Including: Wooden yarn swift, 39” h. x 30” w. Two yarn winders, each with 26” wheels. Two spinning wheels, 42” d. and 44” d. wheels. Two butter molds, pineapple 3 ½” h., and flower, 5 ½” h. Three tin candle molds, 8, 12, and 16 candles, 10 ½” – 11 ¼” h. Two graduated tin pails. Three foot warmers, wooden frames with punched tin decorative cases, 6” h. x 8” l. Wrought iron strap hinge, 21” l. Cast iron boot scraper, 12” w. < Back Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Household Equipment Attic Other Decorative Arts Including: Wooden yarn swift, 39” h. x 30” w. Two yarn winders, each with 26” wheels. Two spinning wheels, 42” d. and 44” d. wheels. Two butter molds, pineapple 3 ½” h., and flower, 5 ½” h. Three tin candle molds, 8, 12, and 16 candles, 10 ½” – 11 ¼” h. Two graduated tin pails. Three foot warmers, wooden frames with punched tin decorative cases, 6” h. x 8” l. Wrought iron strap hinge, 21” l. Cast iron boot scraper, 12” w. Condition good. 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

Probably Massachusetts, 1740-1780. Maple, white pine; 27" h. x 30" w. x 10 ¾" d. (open 23 ½") < Back Drop-Leaf Table with Circular Top First Floor - Parlor Furniture and Hard Furnishings Probably Massachusetts, 1740-1780. Maple, white pine; 27" h. x 30" w. x 10 ¾" d. (open 23 ½") Drop leaf top (possibly birch rather than maple) has a rectangular frame with four legs, two of which are hinged to support the leaves; narrow end rails with double-ogee moldings. Legs are carved to a shallow cabriole shape ending in pad feet. Good refinished condition. Previous Next

Graphite and watercolor on paper; 3 ½” h. x 5 ¼” w. < Back Nineteenth Century Theorem Watercolor of a Fruit Basket Second Floor - NE Bedroom and Hallway Furniture and Hard Furnishings Graphite and watercolor on paper; 3 ½” h. x 5 ¼” w. In greens and brown against a crème ground, central image of leafy green fruits in a handled basket. Framed and glazed in a period cove-molded frame. Condition is fair, foxing on the crème ground; for conservation purposes, it should be determined that framing utilizes acid-free materials. Previous Next

The Mather Homestead offers a wide variety of events geared towards kids, including house tours, Escape the Tories, and programs to become a Junior Docent or Stephen Mather Junior Ranger. Past Kids-at-Mather Adventure in Yellowstone National Park Our Yellowstone adventure included learning about Yellowstone over a dinner of bear & moose Mac 'n cheese, frolicking in Old Faithful (sprinkler!), s'mores over a campfire, and finally stories with cuddly stuffed animals. Read More Become a Stephen Mather Junior Ranger! October 9, 2022 We welcomed 10 kids including eight scouts for our first "Become a Stephen Mather Junior Junior Ranger" event. Kids learned about the National Parks and Stephen Mather's important role in creating the National Park Service and the system of 61 parks that we enjoy today. We then took a hike on the Darien Land Trust's Mather Meadows property across the street. Finally, we played fun games to learn more about our national parks! Please reach out to us to schedule a Junior Ranger event for your group of kids! Recommended for 2nd to 7th grade. Read More Book Club for Kids! Discovery in Great Sand Dunes National Park - May 13, 2023 Part 2 of our National Park Mystery Series led by educator Samantha Gault! Read More Book Club for Kids! Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park - March 25, 2023 Educator Samantha Gault led a discussion of the first book in Aaron Johnson's National Park Mystery Series: "Mystery in Rocky Mountain National Park." Then the kids acted out the book! Read More Build a Birdhouse - May 21, 2023 Ten kids learned about the birds on the Mather Homestead property - what are they? what do they eat? what are their nests made of? And then they made and decorated birdhouses! Read More 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. Read More Halloween - drive-thru! Covid shut down halloween in most places, but not at the Mather Homestead!! Read More Intern Lunch Bunch 2022 - June, 2022 We welcomed Darien High School Seniors, Margaret Edwards, Piper Henderson, Alexis Lyons and Matthew Magnotta, as our first class of high school interns this Spring. They planned a fun "lunch bunch program" for twelve lucky kids! The themes for the days: Monday, June 6th - Colonial Day Tuesday, June 7th - Gardening Day Wednesday, June 8th - Art-at-Mather Day Thursday, June 9th - Workshop Day We'll be back next year with new interns and more fun! Read More Intern Lunch Bunch 2023 Our second year of fun with the interns for pre-schoolers! Addison Kline, Conan Thibodeau, Avery Johnson and Sophie Curtis entertained and educated at MH! Read More Middle School Essay Contest 2022 - Fall 2023 We are excited to announce the winners of our first middle school essay contest. Winners include local students Zoe Younessian (seventh grade), and Pavana Attonito and Juliet Chattaway (tied sixth grade), plus an honorable mention for Benjamin Kelsey (fifth grade). Middle school students from four local middle schools submitted essays which argued the importance of the National Parks. They shared personal stories about their experiences in the National Parks, demonstrated knowledge of the National Parks system which was founded in 1872 and now includes 423 sites across the United States, and paid tribute to Stephen Tyng Mather who was the first Director of the National Park Service. Students argued that parks are important for their role in educating children and adults, with many having participated in park Junior Ranger programs. They recognized the National Parks’ important role in protecting wildlife and natural habitats, combating climate change, and fostering mental health. And finally, the students cited enjoyment of nature and accessibility for all as key reasons why parks are important. Congratulations to all of the participants who demonstrated that our local schools are doing a great job of producing talented young writers! Read More 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! Read More Night at the Museum: Escape the Tories - October 28, 2022 After the sun sets and the lights dim, tour the Homestead by candlelight - spooky basement and attic included! Then test your knowledge by playing "Escape the Tories". If you are lucky enough to escape, enjoy pizza and s'mores. Recommended for ages 8 to 12. Read More

We celebrated local artists by hosting the second annual Darien Alumni Art Show! < Back Darien Alumni Art Show 2022 We celebrated local artists by hosting the second annual Darien Alumni Art Show! Previous Next

Ten kids learned about the birds on the Mather Homestead property - what are they? what do they eat? what are their nests made of? And then they made and decorated birdhouses! < Back Build a Birdhouse - May 21, 2023 Ten kids learned about the birds on the Mather Homestead property - what are they? what do they eat? what are their nests made of? And then they made and decorated birdhouses! Previous Next

Southwestern Connecticut, probably Milford area, 1750-1800 Maple, ash stretchers, rush seat; 39" h. x 18 ½" w. x 18" d., seat 13" < Back Molded Slat Side Chair First Floor - Keeping Room Furniture and Hard Furnishings Southwestern Connecticut, probably Milford area, 1750-1800 Maple, ash stretchers, rush seat; 39" h. x 18 ½" w. x 18" d., seat 13" Turned side chair has four vertical molded slats tenoned into a crest that curves downward to the stay rail. Rear posts, having pronounced striped or tiger grain, are columnar turnings above balusters with urn finials; turned front legs with ball feet. Condition overall is good. Previous Next

Including: Courting Mirror with fitted box [n.n.]; 17 ½" h. x 12 ¼" w. Walnut and European pine, mirrored and painted glass; 1775-1825. Looking Glass [n.n.]; 28" h. x 14 ⅝" w. Walnut and European pine, and mirrored glass; 1760-1800. < Back Two Northern European Looking Glasses First Floor - Entrance Hall Furniture and Hard Furnishings Including: Courting Mirror with fitted box [n.n.]; 17 ½" h. x 12 ¼" w. Walnut and European pine, mirrored and painted glass; 1775-1825. Looking Glass [n.n.]; 28" h. x 14 ⅝" w. Walnut and European pine, and mirrored glass; 1760-1800. Courting Mirror: With a deeply molded walnut frame, outset corners and central pediment with églomisé floral spray panel against a white ground. Looking Glass: Featuring a walnut-veneered scalloped crest and base; glass bordered by ogee-molded crossbanding. The crest has a slot for a finial or cartouche, now missing. Previous Next

< Back Tea Party! Sat., May 7, 3 pm, garden Tea in the Garden for parents and children featuring illustrator Heather Ross. Tea + tea cakes in the garden. Plus Heather will read "How to Behave at a Tea Party," illustrated by Heather and written by Madelyn Rosenberg. Previous Next

Oil on canvas; 26” h. x 21” w. (sight size). < Back Frank C. Bensing (American, 1893-1983), Portrait of Stephen Tyng Mather First Floor - Keeping Room Fine Art Oil on canvas; 26” h. x 21” w. (sight size). Stephen Tyng Mather (1867-1930), Industrialist, Conservationist A founder and the first Director of the National Park Service. Half length portrait of a mature gentleman in suit and tie, against a dark ground. Signed in red UL: Frank C. Bensing. Framed in a contemporary gilded frame. Condition is good. Previous Next

A CHRISTMAS STORY This story, published in 1884 and discovered on the bookshelves of the Mather Homestead, was written by Massachusetts author Mrs. Sophia P. Snow, and published in this book of Christmas stories by Henry Floy, Stephen Tyng Mather's brother-in-law. It tells the delightful story of two young children on Christmas Eve who had lost their mother and whose father had lost Christmas in his heart. We hope that this story brings you a smile this Christmas season! Annie and Willie's Prayer by Mrs. Sophia P. Snow ‘Twas the night before Christmas: "Good-night," had been said, And Annie and Willie had crept into bed. There were tears on their pillows, and tears in their eyes, And each little bosom was heaving with sighs; For to-night their stern fathers's command had been given That they should retire precisely at seven-- Instead of at eight-- for they trouble him more With questions unheard of than ever before. He had told them he thought this delusion a sin, No such creature as "Santa Claus" ever had been; And he hoped, after this, he should never more hear How he scrambled down chimneys with presents each year. And this was the reason that two little heads So restlessly toss'd on their soft, downy beds. Eight, nine, and the clock on the step toll'd ten; Not a word had been spoken by either, till then; When Willie’s sad face from the blanket did peep, And whispered, "Dear Annie, is 'ou fast aseep?" "Why no, Brother Willie," a sweet voice replies, "I've long tried in vain, but I can't shut my eyes; For somehow it makes me so sorry because Dear papa has said there is no 'Santa Claus.' Now we know there is, and it can't be denied, For he came every year before mamma died; But, then, I've been thinking that she used to pray, And God would hear everything mamma would say, And maybe she ask'd him to send Santa Claus here With the sack full of presents he brought every year." "Well, why tan't we pay, dust as mama did den, And ask Dod to send him with pesents aden? "I've been thinking so too," -- and with out a word more Four little bare feet bounded out on the floor, And four little knees the soft carpet press'd, And two tiny hands were clasp'd close to each breast. "Now Willie, you know we must firmly believe That the presents we ask for we're sure to receive; You must wait very still till I say the 'Amen,' And by that you will know that your turn has come then." 'Dear Jesus, look down on my brother and me, And grant us the favor we're asking of thee. I want a wax dolly, a tea-set, and ring, And an ebony work-box that shuts with a spring: Bless papa, dear Jesus, and cause him to see That Santa Claus loves us as much as does he: Don't let him get fretful and angry again At dear brother Willie and Annie. Amen." "Pease, Desus, 'et Santa Taus tum down to-night, And bing us some pesents before it is 'ight; I want he sood div' me a nice 'ittle sed, Wid bight shinin 'unners, and all painted 'ed; A box full of tandy, a book, and a toy, Amen. And den, Desus, I'll be a dood boy." THEIR REST Their prayers being ended, they rais'd up their heads, And, with hearts light and cheerful, again sought their beds. They were soon lost in slumber, both peaceful and deep, And with fairies in dream-land were roaming in sleep. Eight, nine, and the little French clock had struck ten, Ere the father had thought of his children again: He seems now to hear Annie's half suppress'd sighs, And to see the big tears stand in Willie's blue eyes. "I was harsh with my darlings," he mentally said, "And should not have sent them so early to bed; But then I was troubled; my feelings found vent?; For bank-stock to-day has gone down ten per cent. But of course they've forgotten their troubles ere this, And that I denied them the thrice-ask’d-for kiss: But, just to make sure, I'll steal up to their door-- To my darlings I never spoke harshly before." So saying, he softly ascended the stairs, And arrived at the door to hear both of their prayers; His Annie's "Bless papa" drew forth the big tears, And Willie's grave promise fell sweet on his ears. "Strange-- Strange -- I'd forgotten," said he, with a sigh, "How I long'd when a child to have Christmas draw nigh." I'll atone for my harshness," he inwardly said, "By answering their prayers ere I sleep in my bed." Then he turn'd to the stairs and softly went down, Threw off velvet slippers and silk dressing-gown, Donn'd hat, coat, and boots, and was out in the street-- A millionaire facing the cold, driving sleet! Not stopp'd he until he had brought every thing, From the box full of candy to the tiny gold ring; Indeed, he kept adding so much to his store, That the various presents outnumber'd a score. Then homeward he turn'd, when his holiday load, With Aunt Mary's help, in the nursery was stow'd. Miss Dolly was seated beneath a pine tree, By the side of a table spread out for her tea; A work-box, well fill'd, in the center was laid, And on it the ring for which Annie had pray'd; A soldier in uniform stood by a sled "With bright shining runners, and all painted red." There were balls, dogs, and horses; books pleasing to see; And birds of all colors were perch'd in the tree; While Santa Claus, laughing, stood up in the top, As if getting ready more presents to drop. Now as the fond father the picture survey'd, He thought for his trouble he'd amply been paid; And he said to himself, as he brush'd off a tear, "I'm happier to-night than I've been for a year; I've enjoy'd more true pleasure than ever before; What care I if bank-stock falls ten percent. more! Hereafter I'll make it a rule, I believe, To have Santa Claus visit us each Christmas Eve." So thinking, he gently extinguish'd the light, And, tripping down stairs, retired for the night. THE MORNING As soon as the beams of the bright morning sun Put the darkness to flight, and the stars by one, Four little blue eyes out of sleep open'd wide, And at the same moment the presents espied; Then out of their beds they sprang with a bound, And the very gifts pray'd for were all of them found. They laugh'd and they cried, in their innocent glee, And shouted for papa to come quick, and see What presents old Santa Claus brought in the night, (Just the things that they wanted!) and left before light. "And now," added Annie, in voice soft and low, "You'll believe there's a Santa Claus, papa, I know;" While dear little Willie climb'd up on his knee, Determin'd no secret between them should be. And told, in soft whispers, how Annie had said That their dear blessed mamma, so long ago dead, Used to kneel down and pray, by the side of her chair, And that God up in heaven had answer'd her prayer. "Den we dot up and pay'd dust well as we took, And Dod answer'd our payers; now wasn't he dood?" "I should say that he was, if he sent you all these, And knew just what presents my children would please. (Well, well, let him think so, the dear little elf; 'Twould be cruel to tell him I did it myself.") ____ Blind father! who caus'd your stern heart to relent, And the hasty words spoken so soon to repent? 'Twas the Being who bade you steal softly up stairs, And made you his agent to answer their prayers. Sophia P. Snow