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Our first exhibit in the Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center explores the life and legacy of Stephen Tyng Mather (1867-1930), the first Director of the National Park Service and the owner of the Homestead from 1906 to 1930. Stephen Mather's legacy is memorialized on over 70 plaques in parks and other places across the U.S., including the Mather Homestead. STEPHEN MATHER AND THE NATIONAL PARKS 2023 EXHIBIT Our first exhibit in the Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center explores the life and legacy of Stephen Tyng Mather (1867-1930), the first Director of the National Park Service and the owner of the Homestead from 1906 to 1930. Stephen Mather's legacy is memorialized on over 70 plaques in parks and other places across the U.S., including the Mather Homestead. The plaque reads: He laid the foundation of the national park service, defining and establishing the policies under which its areas shall be developed and conserved unimpaired for future generations. There will never come an end to the good that he has done. The exhibit is open by appointment. Please email info@matherhomestead.org The main exhibit is geared towards adults but our "Kids Corner" has learning and fun for kids of all ages. Many thanks to the exhibit sponsors (right)!

Thomas S. Derby (c. 1786-1852; working 1812-1852). Middletown, Connecticut, 1835-1850 < Back Pewter Teapot First Floor - Dining Room Ceramics and Glass and Objects of Vertu Thomas S. Derby (c. 1786-1852; working 1812-1852). Middletown, Connecticut, 1835-1850 The wide-bellied teapot with narrow flared neck; a hinged conical lid with button finial. The S-curved spout opposes the C-scroll handle; resting on a narrow flared foot. Maker’s touchmark: T.S.DERBY at center outside bottom. An engraved inscription added at some undocumented time reads: Joseph Mather / AND Sarah Scott / Married May 29-1777. Explanation for engraving: Commemorating the marriage of Joseph Mather (1753-1840) and Sarah Scott (1758-1843), who together had 10 surviving children.] Previous Next

The Mather Family has a long history in New England and is traced back to Lowton, Lancaster, England. The Reverend Richard Mather (1596-1669) and his wife, Catherine, and four children, Samuel, Timothy, Nathaniel, and Joseph, traveled to New England on the ship James in 1635. THE EARLY MATHER FAMILY The Mather Family has a long history in New England and is traced back to Lowton, Lancaster, England. The Reverend Richard Mather (1596-1669) and his wife, Catherine, and four children, Samuel, Timothy, Nathaniel and Joseph, traveled to New England on the James in 1635, fifteen years after the Mayflower set sail. They were part of the very first mass immigration to America in what would later be called The Great Migration taking place between 1630 and 1635. Over that time some 20,000 people, mostly Puritans seeking relief from the persecution of King Charles, left England bound for the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The Mather family established a homestead in Dorcester near Boston and quickly became part of the religious community there. After their arrival in America, Richard and his new wife Sarah, who he married in 1656, had two more sons, the youngest being Increase Mather. Increase Mather, and his son, Cotton, were Harvard-educated Puritan ministers. They were both well known intellectuals. They were also known for their involvement in the Salem Witch Trials in 1692-93. Richard and Catherine’s son, Timothy, born in 1628, is the great-great grandfather of Deacon Joseph Mather. Unlike four of his brothers, Timothy did not become a minister. To this day, his descendants refer to him as “The Farmer Mather.” His son, Richard, moved to Lyme, Connecticut where he established a family farm. Richard named his son, Timothy after his grandfather. Captain Timothy served with the colonists in the wars with the Pequot Indians. His son, Moses Mather, grew up on the family farm, but was not destined to become another Mather farmer. He enrolled at Yale in New Haven and graduated in 1739 and became a Congregational Minister. In 1739 Moses struck out to what was then Stamford, Connecticut, in an area now known as Darien. Moses had broken from the long standing Puritanism of his ancestor as had many New England clergy seeking greater freedom of religious expression and was ordained a Congregational Minister. He built a farmhouse in Darien and shortly thereafter was installed as the pastor of the First Congregational Church in Darien that had been erected in 1740. During his 60 year tenure as the pastor of the First Congregational Church, Moses was an outspoken early firebrand for the cause of independence. Moses' son, Deacon Joseph Mather married Sarah Scott of Ridgefield and inherited approximately 100 acres from his mother in 1778 and built the Mather Homestead that we know today. In this house, Joseph and Sarah raised 11 children. Three generations later, the home was owned by Stephen Mather, who we all know as the Founder of the National Park Service. In 2017, Stephen's grandchildren, Anne Floy McPherson Tracy, Stephen Mather McPherson and Jane McPherson Nickerson, generously donated the Mather Homestead to the Mather Homestead Foundation in order for it to be preserved as a historical place for education and enjoyment.

Edmonson County, KY < Back Mammoth Cave Edmonson County, KY 1941 Established: Size: 52,830 acres Visitors: 533,206 in 2018 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact 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