowayton, the Darien Library, the Rowayton Library, Lockwood Mathews Mansion, the DAR (Good Wife’s River Chapter), and the Darien Town Historian—to celebrate America’s founding and the shared Revolutionary War history of Darien and Rowayton, once united as Middlesex Parish. Enjoy lectures, reenactments, exhibits, a self-guided tour, and family-friendly activities throughout the year. For details and the full schedule, visit www.middlesexparish250.org and follow us on Instagram @middlesexparish250. Questions? Email: middlesexparish250@gmail.com EVENTS AT THE HOMESTEAD Middlesex Parish Road Trip and CT Open House Day Sat, Jun 13 The 1778 House at The Mather Homestead More info RSVP More Middlesex 250 Events at middlesexparish250.org

The Mather Homestead Foundation appreciates the generosity of donors who appreciate the home's rich history and its mission of preserving the Homestead for historical education. THANK YOU! Thank you for donating to the Mather Homestead Foundation! Your support will enable us to fund our educational programs, the care and maintenance of our buildings and property and more. You are BRINGING HISTORY TO LIFE!

MARGARET HENDERSON PAPERS Margaret Henderson, born 1805 in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, was the great-great Aunt of Edward McPherson, Bertha Mather McPherson's husband. In 1820, Margaret was sent to Lititz, PA, home of the Lititz Seminary, a school founded by Moravians and which later became, and remains, Linden Hall. Margaret’s letters show that this all came without notice: “…you were surprised, when you heard I had gone to Lititz. It was very unexpected to me too. I did not know I was going three days before I left home.” Her letters which reflect great anxiety about leaving home, are a rare first hand account of an early 1800s schoolgirl. MORE in Donn's Blog November 13, 1820 transcription November 20, 1820 transcription November 27, 1820 transcription

KIDS PROGRAMS Bringing History to Life! UPCOMING EVENTS FOR KIDS No events at the moment KIDS PROGRAMS In addition to kids and family events which happen throughout the year, including Fall Harvest Festival, Night at the Museum, Book Club with Samantha and more, we offer custom programs for group visits. Home School groups, Pre School Field Trips, Play Groups, Scout troops etc. - we will customize to the ages of your group, season, interests, etc. Call us to schedule! "Escape the Tories" The Mather Homestead during Revolutionary Times Kids will learn about the Revolutionary War, a time when Tories came across the Long Island Sound to raid homes in Darien, then Middlesex Parish. Includes: - Tour of the 1778 home - Scavenger Hunt or "Escape the Tories" (depending on age) - Craft our outdoor games "Colonial Living" The Sustainable/Homesteading lifestyle during Colonial Times Kids will learn about how people lived back in Colonial Times when Joseph and Sarah Mather built the Mather Homestead (1778) on 100 acres of farmland. Includes: - Visit to the Mather "keeping room" where Sarah Mather baked bread in the beehive oven for her 11 children. - Interactive presentation with workbook in the barn. - Homesteading stations: candle making, embroidery, butter making. - Dress up in the playhouse and Colonial games. "Become a Junior Ranger" The National Parks & Stephen Mather Kids will learn about the National Parks and Stephen Mather's important role in creating the National Park Service and the system of 63 parks that we enjoy today. They will earn a "Stephen Mather Junior Ranger Badge". Includes: - Interactive presentation about the National Parks with workbook - Fun games - Walk through Mather Meadows - Craft, e.g., leaf painting "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 provid e you with tour materials and you invite your family/friends to tour. "Tea Party!" Kids will drink tea, nibble on scones and other goodies, and learn about etiquette, e.g., what to do with that pinkie finger! After tea, we'll do a craft and, play tea party games and read "How to Behave at a Tea Party". Tea party in the garden, weather permitting, or in the barn. All programs are $30/child, up to 20 children per visit. 1 1/2 hours. Mutually agreeable time. Please contact Cristi Mohr at cristimohr@matherhomestead.org to plan a group visit. Click here to test your knowledge at KIDS CORNER Past Kids Events

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 FOUNDATION STAFF Heather Raker Samantha Gault Kelly Dupont Cristi Mohr Samantha Gault Executive Director samanthagault@matherhomestead.org Cristi Mohr Assistant Director cristimohr@matherhomestead.org Kelly Dupont Events & Operations kdupont@matherhomestead.org Gulay Philip Accounting bookkeeper@matherhomestead.org General questions: info@matherhomestead.org , 203-202-7602

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 It Girl BOOK GROUP - Keep scrolling for garden tea tickets! May 26, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM Come solo or with your book group and join the conversation about Allison Pataki's new novel It Girl. We'll serve up champagne, light bites, and lively discussion that puts us in the spirit for the Garden Tea. RSVP The Mather Homestead's 6th Annual Garden Tea Jun 04, 2026, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM This year, we welcome author Allison Pataki to discuss her newly released novel It Girl, inspired by the life of Evelyn Nesbit. Join us for a garden lunch, raffles, prizes, and more as we celebrate America—and The Homestead—at the turn of the 20th century, and the women who broke barriers. Buy Tickets Middlesex Parish Road Trip and CT Open House Day Jun 13, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Celebrate America 250 with Middlesex Parish. Local historic museums and Revolutionary War sites will be open for tours and fun on Connecticut's "Open House" Day. Middlesex Parish invites you on a Road Trip! (scroll down). And The Mather Homestead will be open for tours from 1:00PM to 3:00 PM. RSVP Celebrate The Summer Solstice with The Mather Homestead Junior Board Jun 13, 2026, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM Enjoy cocktails and canapés amongst the flowers of the sunken garden while the sun is still brightly shining. Then, join us at dusk in the field for an elevated southern dining experience brought to us by Greer Southern Table. Amazing raffle packages! The perfect way to kick off summer. Buy Tickets An Evening of American Protest Music Jul 30, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Join Jon Jensen and Samantha Gault for an evening of music and conversation about the history of protest music in America, from the Revolution to today. Lite bites and wine will be served. And if the weather's kind to us, we'll be outside! Buy Tickets The Daughters of the American Revolution Traveling Exhibit Comes to Mather! Aug 02, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM On Sunday, August 2, join us for an exclusive preview of "The American Revolution Experience," on tour around the country this year and on view at The Mather Barn August 3 through August 8. August 2 wine and cheese reception: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM August 3-8 on view each day from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Buy Tickets Plein Air Week September 14 through 18. Please RSVP for lunch September 16 Sep 14, 2026, 9:00 AM – Sep 18, 2026, 7:00 PM Artists and aspiring artists are invited to enjoy the Mather Homestead property from September 14 through September 18. Come to paint, draw, photograph and be inspired! Lunch will be served on Wednesday, 9/16. Rain date 9/17. Please RSVP. RSVP Book a Tour T-Th 9a to 2p You will be prompted to identify a date and time when you check out below. 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

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 and Saturdays! 9:30-10:30a Please note, there will be NO YOGA SATURDAY, MARCH 28 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 Mather Homestead is bringing history to life through educational programs designed for all ages. Come for an event or tour to learn more about the rich history of the Mather family and their home. HOMESTEAD HAPPENINGS There's lots happening at the Homestead! We are bringing history to life through lectures , literary workshops , kids learning & fun , family events including historic reenactments , art-at-mather , music-at-mather , field trips and more! It Girl BOOK GROUP - Keep scrolling for garden tea tickets! May 26, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM More info RSVP The Mather Homestead's 6th Annual Garden Tea Jun 04, 2026, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM More info RSVP Middlesex Parish Road Trip and CT Open House Day Jun 13, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM More info RSVP Celebrate The Summer Solstice with The Mather Homestead Junior Board Jun 13, 2026, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM More info RSVP An Evening of American Protest Music Jul 30, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM More info RSVP The Daughters of the American Revolution Traveling Exhibit Comes to Mather! Aug 02, 2026, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM More info RSVP Plein Air Week September 14 through 18. Please RSVP for lunch September 16 Sep 14, 2026, 9:00 AM – Sep 18, 2026, 7:00 PM More info RSVP Book a Tour T-Th 9a to 2p More info RSVP Vinyasa Yoga with Mary Ann Wednesday/Saturday 9:30a More info RSVP

Our literary series is led by Samantha Gault, a seasoned educator who brings American literature to life! Our discussions include "book club" discussions of historical fiction and non-fiction, poetry discussions, and other discussions of literature. These discussions include events for both adults and kids. Samantha makes learning fun and accessible for all. UPCOMING LITERARY EVENTS BOOK CLUB, POETRY & MORE It Girl BOOK GROUP - Keep scrolling for garden tea tickets! Tue, May 26 19 Stephen Mather Road More info RSVP Our literary series is led by Samantha Gault, a seasoned educator who brings American literature to life! Our lively discussions include "book club" discussions of historical fiction and non-fiction, poetry discussions, and other discussions of literature. And our discussions include events for both adults and kids. Samantha makes learning fun and accessible for all. JOIN US! And please consider purchasing from our friends at Barrett Bookstore or Elm Street books - buy local! Do you have a book/topic to recommend? Email us! About Samantha Gault A career educator, Samantha taught high school English at Greenwich Academy for eight years and at The Dalton School for five. She currently teaches ninth grade English at New Canaan Country School. She holds a Bachelor's in English from Dartmouth College and a Master's in English from Middlebury, with a specialty in poetry and American and modern literature. Samantha and her family live in Darien.