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< Back American Poetry with Samantha Gault: Inaugural Poems Weds., Jan 19, 7 pm, parlor, $20/$15 members One year after Amanda Gorman's memorable reading of "The Hill We Climb" we'll look at the cultural impact of her poem and read it alongside the inaugural poems of Maya Angelou, Miller Williams, Elizabeth Alexander, and Richard Blanco.... perhaps Frost too Previous Next

2,600 mi SW of Honolulu, HI < Back American Samoa 2,600 mi SW of Honolulu, HI 1988 Established: Size: 8,256.67 acres Visitors: 28,626 in 2018 Summary American Samoa National Park, located in the South Pacific Ocean, encompasses pristine tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and volcanic landscapes across three main islands: Tutuila, Taʻū, and Ofu. This unique park offers visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Samoan people, as well as stunning natural beauty. With rugged coastlines, white sandy beaches, and lush forests, the park provides opportunities for hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore ancient Polynesian villages, learn about traditional Samoan culture, and experience the warm hospitality of the local community. American Samoa National Park is not only a sanctuary for diverse marine and terrestrial ecosystems but also a place of cultural significance, where nature and tradition come together in harmony. Wildlife American Samoa National Park is home to a diverse array of marine and terrestrial wildlife, thriving in its tropical rainforests and coral reefs. Beneath the waves, vibrant coral reefs teem with colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers. Along the shores, endangered species like the green sea turtle find refuge, while seabirds soar above the cliffs and coastal areas. Inland, the park's lush rainforests harbor native bird species such as the rare and endemic Samoan moa, as well as fruit bats, lizards, and insects. Despite its small size, the park boasts incredible biodiversity, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe and appreciate the wonders of the South Pacific's natural world. Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors to the National Park of American Samoa can go hiking, snorkeling, or birdwatching. To immerse visitors in local Samoan culture, visitors can partake in the Homestay program, staying with a local family instead of at a hotel (though as of 2024, this program is unavailable until further notice). When to Visit American Samoa has a tropical climate with warm weather year round (around 80 degrees Fahrenheit on average). Though no time of year is truly free from rain, the dry season occurs from around May to October. Since the middle part of the dry season (June-August) tends to be busier, the best time to visit the National Park of American Samoa would be either early or late in the dry season (either May or September-October). Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact The National Park of American Samoa is the only unit of land operated by the National Park Service to be located in the Southern Hemisphere. 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

With sloped shoulders, a white ground with central polychrome flower spray and flower finial on lid; 5 ¼” h. < Back Chinese Export Porcelain Tea Caddy with Lid First Floor - Parlor Ceramics and Glass and Objects of Vertu With sloped shoulders, a white ground with central polychrome flower spray and flower finial on lid; 5 ¼” h. Condition is good; some loss of gilt decoration; unmarked; circa 1790. Previous Next

Probably Connecticut, 1750-1800. Tulip poplar; 18 ¾" h. x 6 ¼" w. x 4 ¼" d. < Back Pipe Box with One Drawer First Floor - Keeping Room Other Decorative Arts Probably Connecticut, 1750-1800. Tulip poplar; 18 ¾" h. x 6 ¼" w. x 4 ¼" d. Tall rectangular box tapers slightly from its molded base to the open top with broken-ogee cutting. A shaped tang at the top of the backboard has a hole for hanging. Lower drawer with brass pull; “DW” is scratched into the drawer bottom. This is a classic New England pipe box in old surface. Containing two reproduction white clay pipes and pipe pieces from Colonial Williamsburg and Germany; longest 16” l. Previous Next

Everglades City, FL < Back Everglades Everglades City, FL 1934 Established: Size: 1,508,976 acres Visitors: 1,155,193 in 2022 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

We learned the art of hand-sewn improvisational patchwork quilting from quilt maker, fabric designer, and author Denyse Schmidt! < Back Modern Patchwork Quilting with Denyse Schmidt - Feb. 1, 2023 We learned the art of hand-sewn improvisational patchwork quilting from quilt maker, fabric designer, and author Denyse Schmidt! Previous Next

... as told by Gordon Hastings < Back The Story of the Mather Homestead ... ... as told by Gordon Hastings 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 many opportunities for sponsorship and appreciates the support of our businesses who have contributed with financial and in kind donations. Donors are recognized in various ways - through our events, social media and publicity, and signage at the Homestead. SPONSOR OPPORTUNITY GARDEN TEA 2025 Our fifth annual Garden Tea on May 22, 2025 will feature beverages in the historic garden, followed by hearty tea boxes on the lawn, and lecture in the barn featuring Fred Landman of Sleepy Cat Farm in Greenwich. MORE about the event. The Garden Tea will raise funds for property enhancement projects identified in a recent master plan for the property created by Heritage Landscapes. We proudly recognize our sponsors both in advance of an at the tea event. We also seek in-kind donations to our raffle. Sponsorship offers a great marketing opportunity with the 150+ attendees! $5,000 Presenting Sponsor 8 Garden Tea Tickets Garden Tea "presented by xxx" Banner on corner of Brookside & Stephen Mather Roads recognizing sponsor with logo Product placement at event Company logo/name prominently displayed at the Garden Tea Recognition on website and social media - dedicated, boosted post $2,500 Rose 4 Garden Tea Tickets Company logo/name prominently displayed at the Garden Tea Recognition on website and social media - dedicated, boosted post Company promotional material included in gift bag $1,000 Tulip 2 Garden Tea Tickets Company logo/name prominently displayed at the Garden Tea Recognition on website and social media - dedicated, boosted post Company promotional material included in gift bag $500 Lily 1 Garden Tea Ticket Company name listed on website, social media and at event Recognition on website and social media Company business card included in gift bag $250 Daffodil Company name listed on website, social media and at event Company business card included in gift bag SPONSOR PAYMENT via CC THANK YOU TO OUR PAST SPONSORS! 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! 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! 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 .

St. Nicholas returned for a third visit to the Homestead. Ho ho ho! Click "read more" for photos by George Foster. < Back A Visit from St. Nicholas - December 10, 2022 St. Nicholas returned for a third visit to the Homestead. Ho ho ho! Click "read more" for photos by George Foster. 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

Including: Five plates, 7 ¼” d. Six (each) coffee cups and saucers, 5 ¾” d. (saucers). 6 cup plates, 4 ½” d. Teapot, 8” h. Creamer, 6 ¼” h. Lidded sugar bowl, 7 /4” h. Bowl, 6 ½” d. Circa 1845-1865. < Back White Porcelain “Old Wedding Ring” Tea Service First Floor - Dining Room Ceramics and Glass and Objects of Vertu Including: Five plates, 7 ¼” d. Six (each) coffee cups and saucers, 5 ¾” d. (saucers). 6 cup plates, 4 ½” d. Teapot, 8” h. Creamer, 6 ¼” h. Lidded sugar bowl, 7 /4” h. Bowl, 6 ½” d. Circa 1845-1865. White porcelain with gold trim around rims, handles, and finials; unmarked, French manufacture; 27 pieces total; condition is good. Previous Next