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< Back Join lecture with the Garden Club of Darien: Celebrating 200 years of Frederick Law Olmsted Weds., March 30, 7 pm, Barn, free Celebrating 200 Years of Frederick Law Olmsted The 200th celebration of Frederick Law Olmsted’s birth is causing reflection and discourse about his work all over the country. The famed “Father of American Landscape Architecture,” and his family firm, had a definitive hand in over 500 commissions, that included 100 public parks and recreation areas, 200 private estates, 50 residential communities, and campuses for about 40 academic institutions. Among them, the creation of New York’s Central Park (1857), the Buffalo Park System (1868), Boston Park System (1870) and the United State Capitol (1874), are standouts in American landscape design. When he went on to do Belle Isle Park in Detroit, the 1880s, Lawrenceville School in 1883, and Stanford University in 1886, his fame caused his firm to win the bid for the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, Bryn Mawr College in 1895 and the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina from 1895 to 1900. Therefore, it is our privilege to welcome Jonathan Olmsted, one of Frederick’s descendants, to highlight the life and works of his vaulted ancestor, illustrated with stunning visuals including photos and plans. Both Frederick Law Olmsted, commonly referred to as FLO, and Jonathan Olmsted, were descended from James Olmsted, who came to America from England in 1632, and was one of the founders of Hartford, Connecticut, where FLO was later born. Jonathan Olmsted was born in Boston in 1942, attended Phillips Exeter Academy, graduated from Stanford University in 1964, and for the last 45 years has lived in Darien, Connecticut with his wife Janet. He was a banker in New York, London, and San Francisco for 15 years. Then he was President of Cameron Communications, a small presentation consulting firm for 30 years before he retired. His scintillating presentation will highlight at least a dozen of Olmsted’s major projects. Please join us for this event celebrating Olmsted's remarkable legacy. Previous Next

Recently renovated, this playhouse serves as place of fun for generations past, present, and future. < Back The Playhouse Listen to Audio Tour for this location: 00:00 / 00:43 Recently renovated, this playhouse serves as place of fun for generations past, present, and future. Image Gallery A photo of the playhouse today A photo of the playhouse in 1953 Site Description The playhouse was moved to this location In the late 1930s or early 1940s from its former location at Grace Floy’s House, built by Bertha Mather on the opposite side of Brookside Road. Jane McPherson Nickerson, the Bertha's youngest daughter, had her own small flower bed located southeast of the playhouse. There was even a grass-surfaced tennis court nearby. The Mather Homestead Foundation recently completed the historic renovation of the playhouse which was enjoyed by generations of Mathers. The playhouse can now be a place of learning and play for future generations of children. Please proceed to the Site #7: The Barn. Previous Next

Educator Samantha Gault led a discussion of the first book in Aaron Johnson's National Park Mystery Series: "Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park." Then the kids acted out the book! < Back Book Club for Kids! Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park - March 25, 2023 Educator Samantha Gault led a discussion of the first book in Aaron Johnson's National Park Mystery Series: "Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park." Then the kids acted out the book! Previous Next

Flower arranging for Easter, Passover or just Spring! Thank you Maeve! < Back Spring Flower Arranging - April 5, 2023 Flower arranging for Easter, Passover or just Spring! Thank you Maeve! Previous Next

SUMMER SOIRÉE Saturday, May 31, 2025 Photos by Andrea Ceraso Thank you to our Sponsors! SUMMER SOLSTICE Saturday, June 22, 2024 Presented by t he Mather Homestead Junior Board: Alison Arneill l Tasha Blair l Taylor Carlson l Lauren Frank l Caitlin Griswold l Sarah Guilbride Sally Houlihan l Anna Janis l Stephanie Kramer l Paige Kyle l Sarah Henderson l Jessica Merrill Kate Piselli l Lauren Swenson l Stephanie Tucker 2023 Après Ski Thank you for helping us raise $17K for our historic Playhouse! Presented by the Mather Homestead Junior Board: Alison Arneill l Tasha Blair l Taylor Carlson l Lauren Frank l Caitlin Griswold Sarah Guilbride l Sally Houlihan l Anna Janis l Stephanie Kramer l Paige Kyle Sarah Henderson l Jessica M errill l Kate Piselli l Whitney Ranson l Lauren Swenson The historic Mather playhouse was enjoyed by generations of Mathers and is now in disrepair. Our goal is to renovate the playhouse to be the cornerstone for future generations of children to come for learning and play. Heading 4 Before After

Our fourth annual Fall Harvest Festival was a smashing success. Nearly 600 people enjoyed hay rides, a petting zoo, face painting, apple bobbing, crafts, games and music by On the Trail. We were lucky to have a beautiful day for fall fun! Photos by Katharine Calderwood. < Back Harvest Festival - October 22, 2022 Our fourth annual Fall Harvest Festival was a smashing success. Nearly 600 people enjoyed hay rides, a petting zoo, face painting, apple bobbing, crafts, games and music by On the Trail. We were lucky to have a beautiful day for fall fun! Photos by Katharine Calderwood. Previous Next

Probably American; late 18th century. 9 ¾” h. x 10 ¾” w. < Back Framed Needlework of Squirrel, Wool-on-Linen Second Floor - Guest Room Other Decorative Arts Probably American; late 18th century. 9 ¾” h. x 10 ¾” w. A beguiling work in greens, reds, yellows against a crème ground, of a squirrel in a tree, surrounded by cherries and acorns. Framed in a black-painted maple frame. Condition is good with only light discoloration of linen ground. Previous Next

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

When you become a member of the Mather Homestead you support our mission and help to secure our future. Benefits include: Discounted/free tickets to events, Reduced rate for usage of the Homestead for private events, Free private tours. PLANNED GIVING The Mather Homestead: ~250 years of history Help us preserve the Homestead for another 250 years! There are many ways to make a planned gift to the Mather Homestead Foundation nd your financial and/or legal advisor can help you evaluate which option is right for you. 1) Make a Bequest Leave a gift of cash, securities or other assets, such as real property, by making a bequest in your will or trust. This allows you to make a generous gift that will not compromise your lifestyle. Name The Mather Homestead Foundation as a Beneficiary 2) One of the easiest ways to make a planned gift is to name the Mather Homestead Foundation as a beneficiary of your life insurance, IRA, or other retirement plan. You can allocate a specific percentage or a set amount to Horizons at NCCS. 3) Establish a Charitable Lead or Charitable Remainder Trust Create a charitable trust, naming Horizons at NCCS as a beneficiary during your life (Lead) or in the future (Remainder). Charitable trusts can provide tax advantages for capital gains, gift and estate taxes. Please contact Heather Raker at 203-202-7602 heatherraker@matherhomestead.org to discuss! The earliest photo of the homestead, circa 1800s

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

Plymouth, Connecticut. Mahogany, white pine, brass, iron, glass; 31” h. x 19” w. Circa 1825. < Back Eli Terry (1772-1852) Shelf Clock First Floor - Dining Room Other Decorative Arts Plymouth, Connecticut. Mahogany, white pine, brass, iron, glass; 31” h. x 19” w. Circa 1825. Pillar and scroll case with three brass urn finials, scrolled pediment, and freestanding colonnettes in front corners; raised on bracket feet, and scalloped front skirt. The white painted dial has Roman numerals and floral spandrels. The églomisé lower panel features a white building with cupola at the left, trees and water on the right. Condition: Upper left corner of glass is cracked, and likely replaced. Previous Next

93 mi W of Los Angeles, CA < Back Channel Islands 93 mi W of Los Angeles, CA 1980 Established: Size: 249,561 acres Visitors: 323,245 in 2022 Summary Channel Islands National Park, located off the coast of Southern California, comprises five rugged and ecologically diverse islands: Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. These islands are home to unique flora and fauna, including endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. The park offers opportunities for hiking, camping, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in pristine coastal environments and explore ancient Chumash cultural sites. With its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance, Channel Islands National Park provides a remarkable escape into nature's beauty and history just a short distance from the bustling mainland. Wildlife Channel Islands National Park boasts a diverse array of wildlife, both on land and in the surrounding waters. Visitors can encounter a variety of species, including the endemic island foxes, Channel Islands spotted skunks, and island deer mice. Marine life is abundant, with the opportunity to spot dolphins, seals, sea lions, and even the occasional whale. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with numerous seabirds such as brown pelicans, western gulls, and the iconic California brown pelicans soaring overhead. With its rich biodiversity and unique habitats, Channel Islands National Park offers an unforgettable wildlife experience for nature enthusiasts. Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors to Channel Islands National Park can enjoy hiking, camping, picnicking, boating, snorkeling, surfing, whale watching, and more. Be sure to check the park website in advance to be aware of any closures that might occur. When to Visit Channel Islands National Park has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and mild to warm, dry summers. Temperatures are consistently around the 65 degrees Fahrenheit range year round. The dry season, from April to October, is an ideal time to visit, especially towards the beginning and the end when crowds are lower. Ties to Stephen Mather The National Park Service considered establishing a national park in the Channel Islands as early as the 1920s, but Stephen Mather, who was director of the National Park Service at the time, thought a state park would be more fitting. Channel Islands National Monument was established in 1938, and it was redesignated as a national park in 1980. Fun Fact All eight of the Channel Islands became a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1976. Previous Next