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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 as a "safe house," 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 BY APPOINTMENT Tuesday through Thursday 11 am to 3 pm, Fridays and Saturdays 1 to 3 pm.
Please email us to schedule your tour outside of our normal hours - we are happy to accommodate when available.
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
Stephen Tyng Mather (1867-1930)
First Director of the National Park Service
Owner of the Homestead 1906-1930
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Wed, Sep 04Mather Homestead patio (rain go away)Sep 04, 2024, 7:00 PM
- Wed, Sep 18Mather Homestead BarnSep 18, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Thu, Sep 19New YorkSep 19, 2024, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Fri, Sep 20Oyster BaySep 20, 2024, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thu, Sep 26The Mather HomesteadSep 26, 2024, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Oct 09, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMThe Darien Library's "Novel Tea" event on October 16 will welcome author Ariel Lawhon for a discussion of her book Frozen River. The Library has kindly invited the Mather Homestead to host a book discussion given the relevance of our home to the time period -- late 18th century.
- Thu, Oct 24The Elizabeth W. Chilton Education CenteOct 24, 2024, 7:00 PM
- Sat, Oct 26The Mather HomesteadOct 26, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Wed, Nov 13Mather Homestead patio (rain go away)Nov 13, 2024, 7:00 PM
- Tue, Nov 19Mather Homestead BarnNov 19, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMNov 19, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMArt – in particular, landscape art and photography – was crucial to the establishment of the National Park Service. ArtScapades' Robin Hoffman will discuss the work of Albert Bierstadt, George Caitlin, and Sanford Gifford which captured the grandeur and beauty of the West and need for preservation.
- Thu, Dec 05MH Elizabeth W. Chilton Education CenterDec 05, 2024, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- by appointmentThe Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Cntrby appointmentby appointmentLearn 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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