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Bringing History to Life!

The Mather Homestead, Darien's only Registered National Historic Landmark, is a historic home and property on the four corners of Brookside and Stephen Mather Roads. The home was built in 1778 by Deacon Joseph Mather, raided by Tories during the Revolutionary War, and later the home of Stephen Tyng Mather, an avid conservationist and the first Director of the National Park Service. The house was passed through six generations of Mathers until 2017, when the home was generously donated by Mather descendants to a newly created foundation to be operated as a museum dedicated to historical education.

 

The Mather Homestead is rich in history and open for public education and enjoyment.

 

We are open for tours Tuesday through Thursday 11 am to 3 pm, Fridays and Saturdays 1 to 3 pm.  Schedule.

We are also open by appointment - email us to schedule your tour outside of our normal hours. 

Tours are $10/adult, $5 for kids under 18 and FREE for our members (become a member) and members of NARM (North American Reciprocal Museum Association).

 

Please click here for upcoming events.

The Mather Homestead Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, oversees the Mather Homestead.  

The Mather Homestead is Darien's only Registered National Historic Landmark

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Stephen Tyng Mather (1867-1930)
First Director of the National Park Service
Owner of the Homestead 1906-1930

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • The Pink Rhubarb Summer Workshops for Kids - Weeks TBD
    The Pink Rhubarb Summer Workshops for Kids - Weeks TBD
    Mon, Jun 17
    The Mather Homestead
    Jun 17, 2024, 7:00 PM – Aug 01, 2024, 11:00 PM
    Jun 17, 2024, 7:00 PM – Aug 01, 2024, 11:00 PM
    The Pink Rhubarb returns to the Mather Homestead with summer workshops featuring cooking, gardening and crafts. Kids will learn essential skills in the kitchen, develop a green thumb in the garden, and explore the beautiful Mather Homestead property. Mixed ages 4 to 13. Hi
  • Book Club with Samantha:  Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Wolfe
    Book Club with Samantha:  Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Wolfe
    Wed, Jul 17
    Mather Homestead patio
    Jul 17, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    Jul 17, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
    Join our literary guru, Samantha Gault, for a discussion of "Mrs Dalloway," one of Virginia Woolf's best known novels published in 1925. It details a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, a fictional upper-class woman in post-First World War England.
  • Outdoor Photography Workshop with Katherine Calderwood
    Outdoor Photography Workshop with Katherine Calderwood
    Tue, Jul 23
    Start in the MH Barn!
    Jul 23, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    Jul 23, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
    The national parks are simply spectacular and you can capture the beauty even with your iPhone! Whether you're planning a trip to a stunning park or simply want to capture the beauty of Darien’s local parks and beaches, this hands-on workshop will elevate your landscape photography.
  • Mather Kids:  Writers Workshop
    Mather Kids:  Writers Workshop
    Mon, Aug 05
    The Mather Homestead
    Aug 05, 2024, 9:00 AM – Aug 09, 2024, 12:00 PM
    Aug 05, 2024, 9:00 AM – Aug 09, 2024, 12:00 PM
    Writing workshop inspired by 18th & 19th century poets, storytellers, letter writers, journalists, nature writers, and travel writers. Samantha will lead kids through the process of writing -- selecting topics, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing their original work! Reco ages 8 to 13.
  • Fall Harvest Festival - sponsored by BMW of Darien
    Fall Harvest Festival - sponsored by BMW of Darien
    Sat, Oct 26
    The Mather Homestead
    Oct 26, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    Oct 26, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    The Fall Harvest Festival is in its sixth year! Join us for hay rides, face painting, pumpkin decorating, crafts, games, cider & donuts, live music & a special visit from George Washington! Tickets - members: $15 adult/$10 child, non-members: $20 adult/$15 child.
  • Yoga with Mary Ann
    Yoga with Mary Ann
    Mon., Weds. 9:30 am
    Mather Barn
    Mon., Weds. 9:30 am
    Mon., Weds. 9:30 am
    Vinyasa style yoga in the barn. No class Pres. Day Week Feb 19 & 21.
  • Field Trip to the New York Historical Society
    Field Trip to the New York Historical Society
    Date and time is TBD
    New York
    Date and time is TBD
    Date and time is TBD
    In the works ... fall field trip to the New York Historical Society, New York's first museum which covers 400 years of history through groundbreaking exhibitions, outstanding collections, immersive films, and more. Stay tuned for details.
  • Exhibit: Stephen Mather and the National Parks
    Exhibit: Stephen Mather and the National Parks
    by appointment
    The Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Cntr
    by appointment
    by appointment
    Learn about the life and legacy of Stephen Tyng Mather (1867-1930), the first Director of the National Park Service and the owner of the Homestead from 1906 to 1930. Exhibit geared towards adults PLUS "kids corner" for kids of all ages. Open hours Thurs. 6 to 7:30, Sat. 11 to 1, Sun. 1 to 3
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