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American, 20th century. Maple; 27" h. x 12 ½" w. x 12 ½" d. < Back Twelve-Sided Candlestand Second Floor - SW Bedroom Furniture and Hard Furnishings American, 20th century. Maple; 27" h. x 12 ½" w. x 12 ½" d. Thumbnail-molded edge attached to a turned standard having elongated balusters above and below centered balls and rings; standard tenons into the base. Previous Next

Maple, pine; 36” h. x 18” w. Circa 1830-1850. < Back Converted Arrow-back to Comb-back Windsor Rocking Chair Attic Furniture and Hard Furnishings Maple, pine; 36” h. x 18” w. Circa 1830-1850. Converted from an arrow-back chair to a rocking chair with comb-back crest; rockers are later additions; Previous Next

< Back Tour and Tea Weekdays, 10 to 11:30 am, main house We invite you and friends to join us for a tour and tea at the Mather Homestead! Groups are invited to visit the Homestead from 10 to 11:30 am on a weekday. Tea (or coffee if you prefer), scones and muffins followed by a tour of the homestead. Please email us to arrange a date. $20 pp. Previous Next

Becoming a Gardener: What Reading and Digging Taught Me about Living < Back Catie Marron - May 26, 2022 Becoming a Gardener: What Reading and Digging Taught Me about Living 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

Artists drew, painted and photographed on the Mather Homestead grounds during our first "Plein air" week. < Back Plein Air Weeks 2021 Artists drew, painted and photographed on the Mather Homestead grounds during our first "Plein air" week. Previous Next

< Back Donor Appreciation Cocktail Party Thurs., Oct. 27, 6:30 pm Donor Appreciation Cocktail Party Previous Next

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 numerous sponsorship opportunities and gratefully acknowledges the support of businesses that contribute through financial and in-kind donations. We recognize our donors through various channels including events, social media, publicity, and on-site signage at the Homestead. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! SUMMER SOIRÉE 2025 The MH Summer Soirée on May 31, 2025 raised over $22,000 for Mather Homestead preservation projects thanks to Junior Board Chair Sally Houlihan, Event Chair Jessica Merrill, and the entire junior board! Plus, our generous sponsors! GARDEN TEA 2025 Our fifth annual Garden Tea featured Fred Landman, visionary for the remarkable Sleepy Cat Farm. Despite rain and cold, the event was a remarkable success and raised over $30,000 for beautification projects at the Homestead! Thank you to our sponsors and raffle donors, plus all that attended, for your generous support WOMEN + ARCHITECTURE SERIES 2025 Thank you to the many donors who supported our Women + Architecture series in honor of Bertha Mather McPherson, one of Connecticut's earliest female architects and a visionary preservationist. The series included lectures, book discussions, field trips, and an exhibit featuring the life and legacy of Bertha Mather McPherson. 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! FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL 2024 Our sixth 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, hay rides and more! 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 .

268 mi S of Salt Lake City, UT < Back Bryce Canyon 268 mi S of Salt Lake City, UT 1928 Established: Size: 35,835 acres Visitors: 2,354,660 in 2022 Summary Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, is renowned for its breathtaking landscape of intricate rock formations known as hoodoos, carved by erosion over millions of years. The park's main amphitheater, Bryce Amphitheater, showcases a mesmerizing array of colorful spires, arches, and cliffs, illuminated by the ever-changing light of dawn and dusk. Visitors can explore the park's network of trails, which wind through pine forests and along the canyon rim, offering panoramic views of the otherworldly scenery below. Beyond its geological wonders, Bryce Canyon is also a haven for wildlife, with opportunities to spot mule deer, mountain lions, and a variety of bird species. Whether marveling at the surreal rock formations, stargazing under the vast desert sky, or hiking among ancient bristlecone pines, Bryce Canyon National Park offers a truly unforgettable experience amidst the wonders of the American Southwest. Wildlife Bryce Canyon National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife that thrives in its unique high desert ecosystem. Among the park's inhabitants are mule deer, often seen grazing in meadows or wandering along the canyon rim, while elusive mountain lions roam the more remote areas. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, including California condors, peregrine falcons, and Steller's jays, soaring above the hoodoos or nesting in the park's ponderosa pine forests. Smaller creatures such as golden-mantled ground squirrels and chipmunks scurry among the rocks, while reptiles like the plateau lizard bask in the sun. As visitors explore Bryce Canyon's trails and overlooks, they are treated to glimpses of the park's rich and diverse wildlife, adding to the allure of this spectacular natural wonder. Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors to Bryce Canyon National Park can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, stargazing, and more. In the winter months, activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available as well. When to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park has a dry continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Precipitation is relatively rare year-round. The park is typically busiest during the summer months (June-August). For mild temperatures and lower crowd levels, visit during the late spring (May) or fall (September-October). Ties to Stephen Mather Bryce Canyon National Park has a Stephen Mather plaque just outside the park's main visitor center. Bryce Canyon was designated as a national park in 1928, during Mather's directorship of the National Park Service. Despite this, Stephen Mather initially wanted Bryce Canyon to be a state park given its small size. Fun Fact Though hoodoos can be found on every continent, Bryce Canyon National Park has the largest density of hoodoos on earth. Previous Next