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

Klamath County, OR < Back Crater Lake Klamath County, OR 1902 Established: Size: 183,224 acres Visitors: 527,000 in 2022 Summary Crater Lake National Park is an American national park located in southern Oregon. Established in 1902, Crater Lake is the fifth-oldest national park in the United States and the only national park in Oregon. The park encompasses the caldera of Crater Lake, a remnant of Mount Mazama, a destroyed volcano, and the surrounding hills and forests. The caldera rim ranges in elevation from 7,000 to 8,000 feet (2,100 to 2,400 m). The United States Geological Survey benchmark elevation of the lake surface is 6,178 feet (1,883 m). The national park encompasses 183,224 acres (286.3 sq mi; 741.5 km2). Crater Lake has no streams flowing into or out of it. All water that enters the lake is eventually lost from evaporation or subsurface seepage. The lake's water commonly has a striking blue hue, and the lake is refilled entirely from direct precipitation in the form of snow and rain. Wildlife Black-tailed deer California tortoiseshell American pika Cascades frog Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors at Crater Lake National Park can hike, camp, fish, or birdwatch, or stargaze. In the winter, visitors can snowshoe, snowmobile, snowboard, or ski (either cross-country or downhill). When to Visit Crater Lake has a subarctic climate with cold, very snowy winters and mild, sunny summers. Snow covers the park for the majority of the year, except for the summer, making the summer the optimal time of year to visit for outdoor activities. Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Prior to the eruption that created Crater Lake, Mount Mazama was likely over 12,000 feet tall. Previous Next

The Mather Homestead Foundation is overseen by the Board of Directors: Chair: Richard L. Chilton, Jr., Stephen Berger, Diane Boston, Meredith Edwards, Jennifer L. Foster, Carol Glassmeyer, Ania Janis, Ronald LaMorte, Maeve McGovern, Ginger Morgan, Penny Rashin, John Sini, Tammy Sload, Lauren Swenson, Tiffany Van Elslander. Other boards include: Advisory Board, Junior Board, Teen Board. MATHER HOMESTEAD IN THE NEWS! Darien Living - Jan 9, 2026 - Mather Homestead's New Executive Director, Samantha Lane Gault Bedford New Canaan Magazine - July 3, 2024 - Bringing History to Life at the Mather Homestead - July 3, 2024.- Out & About: Mather Homestead Garden Tea Luncheon Darien Magazine - Spring/Summer 2024 - House Tour - The Mather Homestead: Bringing History to Life Now We're Talking Darien Podcast - September 3, 2021 - Jennifer Foster & Heather Raker Darien Times - August 13, 2020 - The Mather Homestead Completes Work on Education Center - May 10, 2017 - The Mather Homestead Becomes Darien Museum The Norwalk Hour - December 1, 2016 - Darien’s historic Stephen Mather homestead now town museum Darien Times - July, 2011 - The History Behind the Mather Homestead in Darien The New York Times - February 21, 1964 - Mather Homestead In Darien Becomes National Landmark

Share your National Park Stories with us! Spotted Stephen on your travels? Snap a photo with a Mather plaque and help us put Mather on the Map. We're on a mission to collect photos from all 62 plaque locations across the country. Find one. Snap it. Send it to info@matherhomestead.org Click the sites below to explore the parks—and see where Stephen has been spotted so far. Mather Homestead neighbor Michelle Riley and her son Matthew spot Stephen in the Florida Everglades. Mather Homestead docent Florence Heubeck finds Stephen at Golden Spike National Historical Park in Arizona. Catie Morgan, daughter of Mather Homestead Board member Ginger Morgan, spots Stephen at Cabrillo National Monument in California. Janet King and her son Henry spot Stephen at Mather Point on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park Stephen is also spotted in Grand Canyon by The Moore Family: Dan, Wendy, Connor, Nate, and Will On May 1, 2026, Mather descendant Erin Valenzuela spotted Stephen at Great Basin National Park in Nevada. Erin shares, "we were so lucky to get to see it. They opened the road to the overlook while we were at the visitor center!" Eric Bright spots Stephen at Independence National Historic Park, Pennsylvania. Henry Keena at the entrance to Mather Memorial Parkway in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington. Ginger and Howard Morgan spot Stephen at Harper's Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia. Fittingly, Harper's Ferry is also home to the NPS History Collection archives. And this plaque was previously located right here in Darien, CT, at Mather Junior High School! A Legacy in Bronze After Stephen Mather's death in 1930, friends and colleagues honored him by commissioning 28 Gorham bronze plaques bearing his likeness and celebrating his legacy. On July 4, 1932—what would have been Mather's 65th birthday—the first group of plaques was dedicated at national parks and monuments across the country. More plaques followed over the decades, and today 62 are on display from coast to coast. Each bears this tribute: "He laid the foundation of the National Park Service, defining and establishing the policies under which its areas shall be developed and conserved unimpaired for future generations. There will never come an end to the good he has done." If you enjoyed one of America's national parks this summer, you experienced part of the extraordinary conservation legacy Stephen Mather helped create.

San Benito County, CA < Back Pinnacles San Benito County, CA 2013 Established: Size: 26,606 acres Visitors: 222,152 in 2018 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

Beverley Shores, IN < Back Indiana Dunes Beverley Shores, IN 2019 Established: Size: 15,349 acres Visitors: 2,834,180 in 2022 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

Olympic Peninsula, WA < Back Olympic Olympic Peninsula, WA 1938 Established: Size: 922,650 acres Visitors: 2,432,972 in 2022 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

Humboldt County, CA < Back Redwood Humboldt County, CA 1968 Established: Size: 139,091 acres Visitors: 458,400 in 2022 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next

220 mi S of Salt Lake City, UT < Back Capitol Reef 220 mi S of Salt Lake City, UT 1971 Established: Size: 241,904 acres Visitors: 1,227,608 in 2022 Summary Capitol Reef National Park, nestled in south-central Utah, is a hidden gem renowned for its striking geological formations, colorful canyons, and rich human history. Encompassing nearly 100 miles of the Waterpocket Fold—a dramatic wrinkle in the Earth's crust—the park showcases towering cliffs, arches, bridges, and domes, providing a playground for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike. Visitors can explore the park's scenic drives, hike along rugged trails to hidden petroglyphs and historic orchards, and marvel at the star-filled skies above its designated International Dark Sky Park. Capitol Reef's unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage offers a captivating journey through time and landscape. Wildlife Capitol Reef National Park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, adapted to the harsh desert environment of south-central Utah. Visitors may encounter iconic species such as mule deer, desert cottontails, and rock squirrels amidst the park's rugged landscapes. Birdwatchers can spot golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, and various songbirds soaring overhead, while reptile enthusiasts may glimpse lizards, snakes, and the elusive desert tortoise. The park's riparian areas provide habitat for beavers, amphibians, and a variety of fish, adding to its ecological richness. Exploring Capitol Reef offers opportunities to observe and appreciate the resilience and adaptability of its wildlife amidst the stunning backdrop of colorful canyons and towering cliffs. Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors to Capitol Reef National Park can enjoy road tours, hiking, camping, biking, horseback riding, canyoneering, and more. Though Capitol Reef does not receive as much snow as other Utah parks, outdoor activities can still pose a challenge during the winter due to snow and ice. When to Visit Capitol Reef National Park has a semi-arid climate, with hot summers, cold winters, and scant precipitation year-round. The transitional seasons of spring (particularly April-May) and fall (particularly September-October) have the most pleasant weather for visiting. To avoid the high crowds that are present those times of year, try visiting mid-week as opposed to on the weekend, and make sure to plan your visit in advance. Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Capitol Reef National Park gets its name from a series of white sandstone domes reminiscent of the U.S. Capitol building located in the park, and the term "reef," which locally refers to a land barrier that makes travel difficult. 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

60 mi N of Jackson, WY < Back Yellowstone 60 mi N of Jackson, WY 1872 Established: Size: 2,219,791 acres Visitors: 4,501,382 in 2023 Summary Yellowstone National Park, situated primarily in Wyoming but also extending into parts of Montana and Idaho, is a true natural wonderland. It's not only the first national park in the world but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yellowstone is famous for its geothermal features like geysers, hot springs, and bubbling mud pots, with the iconic Old Faithful being the star attraction. The park's diverse landscapes include forests, canyons, rivers, and alpine meadows, providing habitats for a wide range of wildlife, including bison, elk, grizzly bears, and wolves. Visitors can explore a network of hiking trails, go wildlife watching, or enjoy activities like camping, fishing, and boating. Yellowstone's stunning beauty and unique geology make it a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Wildlife Bison Bald eagle Grizzly bear Coyote Yellowstone National Park is renowned for its rich and diverse wildlife. The park is home to a remarkable array of animals, including iconic species such as bison, elk, and grizzly bears. Additionally, visitors may encounter wolves, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats, among others. Yellowstone's varied habitats, ranging from forests to meadows to rivers, support a thriving ecosystem that sustains a wide variety of wildlife. Birdwatchers are treated to sightings of bald eagles, ospreys, and numerous other bird species. Exploring Yellowstone provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing and offers a glimpse into the natural beauty and ecological richness of this iconic park. Sounds of the Park Things to Do In the summer, visitors at Yellowstone National Park can hike, camp, ride on horseback, or go fly fishing. In the winter, visitors can go snowmobiling. Year round, visitors can visit Yellowstone's geysers, including the famous Old Faithful. Hiking Cross-country skiing Horseback riding When to Visit Yellowstone National Park has a continental climate with warm to hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Precipitation, especially rain, is uncommon year round. Crowds peak in the summer. As a result, the best time to visit, taking into account both crowds and weather, would be late spring (May) or early fall (September). Ties to Stephen Mather Yellowstone National Park has a Stephen Mather plaque located at the Madison Information Station. Fun Fact Since 2000, Old Faithful geyser has erupted every 44 minutes to 2 hours. Previous Next

Whatcom County, WA < Back North Cascades Whatcom County, WA 1968 Established: Size: 504,654 acres Visitors: 30,154 in 2022 Summary Wildlife Sounds of the Park Things to Do When to Visit Ties to Stephen Mather Fun Fact Previous Next