Including: 1) Intricate pattern of interlocking striped straps/ squares; 4’ 4” x 5’ 4”. 2) Polychrome pattern of blue squares, green leaves, pink and white stars; 2’ 10” x 4’ 6”. 3) Polychrome pattern with octagons, pink, crème, and grey. < Back Three American Hooked Rugs with Geometric Patterns Second Floor - SE Bedroom Other Decorative Arts Including: 1) Intricate pattern of interlocking striped straps/ squares; 4’ 4” x 5’ 4”. 2) Polychrome pattern of blue squares, green leaves, pink and white stars; 2’ 10” x 4’ 6”. 3) Polychrome pattern with octagons, pink, crème, and grey. 1) Condition is good. 2) Condition is good. 3) Condition is poor, faded and worn. All rugs handmade; wool and cotton; all dating to the late 19th/early 20th century. By family record, three rugs described above were purchased in 1931. Previous Next

Local Revolutionary War buff, Eric Chandler, educated our audience about the Spies of the Revolutionary War! < Back Brown Bag Lecture - Cloak and Dagger: The Revolution's Secret War! Local Revolutionary War buff, Eric Chandler, educated our audience about the Spies of the Revolutionary War! Previous Next

Pair of lemon-top brass and wrought iron andirons, 20” h. x 18” l. Two double lemon-top brass and wrought iron fire tools, tongs, 34”, shovel, 31”. Pair of lemon-top brass jamb hooks, 3” d. Pierced brass fender, 7 ½” h. x 57” l. Pair of brass candle scones w/ punchwork, 10” x 3 ¾” (dining room) < Back Fireplace Implements and Tools First Floor - Parlor Other Decorative Arts Pair of lemon-top brass and wrought iron andirons, 20” h. x 18” l. Two double lemon-top brass and wrought iron fire tools, tongs, 34”, shovel, 31”. Pair of lemon-top brass jamb hooks, 3” d. Pierced brass fender, 7 ½” h. x 57” l. Pair of brass candle scones w/ punchwork, 10” x 3 ¾” (dining room) Objects described above date to early 19th century and early 20th century; some reproductions. Condition of all objects is good. Previous Next

Cuyahoga County, OH < Back Cuyahoga Valley Cuyahoga County, OH 2000 Established: Size: 32,783 acres Visitors: 2,913,312 in 2022 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

10 mi S of Miami, FL < Back Biscayne 10 mi S of Miami, FL 1980 Established: Size: 172,971 acres Visitors: 701,023 in 2022 Summary Biscayne National Park, located in southeastern Florida, encompasses a stunning mosaic of tropical waters, coral reefs, and lush mangrove forests, making it a haven for marine life and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Stretching over 170,000 acres, this diverse ecosystem offers opportunities for snorkeling, diving, boating, and wildlife watching. Its vibrant coral reefs, teeming with colorful fish and other marine creatures, provide a captivating underwater experience. Additionally, the park's mangrove shoreline serves as a crucial habitat for various bird species and acts as a protective buffer against storms and erosion. With its unique blend of natural beauty and ecological significance, Biscayne National Park stands as a cherished gem of Florida's natural heritage. Wildlife Biscayne National Park boasts a rich tapestry of wildlife, both above and below its crystalline waters. Beneath the surface, vibrant coral reefs teem with an array of marine life, including parrotfish, angelfish, and spiny lobsters, while gentle manatees and sleek bottlenose dolphins glide through its turquoise channels. Above the waterline, the park's mangrove forests provide refuge for an array of bird species, such as ospreys, herons, and pelicans, while colorful butterflies and elusive marsh rabbits add to the tapestry of biodiversity. With its diverse habitats and abundant wildlife, Biscayne National Park offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the wonders of the natural world. Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors to Biscayne National Park can enjoy boating, canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, camping, and more. Note that the park is 95% water, so many typical "on land" activities available at most other national parks will not be available at Biscayne, or will only be on islands accessible by boat. When to Visit Biscayne National Park has a tropical savanna climate, typical of South Florida. Summers are hot, humid, and rainy, while winters are warm and dry. Weather in the dry season (November-March) is most pleasant, so it is the best time to visit. To avoid crowds, consider visiting during the week rather than the weekend, and make sure to plan your visit in advance. Ties to Stephen Mather During Stephen Mather's time, what is now Biscayne National Park was not yet established as a national park. The land was home to the Cocolobo Bay Club, an elite private club that hosted several presidents, senators, and businessmen in the 1920s and 30s. Fun Fact Biscayne's largest island, Elliott Key, is considered the northernmost key in the Florida Keys. Previous Next

Participants created their holiday wreath, garland or centerpiece using live greenery and other decorative elements. Mather flower arranging guru Maeve McGovern demonstrated greenery techniques and helped participants create their original creations while enjoying a cocktail and time with friends. < Back Holiday Greenery - December 1, 2021 Participants created their holiday wreath, garland or centerpiece using live greenery and other decorative elements. Mather flower arranging guru Maeve McGovern demonstrated greenery techniques and helped participants create their original creations while enjoying a cocktail and time with friends. Previous Next

D.W. Kellogg and Co., Hartford, Connecticut, dated 1843. Lithograph on paper, watercolor, ink 12 ⅜" h. x 15" w. (sight), 17" h. x 22 ¼" w. (frame) < Back Hand-colored Memorial Print for Joseph and Sarah Mather Second Floor - SE Bedroom Other Decorative Arts D.W. Kellogg and Co., Hartford, Connecticut, dated 1843. Lithograph on paper, watercolor, ink 12 ⅜" h. x 15" w. (sight), 17" h. x 22 ¼" w. (frame) A large funeral urn in the center with a green willow tree in the rear ground, a grieving woman in black gown at the right. Multicolored painted flowers and foreground. In ink LC: Joseph Mather who died / Feb 29th 1840 / Aged 86 years 7 months / And of / Sarah Mather his wife / who died Aug 27th 1840 / Aged 85 years 6 months. Front of memorial pedestal printed: TO THE / MEMORY / OF Condition note: Matte that should be replaced by acid-free matte. Previous Next

New England; first half 19th century. Maple; 43” h. x 40 ½” w. x 80” l. < Back Single Bedstead with “Cannonball” Finials Second Floor - NE Bedroom and Hallway Furniture and Hard Furnishings New England; first half 19th century. Maple; 43” h. x 40 ½” w. x 80” l. A solid curved headboard and four posts of equal size; quadruple ring and vase turnings with 3” ball finials, and medial turned post at the foot. Condition is good. 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

New England, 1720-1750. Maple, white pine; 24" h. x 27 ⅛" w. x 17 ¼" d. (top) < Back Tavern Table First Floor - Keeping Room Furniture and Hard Furnishings New England, 1720-1750. Maple, white pine; 24" h. x 27 ⅛" w. x 17 ¼" d. (top) A rectangular overhanging pine top with worn thumbnail molded edge; some rosehead nails and other fasteners. Turned tapered legs, box stretchers and worn ball feet. Table was stripped of original finish and given a clear coating, but otherwise original condition. Previous Next

1) Green-painted (Boston-type) Sheraton rocking chair; 21” h. x 12” w. 2) Black-painted, solid crest with one slat, caned seat; 8 ½” h. x 10 ½” w. 3) Wooden baby cradle, solid form; 15” h. x 35” w. < Back Two Child Chairs and Rocking Baby Cradle Attic Furniture and Hard Furnishings 1) Green-painted (Boston-type) Sheraton rocking chair; 21” h. x 12” w. 2) Black-painted, solid crest with one slat, caned seat; 8 ½” h. x 10 ½” w. 3) Wooden baby cradle, solid form; 15” h. x 35” w. 1) Solid crest rail and seat, turned spindles, legs; paint decoration a later addition as restoration. 3) stripped of earlier paint. Both chairs dating to first quarter 19th century, cradle may be somewhat earlier; condition is good given age and use. Previous Next

KIDS PROGRAMS Bringing History to Life! UPCOMING EVENTS FOR KIDS Election Day Camp for Young Creators, K-5 Nov 03, 2026, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Spend the day creating art inspired by the original WPA National Parks posters. Children will go home with four gorgeous projects as well as a little knowledge about our National Parks, the WPA, and how The Mather Homestead is part of the National Parks story. For students in grades K-5. Buy Tickets KIDS PROGRAMS In addition to kids and family events which happen throughout the year, including Fall Harvest Festival, Night at the Museum, Book Club with Samantha and more, we offer custom programs for group visits. Home School groups, Pre School Field Trips, Play Groups, Scout troops etc. - we will customize to the ages of your group, season, interests, etc. Call us to schedule! "Escape the Tories" The Mather Homestead during Revolutionary Times Kids will learn about the Revolutionary War, a time when Tories came across the Long Island Sound to raid homes in Darien, then Middlesex Parish. Includes: - Tour of the 1778 home - Scavenger Hunt or "Escape the Tories" (depending on age) - Craft our outdoor games "Colonial Living" The Sustainable/Homesteading lifestyle during Colonial Times Kids will learn about how people lived back in Colonial Times when Joseph and Sarah Mather built the Mather Homestead (1778) on 100 acres of farmland. Includes: - Visit to the Mather "keeping room" where Sarah Mather baked bread in the beehive oven for her 11 children. - Interactive presentation with workbook in the barn. - Homesteading stations: candle making, embroidery, butter making. - Dress up in the playhouse and Colonial games. "Become a Junior Ranger" The National Parks & Stephen Mather Kids will learn about the National Parks and Stephen Mather's important role in creating the National Park Service and the system of 63 parks that we enjoy today. They will earn a "Stephen Mather Junior Ranger Badge". Includes: - Interactive presentation about the National Parks with workbook - Fun games - Walk through Mather Meadows - Craft, e.g., leaf painting "Become a Junior Docent" We invite kids to learn an abbreviated tour of the house and then to lead others through the house! We will provid e you with tour materials and you invite your family/friends to tour. "Tea Party!" Kids will drink tea, nibble on scones and other goodies, and learn about etiquette, e.g., what to do with that pinkie finger! After tea, we'll do a craft and, play tea party games and read "How to Behave at a Tea Party". Tea party in the garden, weather permitting, or in the barn. All programs are $30/child, up to 20 children per visit. 1 1/2 hours. Mutually agreeable time. Please contact Cristi Mohr at cristimohr@matherhomestead.org to plan a group visit. Click here to test your knowledge at KIDS CORNER Past Kids Events