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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 Homestead. Their surrounding 100 acre farm provided everything an 11 person family needed to be self-sufficient. They raised animals, grew vegetables and other crops, cooked, sewed and embroidered their clothing, canned fruits and vegetables, made candles ... and more. Our workshops give participants knowledge and hands-on experience with activities that would have been undertaken by Homesteaders. Join us!
![Mather Homestead drawing](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1fef92_022763a2404749a3b1e15d5f8fa415cb~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_291,h_255,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Screen%20Shot%202022-01-12%20at%205_17_15%20PM.png)
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
- Mon, Jun 17The Mather HomesteadJun 17, 2024, 7:00 PM – Aug 01, 2024, 11:00 PMThe 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
- Wed, Jul 17Mather Homestead patioJul 17, 2024, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PMJoin 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.
- Tue, Jul 23Start in the MH Barn!Jul 23, 2024, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PMThe 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.
- Mon, Aug 05The Mather HomesteadAug 05, 2024, 9:00 AM – Aug 09, 2024, 12:00 PMWriting 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.
- Sat, Oct 26The Mather HomesteadOct 26, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PMThe 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.
- Mon., Weds. 9:30 amMather BarnMon., Weds. 9:30 amVinyasa style yoga in the barn. No class Pres. Day Week Feb 19 & 21.
- Date and time is TBDNew YorkDate and time is TBDIn 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.
- by appointmentThe Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Cntrby 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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