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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

The Mather Homestead was built in 1778 and has been impeccably preserved over three centuries. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. TIMELINE 1778 Homestead built by Deacon Joseph Mather, son of Reverend Moses Mather, and his wife Sarah on 100 acres. 1781 Homestead raided by the Tories and valuables stolen from the well but not found inside the house (come for a tour to discover the secret hiding spot). 1906 - 1930 Homestead owned by Stephen Tyng Mather, first Director of the National Park Service. 1930 - 1993 Homestead restored, maintained and cared for by Bertha Mather McPherson, Stephen Mather’s daughter, one of the first female architects in Connecticut and a founding member of the Darien Historical Society. 1964 Homestead designated a National Historic Landmark. 1966 Homestead listed on National Register of Historic Places. 2016 Homestead designated a Protected Town Landmark by Town of Darien. 2017 The Mather-McPherson family donated the Homestead to a newly created Foundation to be operated as a museum for public education. 2020 Opened the Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center. 2021 The McPherson family donated an additional acre of land to the Foundation. The Homestead becomes one of nine markers on Darien’s historical Heritage Trail. 2025 Completed phase one of 1778 House Restoration Project based upon recommendations from 2022 Condition Assessment. 2026 Will compete phase two of 1778 House Restoration Project thanks to the generosity of the Darien Foundation

Richland County, SC < Back Conagree Richland County, SC 2003 Established: Size: 26,692.6 acres Visitors: 145,929 in 2018 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

235 mi S of Midland, TX < Back Big Bend 235 mi S of Midland, TX 1944 Established: Size: 801,163 acres Visitors: 463,832 in 2019 Summary Big Bend National Park, located in southwest Texas along the border with Mexico, is a vast and diverse wilderness area renowned for its dramatic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural history. Established in 1944, the park encompasses over 800,000 acres of Chihuahuan Desert terrain, encompassing the sweeping Chisos Mountains, the rugged canyons carved by the Rio Grande, and the vast desert expanses dotted with unique flora and fauna. Visitors to Big Bend can explore a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, birdwatching, and river rafting along the Rio Grande. The park is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with evidence of human occupation dating back thousands of years, including Native American rock art sites and historic structures from the region's ranching and mining past. With its stunning natural beauty and abundant recreational opportunities, Big Bend National Park offers visitors an unforgettable experience amid the remote and untamed landscapes of the American Southwest. Wildlife Big Bend National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, adapted to the rugged and varied landscapes of the Chihuahuan Desert and the Rio Grande corridor. Mammals such as desert bighorn sheep, javelinas, and mountain lions roam the park's remote mountain ranges and desert valleys, while smaller mammals like foxes, rabbits, and coyotes are also common sightings. Birdwatchers can spot over 450 species of birds, including colorful songbirds, majestic raptors like golden eagles and red-tailed hawks, and the endangered peregrine falcon. The park's waterways, including the Rio Grande and its tributaries, provide habitat for diverse aquatic species, including fish, turtles, and river otters. Reptiles such as rattlesnakes, lizards, and desert tortoises thrive in the arid desert environment, while amphibians like toads and frogs can be found near water sources. With its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems, Big Bend National Park offers visitors unparalleled opportunities to observe and appreciate the wonders of the natural world. Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors to Big Bend National Park can go hiking, kayaking in the Rio Grande, biking, camping, stargazing, birdwatching, and more. Though most activities are open year-round, be prepared for extreme heat if visiting during the summer, and don't over exert. When to Visit Big Bend has a hot desert climate, with hot summers and mild to warm winters. Precipitation is rare year-round. Warm, pleasant weather tends to occur most in the spring (March-April) and fall (October-November), though crowds also tend to be highest at this time. To avoid crowds, the best time to visit during these seasons would be in the middle of the week rather than on weekends. Ties to Stephen Mather Big Bend National Park has a Stephen Mather plaque located on the Window View Trail in the Chisos Basin. Fun Fact The Chisos Mountains, located in Big Bend National Park, are the only mountain range in the U.S. to be located entirely within the confines of a National Park. Previous Next

Our family fun events bring kids and caregivers to the Homestead for good old fashioned fun. Past events have included a our fall harvest festival, traditional Easter egg roll, a Visit with St. Nicholas, Mather Games celebrating Stephen Mather's birthday, and outdoor smores. A list of all Mather Homestead family events, past and future, can be found here. 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). Please check out our "Kids at Mather " page for kids only events. UPCOMING EVENTS Colonial Christmas with a Visit from St. Nicholas Dec 20, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Family Fun presented by the Junior Board. Crafts, cookie decorating, live music and a visit from St. Nick! Plus festive bevs & sweet treats. Buy Tickets Revolutionary War Reenactment May 02, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM We will welcome the 5th Connecticut Regiment for a Revolutionary War Reenactment. Earlier in the day, the Museum of Darien will host the 5th Regiment for Fifth Ct Regiment for colonial cooking and artisan demonstrations. Details Middlesex Parish Open House Day! Jun 13, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Celebrate America 250 with Middlesex Parish! Local historic museums and Revolutionary War sites will be open for tours and fun on Connecticut's "Open House" Day. RSVP CHECK OUT KIDS-AT-MATHER FOR KIDS-ONLY EVENTS! PAST FAMILY FUN Here's what you missed! :-) Colonial Christmas with a Visit from St. Nicholas Dec 20, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Family Fun presented by the Junior Board. Crafts, cookie decorating, live music and a visit from St. Nick! Plus festive bevs & sweet treats. Buy Tickets Revolutionary War Reenactment May 02, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM We will welcome the 5th Connecticut Regiment for a Revolutionary War Reenactment. Earlier in the day, the Museum of Darien will host the 5th Regiment for Fifth Ct Regiment for colonial cooking and artisan demonstrations. Details Middlesex Parish Open House Day! Jun 13, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Celebrate America 250 with Middlesex Parish! Local historic museums and Revolutionary War sites will be open for tours and fun on Connecticut's "Open House" Day. RSVP

Back in the 18th century, some things were the same (three meals a day, sleeping and playing), but some things were VERY different! The family operated a farm and everyone had to help. They got up really early in the morning to do chores - like milking the cows and collecting the eggs. If kids were lucky, they went to school. They had toys, but definitely no video games - have you seen jumping jacks? the ball and cup? and marbles? KIDS AT MATHER The Mather Homestead Foundation is dedicated to bringing history to life for kids of all ages through various programs. Click on "more" for more info. Tours Tours of the house are customized for kids to be interactive and fun. Learn about Revolutionary War History and Stephen Mather, the first Director of the National Park Service. We are happy to follow up the tour with a scavenger hunt which will lead kids around the property in search of silver! By appointment. Become a Junior Docent! We invite kids to learn an abbreviated tour of the house and then to lead others through the house! We will provide you with tour materials and you invite your family/friends to tour. Events for kids We have many events geared towards educating kids while having fun. Events include kids book club, Night at the Museum, Fall Harvest Festival and more. MORE Visit the Homestead for a customized program We offer programs for kids which can be scheduled at any time. Great for homeschool groups, play groups, scouts, etc. MORE Teen Board The Mather Homestead teen board, now in its second year, offers high schoolers (grades 9 to 12) an opportunity to both contribute to and learn from this treasured National Historic Landmark. MORE Essay Contest The Teen Board will chose an essay topic each fall with November deadline for submissions. Open to middle schoolers. MORE UPCOMING EVENTS FOR KIDS Middle School Essay Contest! Dec 02, 2025, 5:00 PM Our 4th annual essay contest is open to middle schoolers (grades 6 to 8). Essays due Tuesday, Dec. 2 by 5 pm. Submit essay with name and grade to info@matherhomestead.org with "Essay Contest" in the subject line. Topic below. RSVP Colonial Christmas with a Visit from St. Nicholas Dec 20, 2025, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Family Fun presented by the Junior Board. Crafts, cookie decorating, live music and a visit from St. Nick! Plus festive bevs & sweet treats. Buy Tickets