FALL SCHOLARS LECTURE
Featuring Edward O'Keefe
author of The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt
Thursday, September 25, 2024
The Mather Homestead, 19 Stephen Mather Road
Help us Bring History to Life!
We are honored to welcome the renowned author and historian Edward O’Keefe, who will discuss his recent book, The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt: The Women Who Created a President. This book is a “dazzling and lyrical look at the making of one of America’s most remarkable presidents. It celebrates five extraordinary yet unsung women – his mother, sisters, and wives who opened the door to the American Century and pushed Theodore Roosevelt through it.”
“With meticulous research... [and] perceptive insights... O’Keefe has performed a most valuable service by reminding us how much Theodore Roosevelt, the most virile of presidents, owed to the brilliant women in his life.” - The New York Times
Edward O’Keefe is the CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library Foundation. He previously spent two decades in broadcast and digital media at ABC News, CNN, and NowThis, during which he received a Primetime Emmy Award for his work with Anthony Bourdain, two Webby Awards, the Edward R. Murrow Award, and a George Foster Peabody Award for ABC’s coverage of 9/11. A former fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School, he graduated with honors from Georgetown University.
This book is of particular interest to the Mather Homestead:
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Theodore Roosevelt and Stephen Mather shared a profound commitment to conservation, both finding solace and purpose in the natural world. Roosevelt, known for his vigorous advocacy for preserving America's natural landscapes, established five national parks and numerous national monuments, thus laying the groundwork for the modern conservation movement. Inspired by Roosevelt's vision, Stephen Mather became the first director of the National Park Service, dedicating his life to protecting and expanding the national parks. Both men believed in the restorative power of nature and worked tirelessly to ensure public access to these natural treasures, safeguarding America's natural beauty for future generations.
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Like the loves of Theodore Roosevelt, Bertha Mather McPherson, Stephen Mather's daughter was an unsung hero. Bertha was one of the first female architects in Connecticut, a founding member of the Darien Historical Society, and Bertha McPherson, applied for and successfully received the designation of the Mather family homestead as a National Historic Landmark in 1964. The homestead was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, again thanks to her efforts.
Scholars Lecture featuring Edward O'Keefe
September 26th, 2024
6 - 9 PM
The Mather Homestead, Darien, CT
Mint Julip Welcome Reception in the Mather Homestead’s Sunken Garden
Presentation featuring Edward O’Keefe in the Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center
Dessert Bar and Champagne Toast honoring Bertha (Mather) McPherson and all
of the Women Who Inspire Each of Us
In the weeks leading up to O’Keefe’s presentation, The Mather Homestead will bring “history to life” through exciting excursions to National Historic Sites in New York City and the Long Island shore that will offer a deeper understanding of Roosevelt's world and the remarkable women who influenced him. We hope you will join us for a visit to Teddy Roosevelt's birthplace as well as his summer home, Sagamore Hill.
The Mather Homestead is a museum dedicated to historical education, aiming to inspire a deeper appreciation for America’s past. We hope you will join us for this extraordinary journey, offering important new insights into Teddy Roosevelt’s life and legacy.
We ask for your support of this event which will be our sole fall 2024 fundraising event.
Event Patron levels (below) honor both Bertha Mather and the contributions of Teddy Roosevelt's mother, Mittie, his sisters Bamie and Connie, his first wife, Alice, and his second wife Edith, all shaped and supported Roosevelt, contributing significantly to his success as one of America's most influential presidents. We encourage you to make your contribution in honor/memory of one of the many women who influenced your life.
All levels will receive event tickets and autographed books. Ticket quantities and additional offerings will vary based on level. Event proceeds will benefit The Mather Homestead Foundation’s 1778 Home Restoration Project. Donations are tax-deductible
_____$10,000 The Bertha Mather Sponsorship
Special recognition at the event
10 VIP tickets and autographed books
Teddy Roosevelt excursion to his birthplace in NYC
Mather Homestead membership
______$5,000 The Mittie Roosevelt Sponsorship (Teddy’s Mother)
Special recognition at the event
10 VIP tickets and autographed books
Mather Homestead membership
______$2,500 The Bamie Roosevelt Sponsorship (Teddy’s Sister)
Eight event tickets and autographed books
Mather Homestead membership
______$1,000 The Connie Roosevelt Sponsorship (Teddy’s Sister)
Six event tickets and autographed books
______ $500 The Edith Roosevelt Sponsorship (Teddy’s First Wife)
Four event tickets and autographed books
_______$250 The Alice Roosevelt Sponsorship (Teddy’s Second Wife)
One event ticket and one autographed book
The Mather Homestead Foundation is a 501 ©(3) dedicated to preserving the Mather Homestead, established in 1778 and home to seven generations of Mather descendants, as a treasured place for historical education and enjoyment.