Cherry; 1780-1800. Connecticut or Southern Massachusetts; 37 ¾” h. x 21” w. x 17 ¾” d. < Back Carved Ribbon-Back Armchair Second Floor - NW Sitting Room Furniture and Hard Furnishings Cherry; 1780-1800. Connecticut or Southern Massachusetts; 37 ¾” h. x 21” w. x 17 ¾” d. A curved and pierced crest rail over three conforming pierced slats or ribbons, curved arms, upholstered square seat, H-stretcher with recessed front stretcher, four straight tapered legs, molded at front. Condition: A well rendered example of this form however all four legs have been ended-out, a condition issue apparently known when the chair was purchased in 1964; otherwise in good refinished condition. Bertha McPherson stitched seat needlework. Previous Next

The Mather Homestead property originally consisted of 100 acres in 1778, which is what it took for a family to sustain itself. By 1906, when Stephen Tyng Mather acquired the property, it consisted of 22 acres. Stephen Mather hired Walter Burley Griffin, a renowned architect and landscape architect to create the sunken garden at the Homestead.

Author and Textile Designer Heather Ross brought her love of all things hand-made and resourceful living to MH. Heather is passionate about teaching new uses for the creative arts and skills that even the earliest residents of Mather Homestead relied upon. During HAND EMBROIDERY FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN, Heather will helped workshoppers develop their own personalized embroidery design, and demonstrated simple ways to complete a very special project to take home. ​ Heather Ross is an American illustrator, textile designer, and author. Much of her work explores themes of resourceful and creative living, the natural world, and handmade, drawing often on both her rural upbringing and an early career as a naturalist. She is known for her highly collectible textile designs and books written for the handmade and craft markets, and as the originator and host of a popular series of weekend craft retreats held around the country. Her critically acclaimed memoir, How To Catch a Frog, is based on her childhood and early success as an entrepreneur and designer. She has also illustrated numerous children’s books, including the award winning Fergus and Zeke series and the “Crafty Chloe” books, the latter a winner of the Kirkus Star, and is both author and illustrator BOYS, an Illustrated Field Guide. She is represented by Steven Malk of Writers House, and lives in New York City and the Catskill Mountains with her husband, daughter and dog. < Back Embroidery with Heather Ross - July 28, 2021 Author and Textile Designer Heather Ross brought her love of all things hand-made and resourceful living to MH. Heather is passionate about teaching new uses for the creative arts and skills that even the earliest residents of Mather Homestead relied upon. During HAND EMBROIDERY FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN, Heather will helped workshoppers develop their own personalized embroidery design, and demonstrated simple ways to complete a very special project to take home. Heather Ross is an American illustrator, textile designer, and author. Much of her work explores themes of resourceful and creative living, the natural world, and handmade, drawing often on both her rural upbringing and an early career as a naturalist. She is known for her highly collectible textile designs and books written for the handmade and craft markets, and as the originator and host of a popular series of weekend craft retreats held around the country. Her critically acclaimed memoir, How To Catch a Frog, is based on her childhood and early success as an entrepreneur and designer. She has also illustrated numerous children’s books, including the award winning Fergus and Zeke series and the “Crafty Chloe” books, the latter a winner of the Kirkus Star, and is both author and illustrator BOYS, an Illustrated Field Guide. She is represented by Steven Malk of Writers House, and lives in New York City and the Catskill Mountains with her husband, daughter and dog. Previous Next

Back by popular demand, the Con Fuoco String (Italian for “with fire”) Quartet returned to the Homestead. These accomplished young musicians performed an hour long program including Bethoven's String Quartet in C minor, Mozart's String Quartet in C Major and holiday music. < Back Con Fuoco String Quarter - December 5, 2021 Back by popular demand, the Con Fuoco String (Italian for “with fire”) Quartet returned to the Homestead. These accomplished young musicians performed an hour long program including Bethoven's String Quartet in C minor, Mozart's String Quartet in C Major and holiday music. Previous Next

The Mather Homestead was built in 1778 and has been impeccably preserved over two and a half centuries.

25 women created gorgeous Valentines arrangement while enjoying rosé prosecco, bon bons by Carolyn's Absolutely Fabulous Events, and time with friends old and new. Image courtesy of Mary Wade, Leap Year Images < Back Valentine's Flower Arranging - February 10, 2022 25 women created gorgeous Valentines arrangement while enjoying rosé prosecco, bon bons by Carolyn's Absolutely Fabulous Events, and time with friends old and new. Image courtesy of Mary Wade, Leap Year Images Previous Next

Tucson, AZ < Back Saguaro Tucson, AZ 1994 Established: Size: 91,716 acres Visitors: 908,194 in 2022 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

Southwestern Connecticut, possibly Milford area, 1775-1810 Maple, rush seat; 44 ½" h. x 19 ⅛" w. x 14 ½" d. < Back Molded Slat Back Side Chair Second Floor - SW Bedroom Furniture and Hard Furnishings Southwestern Connecticut, possibly Milford area, 1775-1810 Maple, rush seat; 44 ½" h. x 19 ⅛" w. x 14 ½" d. The black-painted turned chair has a downward-curving crest and stay rail that enclose four molded vertical slats between turned posts, each with two baluster turnings and finials. The turned front legs have rings between and above double turned front stretchers. Side and rear stretchers join the legs. Condition: Refinished, all feet have been ended-out by 2 ¾” Previous Next

Glacier County, MT < Back Glacier Glacier County, MT 1910 Established: Size: 1,013,322 acres Visitors: 2,908,458 in 2022 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

Hanging bracket over scalloped top ‘tulip’ with circular glass window, and diamond-shaped stem; 8” h. (including hanging bracket) x 4” w; circa 1800, Pennsylvania. < Back Carved and Painted Tulip-Form Watch Hutch with Elgin Pocket Watch Second Floor - SW Bedroom Other Decorative Arts Hanging bracket over scalloped top ‘tulip’ with circular glass window, and diamond-shaped stem; 8” h. (including hanging bracket) x 4” w; circa 1800, Pennsylvania. Watch box appears to be in original condition; red-painted surface has darkened to brown and is blistered and peeling; resinous pine. Pocket watch: Containing an Elgin pocket watch with a silvered case, white dial; circa last quarter 19th century (working condition of watch unknown). Previous Next

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