Search Results

The Mather Homestead is a historic home in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Built in 1778, the home was raided by Tories during the Revolutionary War and was later the summer home of Stephen Tyng Mather, founder of the National Parks Service. Tours by appointmentment and the Mather Homestead Foundation hosts a wide range of educational programs designed for all ages. The Mather Homestead, Darien's only Registered National Historic Landmark, was built in 1778 by Deacon Joseph Mather, son of the fiery Patriot Reverend Moses Mather, and raided by Tories during the Revolutionary War. The Homestead was later the home of Stephen Tyng Mather, an avid conservationist and the first Director of the National Park Service. Following his death, his daughter, Bertha Mather McPherson, one of Connecticut's first female architects and a visionary preservationist, preserved the home and left it as it is today. In 2017, Mather descendants generously donated the Homestead to a newly created foundation to be operated as a museum dedicated to historical education. The Mather Homestead Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Mather Homestead is Darien's only Registered National Historic Landmark Stephen Tyng Mather (1867-1930) First Director of the National Park Service Owner of the Homestead 1906-1930 MH CELEBRATES AMERICA250! The Mather Homestead will celebrate its Revolutionary War history this year as our country celebrates America 250 -- the semiquincentennial. Join us for lectures, literary discussions, homesteading workshops, a Revolutionary War Reenactment and more. The Mather Homestead Foundation is excited to work with other local organizations—including 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 parts of Norwalk, which were once united as Middlesex Parish. Learn More VISIT THE HOMESTEAD The Mather Homestead is rich in history and open for public education and enjoyment. We are open for tours Tuesday through Thursday 9 am to 2 pm, Fridays and Saturdays by appointment. Email us at info@matherhomestead.org to inquire about and schedule a tour. UPCOMING EVENTS Tour The Mather Homestead T/W/Th 9a (1) Tue, Feb 03 More info RSVP The Art of American Independence: Beyond the Declaration Wed, Feb 11 More info RSVP Literary Evening: Pre-Revolutionary Manhattan Thu, Feb 19 More info RSVP America 250 Brown Bag Lunch with Eric Chandler Thu, Feb 26 More info RSVP Lecture featuring Cornelia Dayton: Marriage, Politics, and Power in Revolutionary America Thu, Mar 05 More info Details Mixed Media Collage Making with Lisa Thorén Thu, Mar 26 More info RSVP Revolutionary War Reenactment Sat, May 02 More info Details Middlesex Parish Open House Day! Sat, Jun 13 More info RSVP Request a tour of The Mather Homestead on a day and time of your choosing Date and time is TBD More info RSVP BECOME A MEMBER When you become a member of the Mather Homestead you support our mission and help to secure our future. Mission Statement: The Mather Homestead Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of the Mather Homestead, built in 1778 and enjoyed by seven generations of Mather descendants, as a treasured place for public education and enjoyment. The Foundation is committed to raising awareness of the Homestead’s unique history, dating back to the Revolutionary War, and Stephen Tyng Mather’s legacy as an important conservationist and the founder of our modern National Parks System. Membership Benefits include: Invitations to free member-only events, d iscounts on Mather Homestead events, f ree tours for you, family and friends, 10% off in our (new!) gift shop, m embership to NARM (North American Reciprocal Museum Association), offering free entry to over 1,400 museums*. $150 Family Membership $100 Individual Membership Become a Member THANK YOU! The Mather Homestead Foundation is thankful to the generosity of the Mather-McPherson family, Richard L. Chilton, Jr., the Darien Foundation, Fox Hill Builders, and our many other supporters . Give

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 BOARDS Thank you to our dedicated board members! THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair: Richard L. Chilton, Jr. Matthew Dougherty Jennifer L. Foster Joellyn Gray Ania Janis Ronald LaMorte Ginger Morgan Sarah Nickerson Penny Rashin John Sini Chelsea Staniar Tammy Sload Kelly Stewart Tiffany Van Elslander Alison Von Klemperer JUNIOR BOARD The purpose of the Mather Homestead Foundation (MHF) Junior Board is to involve MHF supporters who may not have the time to serve on the Board of Directors, but are interested in being involved. Junior Board members will provide guidance to the Mather Homestead Foundation Board, plan an annual fundraising event, and also serve as ambassadors for MHF in the community. Chairs: Laura Nolen, Stephanie Tucker Taylor Carlson, Jessica Carreiro, Diana Demirjian, Ashley Diamond, Carolyn Elmi, Amanda Forth, Danielle Gaglio, Kate Holderness, Dana Koebbe, Sarah McMackin, Jessica Merrill, Alison Muench, Mariana Rosario, Ali Sommer Junior Board members at June, 2025 Summer Soiree ADVISORY BOARD Thank you to the following people for your service to the Mather Homestead Board of Directors and thank you for your continued engagement as Advisory Board member: Stephen Berger Margot Congdon Meredith Edwards Andrea Huntington Kevin Peraino Tracey Riccardi Kevin Treesh Carolyn Woodberry TEEN BOARD CLICK HERE for more information and application 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. 2025-2026 Chairs: Bella Fiordalis, Ava Mohr, Neev Sahgal Lachlain Blair Consuelo Bowman Eliza DeChristopher James DiBiaso Jackie Gordon Jake Kelley Alex Kettell Quincy Kettell Jack Lang Luke Mihopoulos Sean Mihopoulos Holden Mohr Sabrina Mohr Trevor Nelson Luke Riley Nishka Sahgal Olivia Stricker Finn Wild 2024-25 Teen Board

Self-Guided Tour 1778 Homestead The Mather Homestead was built in 1778 during the Revolutionary War. It became a Registered National Historic Landmark in 1963 and was included on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. Read More Listen to Audio 00:00 / 02:14 The Well The well served as the source of water for the house—as well as a crucial hiding place during Tory raids. Read More Listen to Audio 00:00 / 00:37 The Garden Designed by famed architect Walter Burleigh Griffin, this garden has evolved under the care of multiple generations of Mathers. Read More Listen to Audio 00:00 / 00:54 The Cottage Built in 1927, the cottage built here was replaced by a guest house in 1936, which still stands today. Read More Listen to Audio 00:00 / 00:31 The Field This field is the site of what was once a 100 acre self-sustaining farm managed by the Mather family which provided everything the family needed centuries ago. Read More Listen to Audio 00:00 / 00:54 The Playhouse Recently renovated, this playhouse serves as place of fun for generations past, present, and future. Read More Listen to Audio 00:00 / 00:43 The Barn The history of Mather barns goes back well over 100 years. The most recent iteration, the Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center, was built in 2020. Read More Listen to Audio 00:00 / 01:26 The Root Cellar The root cellar was an essential component of a colonial farm in Connecticut. Read More Listen to Audio 00:00 / 01:08 Stephen Mather The grandson of Joseph Mather, Stephen was the first director of the National Park Service, and more than doubled the park system's land area. Read More Listen to Audio 00:00 / 02:40 The End Thank you for visiting the Mather Homestead! Read More Listen to Audio 00:00 / 00:32

Eagle Scout Projects Abhilash Polaki Nature Trail, Bench & Sign Read More Connor Blenke Kitchen Garden Read More Dennis Glassmeyer Outdoor Classroom & Seating Read More Owen Miller Woodshed Read More

63 National Parks Acadia 50 mi SE of Bangor, ME Read More American Samoa 2,600 mi SW of Honolulu, HI Read More Arches 230 mi S of Salt Lake City, UT Read More Badlands 75 mi SE of Rapid City, SD Read More Big Bend 235 mi S of Midland, TX Read More Biscayne 10 mi S of Miami, FL Read More Black Canyon of the Gunnison 12 mi E of Montrose, CO Read More Bryce Canyon 268 mi S of Salt Lake City, UT Read More Canyonlands 244 mi SE of Salt Lake City, UT Read More Capitol Reef 220 mi S of Salt Lake City, UT Read More Carlsbad Caverns 145 mi NE of El Paso, TX Read More Channel Islands 93 mi W of Los Angeles, CA Read More

Item List 1778 Home This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More Barn This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More Gardens This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Read More Playhouse Read More

Massachusetts, 1755-1785. Maple, including striped maple; 27 ½” h. x 24” w. < Back Corner Chair First Floor - Keeping Room Furniture and Hard Furnishings Massachusetts, 1755-1785. Maple, including striped maple; 27 ½” h. x 24” w. Armrail over two pierced splats of striped maple; a carved cabriole front leg with pad foot; three columnar-turned legs ending in button feet, turned cross-stretchers. Condition is good Previous Next

Washington County, UT < Back Zion Washington County, UT 1919 Established: Size: 146,597 acres Visitors: 4,623,238 in 2023 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

Our music series includes a variety of musicians from singers to instrumentalists, and from classical to contemporary. More information on past music events at the Mather Homestead can be found here. Past Music-at-Mather Dan Zlotnick - December 3, 2023 Family holiday concert featuring Dan Zlotnick: songs, sing-a-long and santa! Music-at-Mather: Superneutral and James Crafford - March 11, 2023 First at the Mic ... Superneutral, featuring Jon Jensen, singing favorites from the past 300 years! Then singer/songwriter James Crafford! Con Fuoco String Quartet - December 2, 2022 Con Fuoco performed a holiday set for the third year. Amazing musicians! On the Trail - June 26, 2022 On the Trail is just back from their tour of the Netherlands, bringing us bluegrass to the Mather Homestead! Con Fuoco String Quartet - June 19, 2022 Con Fuoco returned for a Spring concert featuring Haydn and Mendlessohn Acabella - June 5, 2022 Acabella celebrated its 20th year with a Spring concert at the Homestead! The group, led by Heather Raker and Carolyn Woodberry, include singers Brooke Beck, Kelly Galvin, Amanda Martocchio, Jennifer Mathissen, Cathleen Morgan (our newest member!), Claire Runyan, Susan Seelert, Rachel Steib, Tere Stevens, Jenny Zonis. View on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matherhomesteadfoundation/videos/588855689504615. Concert starts around 7 minutes Jazz featuring Lissy Newman - May 22, 2022 Jazz in the garden featuring Lissy Newman on vocals and Tony Lombardozzi on guitar. Plus wine & cheese! Nick Depuy - February 12, 2022 First up, Nick will entertained and educated kids about American Folk music, playing folk songs from the 40s through the present, think Woodie Guthrie, Pete Segar, and talking about the historical influences behind these songs and how they've inspired the music that followed. Next, he performed his original music (he has penned over 60 songs and counting!) and a few cover favorites for adults and young adults. Nick calls his music “folksy with a few twists" -- think a combination of James Taylor meets Mumford & Sons. His goal, he said, is to tell a meaningful story through his music. Acabella - December 10, 2021 Acabella, an all women's a cappella group, performed a holiday program for a jolly audience! View concert on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=528926435575944. Concert starts around 8 minutes. Con Fuoco String Quarter - December 5, 2021 Back by popular demand, the Con Fuoco String (Italian for “with fire”) Quartet returned to the Homestead. These accomplished young musicians performed an hour long program including Bethoven's String Quartet in C minor, Mozart's String Quartet in C Major and holiday music. Con Fuoco String Quartet - October 16, 2021 Con Fuoco returned for a fall performance. David Higgins Band - October 8, 2021 Dan performs tirelessly around New York's Hudson Valley and beyond, taking the stage at the 2018 Pleasantville Music Festival, the Paramount Hudson Valley (opening for Grammy winner Marc Cohn twice), the Towne Crier (opening for Patty Larkin), Garica's at The Capitol Theater, and more. On the Trail - August 29, 2021 On the Trail returned by popular demand! On the Trail is a modern acoustic quartet that explores everything from bluegrass to contemporary pop, from stunning instrumentals to beautiful songs. The band bonded from their love of bluegrass and the band Punch Brothers, and has already gained recognition and praise for their execution of challenging music, as well as fore their new original music. On the Trail features Darien Middlesex Music Teacher, Austin Scelzo on fiddle and vocals, To Polizzi on mandolin and vocals, Chet Duke on banjo and Charlie Widmer on guitar and vocals. Dan Zlotnick - July 11, 2021 Dan is an American singer songwriter. With a contemporary Americana flair, Dan’s music reflects his love of classic rock and blues. His evocative lyrics, captivating melodies, and energetic performances exude Dan’s passion for creating and sharing his music with everyone around him. On the Trail - June 13, 2021 On the Trail is a modern acoustic quartet that explores everything from bluegrass to contemporary pop, from stunning instrumentals to beautiful songs. The band bonded from their love of bluegrass and the band Punch Brothers, and has already gained recognition and praise for their execution of challenging music, as well as fore their new original music. On the Trail features Darien Middlesex Music Teacher, Austin Scelzo on fiddle and vocals, To Polizzi on mandolin and vocals, Chet Duke on banjo and Charlie Widmer on guitar and vocals. Con Fuoco String Quartet - May 23, 2021 Back by popular demand, the Con Fuoco String Quartet returned to the Homestead. These accomplished young musicians, Ari Matsushita, Kay McIlhenny, Josh Bustamente and Ami Matsushita will perform an hour long program including Mendelssohn's Quartet Op. 81, Prokofiev's String Quartet No. 2, and Vivaldi's Spring. Caryn Lin, Electric Violinist - March 6, 2021 Caryn performed three shows for Mather guests on March 6 in order to adhere to covid-19 restrictions and social distancing guidelines. She mesmerized young kids, middle and high school students and adults of all ages. Thank you Caryn! About Caryn: Caryn plays her four, five and six string electric violins, using looping to create short, on-the-spot recordings of her violin, voice, and percussion instruments. As she plays the violin, the recorded snippets play back in a continue loop adding fascinating layers of sound over deceptively simple melodies. The result is a live show that is spectacular and like no other - catchy, mesmerizing, and very entertaining! Con Fuoco String Quartet - December 13, 2020 Con Fuoco returned for a holiday performance. Con Fuoco String Quartet - October 4, 2020 We introduced our "Music at Mather" series with the classical sounds of the Con Fuoco String Quartet. These accomplished young musicians, Ari Matsushita, Kay McIlhenny, Josh Bustamente and Ami Matsushita, performed an hour long program including: String Quartet in G Major KV 156, Mozart; String Quartet no. 11 in F Major Op. 96 "American," Dvorak; and Eine Kleine Nacht Musik in G Major KV 525, Mozart.

Our first Plein air art class with Lisa Thoren: 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 :-). < Back How to Paint Plein Air with Lisa Thoren - September 24, 2020 Our first Plein air art class with Lisa Thoren: 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 :-). Previous Next

Bettles, AK < Back Gates of the Arctic Bettles, AK 1980 Established: Size: 8,472,506 acres Visitors: 2,872 in 2020 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

Samuel Sturgeon (working 1811-1835) Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, 1815-1825 Walnut, hard pine, brass movement, painted iron dial < Back Tall Case Clock First Floor - Keeping Room Furniture and Hard Furnishings Samuel Sturgeon (working 1811-1835) Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, 1815-1825 Walnut, hard pine, brass movement, painted iron dial The eight-day, striking clock movement is in a tall case with scrolled pediment bonnet. The imported whitepainted dial has a moon arch, seconds dial, elaborately painted spandrels that embody raised scrollwork, and raised beads around the chapter ring. Painted on the dial: Sam’l Sturgeon / Shippensburgh below date aperture. The waist has chamfered corners and a figured walnut door with scalloped top. The base stands on French bracket feet. Condition notes: The lower backboards of the clock case have been rebuilt. Previous Next