Search Results

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 Grow Along - create your own cutting garden Weds., Feb 15, 23, March 9, 30 "Grow Along" at Mather - create your own cutting garden Previous Next

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

< 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

< Back Colonial Breadmaking - a Homesteading 101 Workshop Thurs., March 10, 7 pm, Barn, $45 Leah Jones, pastry chef at Grace Farms and owner of Black Market Bread, will lead us in a colonial breadmaking workshop which will involve baking AND tasting! First, Leah will give us a little history on bread and some information which might help us understand the "gluten free" craze a little better. Then we'll taste various breads, baked by Leah, and drink wines chosen to pair with each bread. Finally, we'll make our own bread! Includes ingredients, instruction, plus two loaves of bread - one we will cook on site and one you will take home to bake. YUM. BYO large bowl and spatula! $45 per person $240/table for six. Will open up ticket sales soon Previous Next

12 mi E of Montrose, CO < Back Black Canyon of the Gunnison 12 mi E of Montrose, CO 1999 Established: Size: 30,750 acres Visitors: 308,962 in 2018 Summary Nestled in the rugged terrain of western Colorado, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park stands as a testament to the raw power of nature and the enduring beauty it creates. Carved over millions of years by the mighty Gunnison River, the canyon's sheer granite walls plummet to depths of over 2,000 feet, creating a dramatic landscape of unparalleled grandeur. Visitors to the park are treated to breathtaking vistas from numerous overlooks, where they can marvel at the canyon's narrow gorges, towering spires, and dizzying cliffs. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore a network of hiking trails that wind along the canyon rim or descend into its depths, offering opportunities for adventure and solitude amidst the rugged wilderness. With its awe-inspiring vistas and rich geological history, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park stands as a testament to the enduring power and beauty of the natural world. Wildlife Within the rugged confines of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, a diverse array of wildlife thrives amidst the dramatic cliffs and rocky terrain. Along the canyon rim, visitors may spot agile mule deer grazing in meadows, while elusive Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep navigate the steep slopes with ease. Birdwatchers are treated to sightings of majestic golden eagles soaring overhead, along with peregrine falcons nesting in the canyon's sheer cliffs. Below the rim, the Gunnison River provides a lifeline for a variety of aquatic species, including rainbow and brown trout, while beavers and river otters ply its currents in search of food. In the quieter corners of the park, smaller creatures such as marmots, pikas, and yellow-bellied marmots dart among the rocks, adding to the rich tapestry of wildlife that calls Black Canyon home. As visitors explore this rugged landscape, they are greeted by the sights and sounds of a thriving ecosystem, where every creature plays a vital role in the delicate balance of nature. Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park can enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, stargazing, and more. In the winter, visitors can go snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Note that the north rim of the canyon is closed during the winter season. When to Visit Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has a continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Precipitation is relatively rare year-round. Summer weather is pleasant, but it is also the busiest time of the year in terms of visitors. For mild weather and fewer crowds, visit during the spring (May) or fall (September-October) seasons. Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Much of the canyon is shrouded in shadows, with some parts of the canyon receive only around 30 minutes of sunlight per day. Previous Next

< Back Mens Night in the Mather Tavern Thurs., May 12, 7 pm, barn A night in the Mather Tavern will start with dining on traditional tavern food + old fashioned ales while listening to a short lecture presented by the Connecticut Historical Society, "Tavern Life in Early Connecticut." Then our tavern will feature tavern games! Think ring toss, cards, dice and more. Previous Next

2’ 4” x 3’ 2”. Late 19th/early 20th century. < Back American Hooked Rug of a Blue Jay, Wool and Cotton Second Floor - Guest Room Other Decorative Arts 2’ 4” x 3’ 2”. Late 19th/early 20th century. Polychrome design with central reserve of a blue jay, with surround of flowers and vines, blue and red border. Condition is good. Previous Next