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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

Family Games night featuring National Parks Bingo & Trivia! Plus ghosts at the Homestead (in the graveyard!) to end the night!! < Back Family Games Night - April 21, 2023 Family Games night featuring National Parks Bingo & Trivia! Plus ghosts at the Homestead (in the graveyard!) to end the night!! Previous Next

The Mather Homestead's mission is to educate all ages about American history, including Colonial/Revolutionary War times and Stephen Tyng Mather, the first Director of the National Park Service. PROGRAMMING The Mather Homestead's mission is to educate all ages about American history, including Colonial/Revolutionary War times and Stephen Tyng Mather, the first Director of the National Park Service. Come for a tour or join us for one of our many programs below. Tours Tours of the Mather Homestead start at the well where we learn stories of the Revolutionary War and peek at the beautiful property and gardens. Inside the house, we learn about the lives of the Mathers from Deacon Joseph and Sarah Mather who built the house in 1778, to Stephen Tyng Mather, first Director of the National Park Service, to Bertha Mather McPherson and her family. We welcome groups for "tour and tea" -- bring your garden club, DAR, book club or any group! SCHEDULE Lecture Series Our lecture series is intended to engage on a range of topics related to history and the national parks. Some of our lectures are traditional lecture format, while others involve a bit of hands on learning and fun (e.g., honey tasting, Mather Tavern). We welcome renowned scholars, authors and reenactors for learning and fun. MORE Book & Poetry Discussions MH book and poetry discussions are led by dynamic and seasoned educator Samantha Gault who brings American literature to life! Our lively discussions cover historical fiction and non-fiction and poetry and include discussions for both adults and kids. Please remember to buy your books local from our friends at Barrett Bookstore or Elm Street Books! MORE Homesteading Workshops Homesteading is a term for a "lifestyle of self-sufficiency" which describes the life of the Mather family back in 1778 when Deacon Joseph and Sarah Mather built the home on 100 acres of farmland. Our workshops have included bread making, sewing, embroidery, flower arranging, quilting, knitting and gardening. MORE Kids Programs We offer many opportunities for learning and fun for kids. Join us for one of our planned events or reach out to us to schedule your own visit for one of our customized experiences. MORE Family Fun Our family fun events bring kids and caregivers to the Homestead for good old fashioned fun. Past events have included our Fall Harvest Festival, traditional Easter egg roll, a Visit with St. Nicholas, Mather Games celebrating Stephen Mather's birthday, and Family Game night (focused on the National Parks). MORE Reenactments The Mather Homestead 's beautiful property and barn have been home to reenactments by the Connecticut Fifth Regiment, The Second Regiment Light Dragoons, and History at Play actress Judith Kalaora who played the role of Deborah Sampson, the first woman to fight in the Revolutionary War. Stay tuned for more! Scouts The Mather Homestead is a unique combination of rich history spanning centuries and beautiful open property. We are proud to promote our mission of education by offering various programs for our local Scouts. MORE Field Trips We love hitting the road to take groups to other places of interest for learning and fun. Past field trips have included Teddy Roosevelt's Birthplace NYC (National Historic Site), Sagamore Hill (TR's Summer White House, National Historic Site), Weir Farm (Connecticut's only National Park), Setauket, Long Island (home of the Culper Spy Ring), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (tour of the American wing with Elizabeth Kornhauser), Fraunces Tavern, and historic Pub Crawl NYC. MORE Art-at-Mather The beautiful Mather Homestead property provides the perfect backdrop for creative inspiration. We invite artists - painters, photographers, sculptors, etc. to create on property during our June Plein Air Week. We also offer occasional art classes on property - check the calendar! MORE Music-at-Mather We welcome select musicians to the Homestead for concerts. Past performers have included the Con Fuoco String Quartet, On the Trail Bluegrass Band, Jazz singer Lissy Newman, Singer/Songwriters Griffin House, Dan Zlotnick, Acabella, and more. MORE Stephen Mather and the National Parks Exhibit Stephen Tyng Mather (1867-1930) summered at the Homestead throughout his life and was its sole owner from 1906 to 1930. He considered it his "true home." After a successful career in the Borax industry which made him a millionaire, he devoted himself to the National Parks, lobbying for the creation of the National Park Service and becoming its first director. The Stephen Mather exhibit examines his life and legacy and is open by appointment. CONTACT TO VIEW Yoga Vinyasa style yoga in the barn with Mary Ann Freeman. MORE

Night at the Museum returned for second year with two sessions - one for younger and one for older kids! Kids enjoyed pizza, a spooky tour of the house, games (Escape the Tories!), a spooky walk around Mather Meadows, and s'mores! < Back Night at the Museum - October 27, 2023 Night at the Museum returned for second year with two sessions - one for younger and one for older kids! Kids enjoyed pizza, a spooky tour of the house, games (Escape the Tories!), a spooky walk around Mather Meadows, and s'mores! Previous Next

New England, 1790-1810. Birch; 43" h. x 31 ¾" w. x 26" d. < Back Easy (or Wing) Chair First Floor - Keeping Room Furniture and Hard Furnishings New England, 1790-1810. Birch; 43" h. x 31 ¾" w. x 26" d. Upholstered easy chair with ‘wings’ that curve to cone-shaped arm supports. Legs joined by H-stretchers and a rear stretcher. Front Marlborough legs are replacements; rear block legs are additions. Frame was not examined because upholstery was not removed. In good restored condition. Previous Next

The Mather Homestead includes documents related to the Mather family dating back to the 1700s. THE MATHER HOMESTEAD ARCHIVES The Mather Homestead archives includes papers dating back to the 1700s. Thank you to Donn Smith for sorting, organizing, documenting and blogging the many documents that tell the story of the Mather Family. Please note this page is still work in progress ... Summary of Collection Archives 1-10 1- Borax Related Materials 2- Materials Related to Specific National Parks 3- Anniversary events of the National Parks of the National Park Service and Other Organizations 4- Materials Signed by Stephen T. Mather with Will and Photos From 1912 Kern Trip 5- Miscellaneous Newspapers Including NPS Courier 6- Steve Mather of the National Parks Book by Robert Shankland 7- Specific Individuals with Ties to the National Park Service 8- Dedications and Related Materials for: Potomac Gorge, Bear Mountain Park, Redwood Grove, Mather Junior High School, Mather High School, and Tree Planting at Homestead 9- 1977 Annual Meeting Board of National Park Foundation and NPF 1978 Spring Meeting 10- Stephen in Local (Darien) Reporting Archives 11-16 11- Stephen T. Mather Photographs 12- Joseph Wakeman Mather- (father of STM) Box 1 of 3) 13- Box 13a and 13b Joseph Wakeman Mather-Files 2⁄3 14- Miscellaneous 15- Recognitions of STM Including Posthumous Acknowledgements 16- Mather Family Memorabilia Archives 17-23 17- Mather Family Photographs (Other Than STM) 18- Unidentified Photographs 19- American Quilt 20- Horace Marden Albright 21- Books From Mather Homestead Attic Trunks 22- Correspondences of Stephen Mather McPherson and Anne McPherson Tracy 23- Bertha Mather McPherson and Edward McPherson Correspondence Archives 24-28 24- Mather Mountain Party 1915 25- Clothing and Apparel of Early Mathers and Relatives 26- Stephen T. Mather Honorary Degrees and Oversized Photographs and Awards 27- Recognitions and Awards to Bertha Mather McPherson 28- Children’s Books from Attic Trunk Archives 30-33 30- Clothing and Fabric from Homestead Attic 31- A Century of Old Documents 1802-1905 32- Photograph Albums and Loose Photos (Primarily Albums of Bertha Walker Mather) 33- Old Sheets and Woven Fabrics Archives 34-37 34- Floy Books 1 of 2 35- Floy Books 2 of 2 36- Floy Papers and Photographs 37 Floy Papers and Diaries Archives 38-40 38-40 Accordion File Contents- Mather Homestead Safe: In the safe in the basement of the Homestead was an accordion file with 30 pockets, almost all of which had contents. The subjects vary widely but were deemed important enough by Bertha McPherson to have sorted and placed them in the safe. Archives 41-51 41- Magazines/Books/Reports re: STM, National Parks, Homestead 42- Magazines/Reports re National Parks, Mather Homestead 43- Mather Mural Santa Fe NM 44- Stephen Tyng Prints 45- Old Darien Maps 46- Ted Mack Family Hour Record 47- Architectural Monographs 48- Joseph Mather Writings 49- Art Portfolios 50- Misc. Magazines Mentioning STM 51- Slide Photograph Carousels Archives 52-55 52(a)- Dolls from Attic 52(b)- Dolls Clothing 53- Archived Books 54- Archived Books- First Editions 55- Archived Books

The Mather family dates back to 1635 when Reverend Richard Mather sailed from England on the ship James as part of the “Great Migration." Four generations later, Reverend Moses Mather became the first minister at the Middlesex Parish, now the First Congregational Church of Darien. His son Joseph Mather built the Mather Homestead in 1778 on 100 acres of farmland. Six generations of Mathers lived in the home, most notably Stephen Tyng Mather, the first Director of the National Park Service. THE MATHER FAMILY The Mather family has a long history in the United States, dating back to 1635 when Reverend Richard Mather and his family sailed from England to Boston on the ship James as part of the “Great Migration” escaping religious persecution. Four generations later, Reverend Moses Mather moved to Darien, then part of Stamford, to become the first minister at the Middlesex Parish, now the First Congregational Church of Darien. His son, Deacon Joseph Mather built the Mather Homestead in 1778 on 100 acres of farmland inherited by his mother, Hannah Bell. Six generations of Mathers proceeded to live in the home, most notably Stephen Tyng Mather, the first Director of the National Park Service. His daughter, Bertha Mather McPherson, one of the first female architects in Connecticut, raised her three children in the home and they donated the home and property to the newly created Mather Homestead Foundation in 2017. The Early Puritan Mathers 17th century Rev. Richard Mather and his family left England in 1635 on the Ship James as part of the Great Migration facing religious persecution. MORE Revolutionary Mathers 18th century Reverend Moses Mather was the first Minister of the First Congregational Church of Darien and a fiery Patriot. His son, Deacon Joseph Mather, built the Mather Homestead in 1778 during the Revolutionary War. MORE Stephen Tyng Mather (1867-1930) Stephen Tyng Mather, the great-grandson of Deacon Joseph Mather, summered at the Mather Homestead during his childhood while he grew up in California, and became its sole owner in 1906. He became the first Director of the National Park Service and is considered the father of our modern national park system. MORE Bertha Mather McPherson (1906-1993) Bertha Mather McPherson was the only child of Stephen and Jane Mather. She was one of the first female architects in Connecticut and a founding member of the Darien Historical Society. She lived in the home from 1906 until 1993 when she passed. She filled the home with a collection of period antiques and tended the gardens while raising her three children. MORE Mather Family Tree Mather photos through the years IMG_3717.HEIC The Mather Homestead circa 1879 - when Rana and Phebe Mather (two unmarried daughters of Joseph and Sarah) lived in the Homestead. In photo Rana, Phebe and Elizabeth Mather Lockwood who also lived in the house after she was widowed. Rana Mather (1784 – 1880) Phebe Mather (1798 – 1886) Joseph Wakeman Mather (1820 – 1905) and Bertha Jemima Walker Mather (1844 – 1899) Joseph Wakeman Mather in front of the barn that burned. Joseph Wakeman Mather Joseph Wakeman Mather Stephen Tyng Mather (1867 – 1930) and Joseph Wakeman Mather (1869 – 1888) Jane Thacker Floy Mather (1868 - 1944) Stephen (with cane) and Jane Mather in front of the Homestead circa 1929. Dog Kippy. Stephen Tyng Mather in the parks. Bertha Mather McPherson (1906 - 1993) Stephen and Bertha in the parks Bertha Mather with friends in pony cart circa 1910 Prepared by Docent Donn Smith Children and grandchildren of Rev. Moses Mather (1719-1806) Children and grandchildren of Deacon Joseph Mather (1753-1840) Children and grandchildren of Joseph Mather (1789-1864) Children a grandchildren of Joseph Wakeman Mather (1820-1905) Mather Family Genealogy

The Mather Homestead has a unique combination of rich history spanning centuries and well-preserved land with access to wildlife. We are proud to promote our mission of education by offering scout programs for both Boy and Girl Scouts! See below for more information. SCOUT PROGRAMS The Mather Homestead has a unique combination of rich history spanning centuries and beautiful open property. We are proud to promote our mission of education by offering various programs for our local Scouts. Scout Badges - the Mather Homestead is a unique place to earn badges. Girl Scouts -- Daisy Eco Learner and Good Neighbor badges, Brownie Gardener badge, Stephen Mather "Fun Badge" Boy Scouts -- American Heritage and Landscape Architecture badges. Fall & Spring Clean Up - we appreciate the many Scouts who have helped us with fall/spring clean up and other projects on the property. Scout meetings - learn about Revolutionary War history by taking a tour of the homestead followed by a scavenger hunt! Or scouts can earn our "Stephen Mather Ranger Badge" by learning about the life and legacy of Stephen Tyng Mather, first director of the National Parks Service. Eagle Scouts - Scouts have enhanced the Mather Homestead property through their on-site projects. Thank you! Please reach out to discuss a future Eagle Scout project opportunity. PAST EAGLE SCOUT PROJECTS Campouts on site Please contact us at info@matherhomestead.org to discuss opportunities for your troop!

The Mather Homestead was built in 1778 by Deacon Joseph Mather and passed through six generations of the Mather family before becoming a museum in 2017. THE MATHER HOMESTEAD The Mather Homestead, Darien's historic home on the four corners of Brookside and Stephen Mather Roads, was built in 1778 by Deacon Joseph Mather, son of Moses Mather, the first minister of the First Congregational Church of Darien and a fiery patriot who preached the Revolutionary War cause, on 100 acres of farmland. The house was famously raided by Tories during in 1781and was later the home of Stephen Tyng Mather, an avid conservationist and the first Director of the National Park Service. The home became a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. In 2017, the Mather Homestead was deemed a "Protected Town Landmark" by the town of Darien and donated by the McPherson siblings to a newly created foundation to be operated as a museum dedicated to community education. 1778 Home The historic home was built in 1778 by Deacon Joseph Mather, son of Reverend Moses Mather. It was famously raided by Tories during the Revolutionary War. The home was expanded by Stephen Mather in 1928. MORE Property and Gardens The Mather property originally consisted of 100 acres of farmland. In 1909, Stephen Mather added a sunken garden and many other features to the property, designed by Walter Burleigh Griffin who went on to design Canberra, Australia's new capital city. MORE Mather Barns Many barns have been erected on the Mather property. The current "barn," the Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center, was built in 2020. MORE Collection The Mather Homestead is filled with a collection of period antiques both original to the home and collected over time. MORE Playhouse The playhouse was enjoyed by generations of Mather children and recently renovated for the education and enjoyment of children.

RENTAL OF THE MATHER HOMESTEAD The Mather Homestead facilities are available for a limited number of rentals each year. Our events are restricted by Darien's Planning & Zoning and we apologize if we are unable to host yours! We are located in a residential neighborhood and ❤️ our neighbors. The Barn includes 1,500 square feet of heated/air conditioned open space with two story vaulted ceiling. Includes two handicapped-accessible bathrooms and small kitchenette. Full kitchen in the Mather Homestead main house. Outdoor spaces include large lawn adjacent to the barn and patio/sunken garden at the main house. Please reach out to staff at info@matherhomestead.org to discuss the possibility of hosting your event at the Homestead.

ANNUAL BARN PARTY Our first Barn Party in 2020 celebrated the opening of the Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center in 2020. Now in its fourth year, the event has raised funds for various projects at the Homestead with music, food and fun for all! BARN BASH! September 23, 2023 Featuring Bluegrass, BBQ & Bevs It was a rainy but fun night at our fourth annual fall celebration and fu ndraiser featuring live bluegrass music by On the Trail, great BBQ from Fine & Dandy, and beverages from Litchfield Distillery inside the barn. We raised over $16,000 in supp ort of our Mather Homestead restoration projects - thank you! If you were unable to attend, please consider a donation in support of our restoration projects. BARNRAISER 3.0! October 1, 2022 What a fun ni ght! Many thanks to all who made Barnraiser 3.0 a great success. Fabulous food by Fine & Dandy, unbelievable entertainment b y Griffin House, and AMAZING guests!! We raised over $18,000 for restoration projects at the Homestead - thank you!! Photos right by Katharine Calderwood. BARNRAISER 2.0! September 25, 2 021 Many thanks to all who joined us for Barnraiser 2.0. We enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, masterfully prepared by S.E.A.T., whiskey tasting by Sagamore Spirit, dinner on the barn lawn, and music by Petting Zoo. Our Barnraiser 2.0 raised funds for our beautification projects. Photos right by Katharine Calderwood. BARNRAISER 1.0! September 19, 2020 We ra ised the roof on September 19, 2020 to celebrate the completion of the new Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center, a.k.a., "the barn," and to thank our many donors including Richard L. Chilton, Jr., The Darien Foundation, and the McPherson family (descendants of the Mathers). Funds supported the new building project. .

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