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Preservation is job #1 to ensure that generations to come will be able to enjoy this remarkable Registered National Historic Landmark. Preservation projects include restoring buildings as well as transitioning the buildings and collection from "home" to "museum" and taking the necessary measures to protect and preserve as stewards of this collection. PRESERVATION Preservation is job #1 to ensure that generations to come will be able to enjoy this remarkable Registered National Historic Landmark. Preservation projects include restoring buildings as well as transitioning the buildings and collection from "home" to "museum" and taking the necessary measures to protect and preserve as stewards of this collection. 1778 House Restoration In 2022, the Mather Homestead Foundation commissioned a "Condition Assessment" of the historic house and other buildings on the property. The work was completed by Architectural Preservation Studios with the support of a grant from the Connecticut State Preservation Office. The resulting 152 page document concluded that while the ~250 year old house was well maintained by the Mather-McPherson family, there is still much work to be done to keep in the house in shape for generations to come with projects totaling $400-500,000. In 2023, the Foundation hired Scholar's Painting and Restoration to begin the first phase of the restoration project, which will be completed in 2024. MORE Collection The Mather Homestead Collection consists of antiques, artwork, artifacts and more which were enjoyed by the Mather Homestead for generations. The Foundation recently hired a consultant to conduct a "collections assessment" report. The report includes many recommendations which we will be implementing to preserve our collection for generations to come. COLLECTION Archives & Donn's Blog The Mather Homestead Foundation is uncovering and preserving stories of the past. The Collection includes six generations of papers which were carefully stored by Bertha Mather in the 1778 attic. These documents are now sorted and cataloged in our "archiving room" thanks to Docent Donn Smith. He has been pouring through these documents and capturing their stories in his "blog". A favorite is the story of Stephen Mather blowing up an unsightly sawmill with TNT on his daughter, Bertha's birthday! DONN'S BLOG Playhouse Restoration The Playhouse which was enjoyed by generations of Mathers was in disrepair and unsuitable for children. The Mather Homestead Foundation completed the renovation of the playhouse in 2023. The playhouse can now be a place of learning and play for future generations of children. Many thanks to the Junior Board for leading this project, to Creative Building (Dan Lamontagne) for contributing your time and resources to complete the project, the many donors who donated, and finally Jenny Gjervold who decorated the playhouse for play! MORE

The Mather Homestead was built in 1778 and has been impeccably preserved over three centuries. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. THE 1778 HOMESTEAD The Mather Homestead was built by Deacon Joseph Mather, a deacon in Middlesex Parish, in 1778 during the Revolutionary War, on land inherited by his mother, Hannah Bell. Deacon Joseph Mather lived in the house with his wife, Sarah. They raised eleven children in the Homestead. The family owned over 100 acres which is what it took to support a family of this size at that time. Their sustenance came from the family farm, from the wood to heat the house, to the fields that provided vegetables, flax and wheat and farm animals providing milk, eggs and meat. The earliest photo of the homestead, circa 1800s Stephen and Jane Mather Deacon Joseph passed the house to his wife, Sarah, in 1840. She died three years later and passed the house to Rana (1784-1880) and Phebe (1798-1886), their two daughters who never married. At Rana's death the house was passed to Ann Elizabeth Lockwood who sold it one year later to her first cousin, Joseph Wakeman Mather for $1,000. He built a barn on the property but lived most of the time in Brooklyn before moving to San Francisco to develop his business and raise his family. His son, Stephen Tyng Mather , inherited the house including 22 acres which stretched over the Norwalk town line in 1906. Stephen Mather used the home during vacations while he spent time out West, making his mark on our country by founding and as first Director of the National Park Service. The house again passed to Stephen Mather's only daughter, Bertha Floy Mather McPherson, who inherited the house in 1930 when he died. She was one of the first female architects in Connecticut and a charter member of the Darien Historical Society. She designed the house across the street (Brookside Road) for a relative. Bertha McPherson raised her three children, Stephen, Jane and Anne, in the home. They continue to reside close to Darien. The home is considered one of the finest examples of 18th century architecture, a wood frame structure with two stories plus a basement and attic. The home's chimney, originally providing warmth and a means to cook food, is at the center of the home. The original structure included a kitchen with the largest of the fireplaces, plus a dining room and parlor, both with fireplaces. Over time, a modern kitchen was added. The upstairs included two rooms in the front and a large unfinished space in the rear which was converted into bedrooms and a bathroom during the 19th century. Stephen Mather made changes to the house after he inherited it in 1906; he gave the house a more Colonial Revival appearance. In 1927, based on designs by architect Thomas Harlan Ellett, he added a porch on the side and a two story addition to the rear, and added the portico over the main entrance. The interior of the main block retained its original character through these changes, but the old kitchen space was converted into a living room. He also added a sunken garden, a caretaker's cottage (replaced later by a guest house) and a carriage barn. Today, the property consists of seven acres with the original residence, a detached garage, a guest house and a barn. The original furnishings, family heirlooms, masonry, woodwork and more have been preserved. The home became a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. In 2017, the Mather Homestead deemed a "Protected Town Landmark" and donated by the McPherson family to The Mather Homestead Foundation will preserve the property and operate a museum. The house's main fireplace which served as the kitchen A hinge on the house dating back to the 18th century THE MATHER HOMESTEAD THROUGH THE YEARS Bertha Mather McPherson's Album chronicling house changes 1778 to 1969 Owners of the Mather Homestead ... Six Generations of Mathers THE MATHER HOMESTEAD TODAY Mather Homestead Current Keeping Room Mather Homestead Current Dining Room Mather Homestead Current West Bedroom Mather Homestead Current Keeping Room 1/5 THE MATHER HOMESTEAD COLLECTION The Mather Homestead includes many pieces which are original to the home (late 18th century), pieces acquired over the centuries, and many pieces collected by Bertha Mather McPherson during the 20th century which are from the Revolutionary War period. View the collection

Create your own CUTTING GARDEN with help from local gardening enthusiast, Ania Janis. This four-session program provided all the tips, instructions, plans and supplies you need to create your own cutting garden at home. Session 1: Wed., Feb. 16, 7 - 8:30 pm: Intro and Cutting Garden Basics: Sweet Peas, Session 2: Wed., Feb. 23, 7 - 8:30 pm: Pinching & Watering: Snapdragons, Stock, Session 3: Wed., March 9, 7 - 8:30 pm: Succession Planting, Hardening Off: Zinnias, Cosmos & Phlox, Session 4: Wed., April 6, 7 - 8:30 pm: Direct Sowing, Planting Out: Poppies & Sunflowers All supplies included. < Back Grow Along at Mather with Ania Janis - 4 classes Spring 2022 Create your own CUTTING GARDEN with help from local gardening enthusiast, Ania Janis. This four-session program provided all the tips, instructions, plans and supplies you need to create your own cutting garden at home. Session 1: Wed., Feb. 16, 7 - 8:30 pm: Intro and Cutting Garden Basics: Sweet Peas, Session 2: Wed., Feb. 23, 7 - 8:30 pm: Pinching & Watering: Snapdragons, Stock, Session 3: Wed., March 9, 7 - 8:30 pm: Succession Planting, Hardening Off: Zinnias, Cosmos & Phlox, Session 4: Wed., April 6, 7 - 8:30 pm: Direct Sowing, Planting Out: Poppies & Sunflowers All supplies included. Previous Next

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. Mixed Media Collage Making with Lisa Thorén Thu, Mar 26 Mather barn More info Buy Tickets 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

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

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 Multiple Dates Tour The Mather Homestead T/W/Th 9a (1) Mar 04, 2026, 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Join one of our expert tour guides on a walk back in time. Learn about life in the year 1778, the raid by Tories on the Mather Homestead, and the life and legacy of Stephen Tyng Mather, first director of the National Parks System, who summered here in his family home in the early 20th century. Buy Tickets 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 Mixed Media Collage Making with Lisa Thorén Mar 26, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM In celebration of our country’s 250th birthday, come join our creative mixed media workshop. Jasper Johns’s iconic work will inspire our collage making and painting. All art supplies are included plus wine, cheese & sweet treats for inspiration. 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 Painting Patriotism, Healing Wounds: The Art of Col. John Trumbull with Walter W. Woodward Apr 28, 2026, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM This richly illustrated talk discusses the lifelong struggle of John Trumbull to earn respect for his art by painting what he told Thomas Jefferson were some of the “noblest series of actions which have ever presented themselves in the history of man.” It’s a Connecticut family story about a talente Details Soldiers and Storytellers LIVE at The Homestead May 02, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Join us for an afternoon of story, song, and soldiers. CT’s first state troubadour will set the stage, the 5th Connecticut Regiment will reenact a Revolutionary War battle, and Sarah Mather will share her personal stories. Colonial treats and Revolutionary books for sale. Fun for the whole family! Details Field Trip to Yale University Art Gallery May 14, 2026, 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM Join us for a spring outing to Yale University Art Gallery, where we will take a guided tour of the Wurtele Gallery, include their Keeping Alive the Remembrance installation, which celebrates America's founding, as well as their John Trumbull artworks. Followed by lunch at Mory's! Buy Tickets Sixth Annual Garden Tea - Tickets on Sale Soon! Jun 04, 2026, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM This year we welcome author Allison Pataki to speak about her new book It Girl, on shelves March 10. Join us for lunch in the garden, plus raffles, prizes, and more as we celebrate America at the turn of the 20th century and the women who broke barriers. Tickets on sale soon! Details Middlesex Parish 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. RSVP Vinyasa Yoga with Mary Ann Wednesday/Saturday 9:30a Join us Wednesdays and Saturday mornings at 9:30a! Buy Tickets Request a tour of The Mather Homestead on a day and time of your choosing Date and time is TBD Join one of our expert tour guides on a walk back in time. Learn about life in the year 1778, the raid by Tories on the Mather Homestead, and the life and legacy of Stephen Tyng Mather, first director of the National Parks System, who summered here in his family home in the early 20th century. 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 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 HIGH SCHOOL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES TEEN BOARD The Mather Homestead Teen Board offers high school students with an interest in history an opportunity to both contribute to and learn from the Mather Homestead, including its rich collection of original documents and antiques. MORE MH Teen Board 2022-23 SPRING INTERN PROGRAM High School seniors participating in Darien High School and New Canaan High School's intern programs are invited to apply for our internship. MORE MH Interns 2023

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

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 Lecture featuring Cornelia Dayton - What the Court Records Reveal: Families in Revolutionary Turmoil Thu, Mar 05 19 Stephen Mather Rd More info Buy Tickets Mixed Media Collage Making with Lisa Thorén Thu, Mar 26 Mather barn More info Buy Tickets Soldiers and Storytellers LIVE at The Homestead Sat, May 02 The Mather Homestead More info Details Middlesex Parish Open House Day Sat, Jun 13 Middlesex Parish - 12 local sites More info RSVP More Middlesex 250 Events at middlesexparish250.org

England, 1821. A formulaic/pattern work, well executed, featuring figures, animals, and biblical script. < Back English 1821 “Adam and Eve” Sampler, Silk-on-Linen Second Floor - Guest Room Other Decorative Arts England, 1821. A formulaic/pattern work, well executed, featuring figures, animals, and biblical script. Along the upper section enclosed by scrolling vines: Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain but a woman that feareth the lord she shall be praised. In the lower half, surrounded by animals, birds, and figures are Adam and Eve by the apple tree and the snake, and this verse: Adam and Eve. Whilest innocent in paradise were placed but soon the serpent by his while the happy paire disgraced. The maker’s stitched signature is along the bottom section: Eliza Sumner finished this work december the 8 1821 aged 9 years. Condition is good with light discoloration of linen ground. Previous Next

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!

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 No events at the moment 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.