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2,600 mi SW of Honolulu, HI < Back American Samoa 2,600 mi SW of Honolulu, HI 1988 Established: Size: 8,256.67 acres Visitors: 28,626 in 2018 Summary American Samoa National Park, located in the South Pacific Ocean, encompasses pristine tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and volcanic landscapes across three main islands: Tutuila, Taʻū, and Ofu. This unique park offers visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Samoan people, as well as stunning natural beauty. With rugged coastlines, white sandy beaches, and lush forests, the park provides opportunities for hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore ancient Polynesian villages, learn about traditional Samoan culture, and experience the warm hospitality of the local community. American Samoa National Park is not only a sanctuary for diverse marine and terrestrial ecosystems but also a place of cultural significance, where nature and tradition come together in harmony. Wildlife American Samoa National Park is home to a diverse array of marine and terrestrial wildlife, thriving in its tropical rainforests and coral reefs. Beneath the waves, vibrant coral reefs teem with colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers. Along the shores, endangered species like the green sea turtle find refuge, while seabirds soar above the cliffs and coastal areas. Inland, the park's lush rainforests harbor native bird species such as the rare and endemic Samoan moa, as well as fruit bats, lizards, and insects. Despite its small size, the park boasts incredible biodiversity, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe and appreciate the wonders of the South Pacific's natural world. Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors to the National Park of American Samoa can go hiking, snorkeling, or birdwatching. To immerse visitors in local Samoan culture, visitors can partake in the Homestay program, staying with a local family instead of at a hotel (though as of 2024, this program is unavailable until further notice). When to Visit American Samoa has a tropical climate with warm weather year round (around 80 degrees Fahrenheit on average). Though no time of year is truly free from rain, the dry season occurs from around May to October. Since the middle part of the dry season (June-August) tends to be busier, the best time to visit the National Park of American Samoa would be either early or late in the dry season (either May or September-October). Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact The National Park of American Samoa is the only unit of land operated by the National Park Service to be located in the Southern Hemisphere. Previous Next

Oil on canvas; 27 ¼” h. x 21 ½” w. (sight size). < Back Alexander Spinell Clark (American, 20th c.), Portrait of Bertha McPherson First Floor - Parlor Fine Art Oil on canvas; 27 ¼” h. x 21 ½” w. (sight size). Bertha Mather McPherson (1906-1993), Architect, Preservationist, and Founder of the Darien Historical Society Daughter of Stephen Tyng Mather. In three-quarter pose, a mature lady with hands folded in her lap. Signed LL: Alexander Spinell Clark/ 1981 Note: No record of other works by this studio artist can be found. Framed in gilded frame. Condition is good. Previous Next

Coastal Connecticut, 1775-1825. Maple, tulip poplar, rush seat; 46 ¾" h. x 24 ¼" w. x 17 ¾" d. < Back “York” Armchair Second Floor - Entrance Hall Furniture and Hard Furnishings Coastal Connecticut, 1775-1825. Maple, tulip poplar, rush seat; 46 ¾" h. x 24 ¼" w. x 17 ¾" d. The turned armchair, known in the period as a York chair, has a Y-shaped crest above a solid splat, tenoned into a stay rail. The rear posts have elongated baluster turnings above balusters and terminate in urn finials. Shaped arms attach to turned front posts, with baluster turnings between and above double turned front stretchers. Double side stretchers and a single rear stretcher secure the legs. Previous Next

Maui County, HI < Back Haleakalã Maui County, HI 1961 Established: Size: 33,265 acres Visitors: 1,087,616 in 2022 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

The well served as the source of water for the house—as well as a crucial hiding place during Tory raids. < Back The Well Listen to Audio Tour for this location: 00:00 / 00:37 The well served as the source of water for the house—as well as a crucial hiding place during Tory raids. Image Gallery Photo of the well today 1929 photo of the well with the sunken garden in the background Site Description The well was the source of water for the house when the home was built in 1778. In addition to being used as a water source, it had a very special use as a place to hide valuables from the Tories. Sarah Mather hid over 100 pounds of clothing and silver belonging to both the Mather family and their neighbors. Clothing was very valuable as they made it themselves from the flax and other materials grown on the property. The Tories raided this house in 1781. They stole clothes, animals, silver and other valuables. Some silver that was hidden in a secret compartment inside the house was not stolen. Please proceed to Site #3: The Garden - which is only a few feet away. Previous Next

50 mi E of Fresno, CA < Back Sequoia 50 mi E of Fresno, CA 1890 Established: Size: 404,064 acres Visitors: 1,153,198 in 2022 Summary Sequoia National Park, located in California's Sierra Nevada mountains, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and iconic giant sequoia trees. Home to some of the largest trees on Earth, including the famous General Sherman Tree, the park offers visitors a chance to marvel at the sheer size and beauty of these ancient giants. In addition to the towering sequoias, the park features rugged mountain terrain, deep canyons, and picturesque alpine meadows. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, with opportunities to spot black bears, mule deer, and diverse bird species. With its breathtaking scenery and abundant natural wonders, Sequoia National Park offers a memorable experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Wildlife Sequoia National Park is not only famous for its majestic giant sequoia trees but also for its diverse wildlife. The park's varied ecosystems support a wide range of animal species, including black bears, mule deer, mountain lions, and bobcats. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of birds, from colorful songbirds to majestic raptors like bald eagles and peregrine falcons. Additionally, the park's rivers and streams are home to trout and other aquatic species. Wildlife enthusiasts can explore the park's trails and meadows, offering ample opportunities to observe and appreciate the natural beauty and biodiversity of Sequoia National Park. Sounds of the Park Things to Do In the warmer months, visitors can go day hiking, overnight backpacking, camping, or driving through the famous Tunnel Log. In the winter, visitors to Sequoia National Park can go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Hiking Snowshoeing Camping When to Visit Sequoia National Park's climate varies significantly by elevation, as temperatures decrease with increasing altitude. Summers are generally warm and dry, while winters are cold and snowy. Like most parks, crowds are highest during the summer. Therefore, the spring (May) and fall (September-October) would be the best time to visit. Ties to Stephen Mather Sequoia National Park has a Stephen Mather plaque located in the Giant Forest. Furthermore, visitors can take Mather Drive, a road on the park's Ash Mountain. Fun Fact Sequoia National Park's General Sherman tree is the largest-known single tree on Earth by volume. Previous Next

We welcomed Darien High School Seniors, Margaret Edwards, Piper Henderson, Alexis Lyons and Matthew Magnotta, as our first class of high school interns this Spring. They planned a fun "lunch bunch program" for twelve lucky kids! ​ The themes for the days: Monday, June 6th - Colonial Day Tuesday, June 7th - Gardening Day Wednesday, June 8th - Art-at-Mather Day Thursday, June 9th - Workshop Day We'll be back next year with new interns and more fun! < Back Intern Lunch Bunch 2022 - June, 2022 We welcomed Darien High School Seniors, Margaret Edwards, Piper Henderson, Alexis Lyons and Matthew Magnotta, as our first class of high school interns this Spring. They planned a fun "lunch bunch program" for twelve lucky kids! The themes for the days: Monday, June 6th - Colonial Day Tuesday, June 7th - Gardening Day Wednesday, June 8th - Art-at-Mather Day Thursday, June 9th - Workshop Day We'll be back next year with new interns and more fun! Previous Next

< Back Barnraiser 3.0 Sat., Sept 24, 6 to 10 pm Enjoy a picnic under the stars, with live music on the lawn! Previous Next

Probably Dutch, 18th century. Brass and copper; 1 ¼" h. x 7" w. x 2" d. < Back Tobacco Box First Floor - Parlor Other Decorative Arts Probably Dutch, 18th century. Brass and copper; 1 ¼" h. x 7" w. x 2" d. A rectangular box with rounded ends. The copper sides, brass bottom, and hinged lid are elaborately engraved. Previous Next

Lake and Peninsula Burough, AK < Back Katmai Lake and Peninsula Burough, AK 1980 Established: Size: 4,093,077 acres Visitors: 37,818 in 2015 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

Fresno County, CA < Back Kings Canyon Fresno County, CA 1890 Established: Size: 461,901 acres Visitors: 640,986 in 2022 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

Probably Massachusetts, 1740-1780. Maple, rush seat; 30 ½” h. x 27” w. x 25” d. < Back Corner chair First Floor - Keeping Room Furniture and Hard Furnishings Probably Massachusetts, 1740-1780. Maple, rush seat; 30 ½” h. x 27” w. x 25” d. Sometimes called a “roundabout chair”, this example is without splats; four baluster-turned posts, three of which rise above the rush seat supporting a curved arm bow with handholds and applied center crestrail. Turned legs with ring-and-ball turned stretchers on both front faces and square stretchers in the back. Spanish feet on the three forward legs, back foot is turned. Condition is good given age and use. Previous Next