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Fayetteville, WV < Back New River Gorge Fayetteville, WV 2020 Established: Size: 72,808 acres Visitors: 1,593,523 in 2022 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK < Back Kenai Fjords Kenai Peninsula Borough, AK 1980 Established: Size: 669,984 acres Visitors: 321,596 in 2018 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

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

The National Parks: America's Best Idea < Back Dayton Duncan - September 11, 2022 The National Parks: America's Best Idea Previous Next

145 mi NE of El Paso, TX < Back Carlsbad Caverns 145 mi NE of El Paso, TX 1930 Established: Size: 46,766 acres Visitors: 440,691 in 2019 Summary Carlsbad Caverns National Park, located in southeastern New Mexico, is a subterranean wonderland renowned for its vast underground chambers, intricate limestone formations, and awe-inspiring caverns. The park's centerpiece, Carlsbad Cavern, features an extensive network of caverns adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and draperies, creating a surreal landscape unlike any other. Visitors can explore the caverns via self-guided or ranger-led tours, marveling at the sheer size and beauty of these underground marvels. Above ground, the park's desert landscape provides habitat for a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, bats, and a diverse array of bird species. Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers a unique blend of geological wonders and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Wildlife Carlsbad Caverns National Park, while renowned for its breathtaking underground wonders, also boasts a diverse array of wildlife thriving in its above-ground desert ecosystem. Visitors to the park may encounter mammals such as mule deer, coyotes, and foxes roaming the rugged terrain, while birdwatchers can spot a variety of avian species, including roadrunners, hawks, and numerous migratory birds. One of the park's most notable inhabitants is its bat population, with several species calling the caverns home. Each evening, from spring to fall, thousands of bats emerge from the caverns in a spectacular display of nature's splendor. Additionally, the park is home to reptiles such as lizards and snakes, as well as insects and other small creatures adapted to the desert environment. Exploring Carlsbad Caverns National Park offers not only a glimpse into its stunning geological formations but also an opportunity to appreciate the resilience and diversity of its wildlife. Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors to Carlsbad Caverns National Park can enjoy exploring the cave, or above ground, hiking, stargazing, or bat watching. Note that timed entry permits are required to enter the cavern, and reservations are strongly recommended. When to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park has a semi-arid climate with hot summers, mild winters, and relatively scant precipitation year-round. The transitional seasons of spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) present pleasantly warm weather and are an ideal time to visit, though the park may be more crowded than in other times of the year. To avoid crowds, consider visiting in the middle of the week rather than the weekend, and plan your visit well in advance. Ties to Stephen Mather Carlsbad Cave National Monument, the park's predecessor, was established in 1923, during Mather's tenure as Director of the National Park Service. It was formally established in May 1930, less than four months after Stephen Mather's death. Carlsbad Caverns National Park has a Stephen Mather plaque, located on a limestone wall next to the Cavern Foot Trail entrance. Fun Fact Carlsbad Cavern's "Big Room" is the largest cavern chamber in North America, standing at 4000 feet long, 625 feet long, and up to 255 feet high. Previous Next

Tuolumne County, CA < Back Yosemite Tuolumne County, CA 1890 Established: Size: 759,620 acres Visitors: 3,897,070 in 2023 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

Kids made cookies for santa and nibbles for the reindeer and played fun holiday games! Local author Steve Bowling read "Calvin the Christmas Tree" to the young audience. < Back Cookies & Cocoa - December 23, 2022 Kids made cookies for santa and nibbles for the reindeer and played fun holiday games! Local author Steve Bowling read "Calvin the Christmas Tree" to the young audience. Previous Next

The Mather Homestead Foundation seeks to enhance its programming for children. Our historic playhouse was enjoyed by generations of Mathers but is now in disrepair. Our goal is to renovate the playhouse to be the cornerstone for future generations of children who will come to learn and play. All donors contributing $250 or more will be recognized at our renovated playhouse! Huge thanks to Rings End and Dan Lamontagne who are providing materials and labor! PLAYHOUSE RENOVATION PROJECT The Mather Homestead Foundation recently completed the historic renovation of the playhouse which was enjoyed by generations of Mathers. The playhouse can now be a place of learning and play for future generations of children. We are still accepting donations! ALL DONORS CONTRIBUTING $250 OR MORE WILL BE RECOGNIZED AT OUR RENOVATED PLAYHOUSE! ** PLEASE NOTE: Any funds raised in excess of playhouse needs will be used to support restoration projects at the Main House. Donate via check: Please send check with memo "playhouse" to: The Mather Homestead Foundation 19 Stephen Mather Road Darien, CT 06820 THANK YOU TO OUR PLAYHOUSE SUPPORTERS! Huge thanks to Rings End and Dan Lamontagne who are providing some of the materials and labor! Leap Frog ($1,000) Baywater Properties Compass Barvida Hopscotch ($500) Alex and Robert Eising Andy and J ohn Hunt ington Ania and Michael Janis Paige and Tyler Kyle Mather Homestead Teen Board Pickup Sticks ($250) Marissa and Luke Andrews Allison and Scott Arneill Ingrid and William Bell Page and Stephen Berger Tasha and Thomas Blair Barclay and Scott Bowen Meredith and Banks Edwards Lauren Frank and Adam Frapart Sarah and Tom G uilbride Sarah and Br ian Hen derson Sally and Pat Houlih an Marissa and Patrick Khayat Allison and Brandon Kiss Stephanie and Cooper Kramer Julie and Matthew Mainelli Jessica and Cliff Merrill Ginger and Howard Morgan Kate and Matt Piselli Heather and Todd Raker Whitney and Alex Ranson Michelle and Rich Riley Lauren and Doug Ryder Heather and Jason Stricker Lauren and Harris Swenson Abby and Erik Ward Tokeneke Girl Scouts Troop Other Donors (under $250) Samantha Small

< Back Valentines Flower Arranging Thurs.,, Feb. 10, 7 pm Back by popular demand, another night of flower arranging and fun! Sip on rosé Prosecco (other options available too) and eat bon bons while creating your very own Valentines masterpiece to take home. Includes all materials and, of course, sips. $85 pp. Tables of 6 $240. Previous Next

The Homestead was built in 1778 by Deacon Joseph Mather during the Revolutionary War as a safe house and raided by the Tories in 1781. REVOLUTIONARY WAR TIMES The Mather Homestead was built in 1778, during the Revolutionary War, by Deacon Joseph Mather, a deacon in Middlesex Parish. It was built as a "safe house" in a location thought to be far from incoming British soldiers, who raided towns along the Connecticut shoreline in order to wipe out ammunition reserves of the Continental Army and steal the valuables of the local residents. Not only were residents threatened by the British soldiers, but also by the many Tory spies who sided with the British. While they hoped the home would be safe from Tories, they nonetheless hid valuables in the house and the outdoor water well. Unfortunately, with the help of Tory spies, the British found their way to the home with bayonets in search of valuables. The raiders found nearly 100 pounds of silver and clothing which were hidden in the well. They even forced Sarah Mather to cook for them! However, they did not find the silver flatware that was hidden in the "high-boy" chest dresser that still resides in the dining room of the home. Deacon Joseph Mather was son of the Reverend Dr. Moses Mather, an important figure in Darien's history. Moses Mather, a graduate of the Yale, was hired as the first minister of Middlesex Parish Church, now the First Congregational Church of Darien, in 1744. He held that position for 62 years until 1806 when he passed at the age of 87. At that time, the minister was the preeminent leader in the town. During the Revolutionary War, Moses Mather, a fierce patriot, boldly preached against the British, resulting in the July 22, 1781 raid of the church during service, just three months after the raid on the Homestead. More on the raid below. Reverend Moses Mather also made the case that part of Stamford would become Middlesex Parish, a case championed by Thaddeus Bell, and in 1820 it became an official town on the map. The murals above (top of page) were painted in the Darien Town Hall (originally a school) during the 1930s with funding from the Works Progress Administration. The murals depict the infamous Sunday, July 22, 1781 raid of Middlesex Parish, when the church was surrounded by a party of Tories from Lloyd's Neck, LI, under Captain Frost, just as the congregation were singing the first tune. Dr. Mather and 50 men of the congregation were taken to the banks of the Sound, thrust into boats, and conveyed across to Lloyd's Neck, on Long Island, and then carried to New York and placed in the Provost Jail where some died. Rev. Mather and most of the prisoners were eventually released. In one mural, a woman named Sally Dibble defends a young boy (left above). The two murals convey how relations between the Colonials and the British—and their sympathizers—could become brutish as war waged on. Rev. Mather and 50 members of his congregation were captured during the siege and imprisoned in New York. "."

New England; first quarter 19th century. Maple; 44” h. x 42” w. x 79” l. < Back Pair of Bedsteads with “Cannonball” Finials Second Floor - Guest Room Furniture and Hard Furnishings New England; first quarter 19th century. Maple; 44” h. x 42” w. x 79” l. Each bed with four posts of equal size; ring and vase turnings clearly made by a master turner, and are crisp and sharp. By family history, both beds were lengthened in 1940. Condition is good. Previous Next

Large octagonal platter, 13” l. x 9 ¾” w. Two octagonal plates, 8 ½” d. < Back Three Matching Pieces Chinese Export Porcelain with Painted Enamels First Floor - Parlor Ceramics and Glass and Objects of Vertu Large octagonal platter, 13” l. x 9 ¾” w. Two octagonal plates, 8 ½” d. Each with ‘orange peel’ crème ground with painted enamels on flowered rim, and encircling central prancing deer encircled by flowers; circa 1780-1795. Condition overall is good with two rim chips on one plate. Unmarked. Previous Next