The Mather Homestead Foundation relies on contributions from community members who are dedicated to the preservation of the Mather Homestead and its important and unique place in Darien's history. Donations support the following: Ongoing maintenance of the Mather Homestead and property, Educational programs, Public tours, and Oversight of the Mather Homestead. HELP US BRING HISTORY TO LIFE! The Mather Homestead Foundation relies on its generous supporters to fund the ongoing operations of the Homestead as well as special projects related to preservation and beautification. We also rely on our volunteers who generously offer their time - get involved! The Mather Homestead Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All gifts to the Mather Homestead are considered tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Annual Fund The Mather Homestead relies on annual contributions from our Mather friends who recognize the importance of the Mather Homestead in our local and national history and are dedicated to the preservation of the 1778 home and surrounding seven acres as a place for historical education. SUPPORT Membership When you become a member of the Homestead your support our mission and help us secure our future. Members enjoy discounted/free tickets to events and free private tours. SUPPORT 1778 Restoration Project In 2022, the Mather Homestead Foundation completed a "Condition Assessment" of the historic house and other buildings on the property. The resulting 152 page document concluded that while the ~250 year old house was well maintained by the Mather-McPherson family, there is still much work to be done to keep the house in shape with projects totaling $400 - $500K. SUPPORT Beautification The Mather Homestead property was originally 100 acres of farmland. The property now consists of seven acres, surrounded by Land Trust property which was also part of the Mather farm. In 2023, The Mather Homestead Foundation hired Heritage Landscapes to conduct a Cultural Landscape Report of the property. The report will provide a better understanding of the property, its history and usage, and inform a Master Plan for the future. The Mather-McPherson family has seeded a fund which will enable us to execute our Master Plan. Please consider a gift to help us plant and beautify the property! Our goal is to create a park like setting to be enjoyed by the community. SUPPORT Sponsor The Mather Homestead Foundation offers many opportunities for sponsorship and appreciates the support of our business sponsors 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. SUPPORT Planned Giving We appreciate individuals who will consider the Mather Homestead in their giving plans through bequest, life insurance beneficiary or trust. Help us to secure the future of the Mather Homestead for another 250 years! SUPPORT Volunteer We welcome the help of volunteers and offer many wants to get involved - join us as a docent, lend us your green thumb, help us plan events ... and more! Thank you to our volunteers! VOLUNTEER T hank you to the McPherson Family The Mather Homestead Foundation thanks the McPherson family (descendants of the Mather Family) for their generous contribution of the Mather Homestead and its six acres of property in 2017, plus an additional acre of property in 2021, for the benefit of the Darien community. The family has maintained and preserved the Mather Homestead for over two and a half centuries. Now, future generations will enjoy the homestead and be educated about its important place in Darien's rich history. Thank you to the Chilton Family The Mather Homestead Foundation thanks the Chilton family whose generous contributions have made possible the creation of the Mather Homestead Foundation in 2017, the building of the Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center in 2020, the seeding of the new endowment in 2021 which will ensure the long time sustainability of the Mather Homestead, and the creation of the Stephen Tyng Mather exhibit in 2022. Thank you to The Darien Foundation The Darien Foundation proudly supports The Stephen Mather Foundation. "Whether a harvest festival for families or a scholarly lecture over tea in the garden, Mather caters to a range of ages and local constituencies, preserving the past and making history relevant to the future." - Sarah Woodberry, Executive Director, The Darien Foundation Thank you to our grantors We are grateful to CT Humanities, the 1772 Foundation & Preservation CT, Baywater Properties and the First County Bank Foundation for their generous support of the Mather Homestead. T hank you to our Lead Sponsors The Mather Homestead Foundation appreciates the support of Rings End, in kind donor to the 1778 House Restoration Project and BMW of Darien, lead sponsor of the Fall Harvest Festival. Many other sponsors have contributed to various events and projects and we are very grateful. Thank you to our Donors! The Mather Homestead Foundation appreciates the support of the 600 donors who have supported us since inception in 2017. We hope you will help us continue to "bring history to life!" 2024 supporters below.

The Mather Homestead was proud to host the first Darien Alumni Art Show showcasing the works of local young artists. < Back Darien Alumni Art Show 2021 The Mather Homestead was proud to host the first Darien Alumni Art Show showcasing the works of local young artists. Previous Next

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. < Back 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. Previous Next

The Mather Homestead is bringing history to life through educational programs designed for all ages. Come for an event or tour to learn more about the rich history of the Mather family and their home. HOMESTEAD HAPPENINGS There's lots happening at the Homestead! We are bringing history to life through lectures , literary workshops , kids learning & fun , family events including historic reenactments , art-at-mather , music-at-mather , field trips and more! Fall Harvest Festival, Presented by BMW of Darien Oct 24, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM More info RSVP Lecture from Former National Park Service Director Chuck Sams and the Official Unveiling of the Stephen Mather Plaque Oct 29, 2026, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM More info RSVP Election Day Camp for Young Creators, K-5 Nov 03, 2026, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM More info RSVP Field Trip to Hamilton Grange National Memorial Nov 12, 2026, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM More info RSVP Holiday Ornament Homesteading Finishing Class Nov 15, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM More info RSVP Our National Parks: Past, Present, and Future Panel Discussion Nov 19, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM More info RSVP Holiday Wreath Making at 5:30 PM or 7:30 PM Dec 02, 2026, 5:30 PM More info RSVP Watch The Mather Legacy: An American Story Multiple Dates and Times More info Details Book a Tour T-Th 9a to 2p More info RSVP Vinyasa Yoga with Mary Ann Wednesday/Saturday 9:30a More info RSVP

Natural dyes; circa 1800; New England. < Back Two American Linsey-Woolsey “Summer-Winter” Coverlets Second Floor - Guest Room Other Decorative Arts Natural dyes; circa 1800; New England. Both with a top layer of indigo-dyed wool, the bottom layer of buff linen, one quilted in an interlocking circular pattern; one quilted in feather or leaf pattern with separate flat pillow cover; 84” x 76”, the larger. Remarkably good condition overall with few small repairs. Previous Next

Budding artists chose scenes from the Mather Homestead to see and draw, then painted in the barn. < Back Paint & Sip - Feb. 21, 2023 Budding artists chose scenes from the Mather Homestead to see and draw, then painted in the barn. Previous Next

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. < Back The Barn Listen to Audio Tour for this location: 00:00 / 01:26 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. Image Gallery A photo of the barn today, as the Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center A photograph of the barn built by Joseph Wakeman Mather and William F. Mather, circa 1900 A photo of the barn and garage in 1974 Site Description Joseph Mather and William Mather, his brother, who were both grandson's of Deacon Joseph Mather, constructed a new barn 120 feet west of the house in 1891 to replace the prior structure which dated back to the late 1770s. In 1905 the barn was destroyed by a fire. The pond currently known as ‘Mathers Pond’ had recently been let down in order to repair a dam downstream. Without a supply of water, the barn burned to the ground. A cow was saved, but the fire killed two horses, destroyed the greenhouse as well as a Ford automobile. The first did not damage the other structures on the property. In 1927, Stephen Mather built a new barn which remained on the property until 2020 when it was replaced with the new Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center. The new barn structure houses lectures, school groups, art exhibits and more, supporting the Mather Homestead’s vision of becoming a preeminent center for historical education in Fairfield County. The 1800 square foot structure resembles an 18th century dairy barn on the exterior with an open interior floor plan in order to maximize the opportunity for gatherings of up to 130 people. Please proceed to the Site #8: The Root Cellar. Previous Next

Maple and cherry; 26” h. x 16 ½” d. Last quarter 18th century. < Back Small New England Pedestal Candlestand Second Floor - NE Bedroom and Hallway Furniture and Hard Furnishings Maple and cherry; 26” h. x 16 ½” d. Last quarter 18th century. With a circular top over a turned pillar (or pedestal), ending in plain (or snake) feet. Good refinished condition; original or early red paint was removed when refinished in 1927; original painted finish would have greater value. Refinished by Fred Denson, Greenwich, 1927. Previous Next

White with green and blue decorated triangular ‘hedge’ around rim, painted gold stars on rippled body form; 7” h. x 9” w. < Back Castleford Staffordshire Pottery Teapot with Swan Finial First Floor - Parlor Ceramics and Glass and Objects of Vertu White with green and blue decorated triangular ‘hedge’ around rim, painted gold stars on rippled body form; 7” h. x 9” w. Condition is fair with spout end broken and break on rim; no mark found; circa 1800-1810. Previous Next

Thank you for visiting the Mather Homestead! < Back The End Listen to Audio Tour for this location: 00:00 / 00:32 Thank you for visiting the Mather Homestead! Image Gallery Site Description This is the end of our tour. Thanks for visiting and we hope you enjoyed it. The Mather Homestead offers many educational events and opportunities to participate. Here is a link to the many events that are planned and we hope you can join us: https://www.matherhomestead.org/happenings The Foundation depends on donations - here are ways to provide support: https://www.matherhomestead.org/support THANK YOU! Previous Next

A Revolutionary Day featuring Sheldon's Horse: the Second Regiment Light Dragoons! Calvary drills, crafts, live music, tours of the Homestead and Revolutionary education and fun! < Back A Revolutionary Day featuring Sheldon's Horse - April 27, 2024 A Revolutionary Day featuring Sheldon's Horse: the Second Regiment Light Dragoons! Calvary drills, crafts, live music, tours of the Homestead and Revolutionary education and fun! Previous Next

Southern New England, 1770-1800. Cherry, rush seat; 38 ¼" h. x 18 ¾" w. x 20" d. < Back Pair of Side Chairs Second Floor - SE Bedroom Furniture and Hard Furnishings Southern New England, 1770-1800. Cherry, rush seat; 38 ¼" h. x 18 ¾" w. x 20" d. The rush-seated chairs with an eared crest rail over a pierced splat in interlacing strap design, tenoned into a stay rail; rush seat, straight Marlborough front legs joined by box stretchers, the rear one of which is turned. Legs and stretchers with beaded edges. Previous Next