EDUCATION
The Mather Homestead's mission is to educate all ages about American history, including Colonial/Revolutionary War times and Stephen Tyng Mather and the National Parks. Come for a tour or join us for one of our many programs below.
LEARN ABOUT STEPHEN MATHER & THE NATIONAL PARKS
PROGRAMMING & RESOURCES
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 authors, reenacts, scholars and more. 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
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 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), and Frauces Tavern. 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 Con Fuoco String Quartet, On the Trail Bluegrass Band, Jazz singer Lissy Newman, Singer/Songwriters Griffin House, Dan Zlotnick, and more. MORE
Stories from the Attic
Docent and Archivist Donn Smith has been busy poking around the attic of the Mather Homestead and he's found treasures abound! Check out his blogs which tell the stories of artifacts from six generations of Mathers including a bible from 1743, a girl's dress from the 1860's, Stephen Mather's camera, a love letter written by Stephen Mather to his wife and more! BLOG
Educational Resources
We have many sources for more information about the Mather Homestead and the life and legacy of Stephen Mather. MORE