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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!
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Multiple DatesWed, Jan 29Mather BarnJan 29, 2025, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AMRefresh your mind and energy with this revitalizing practice to uplift and restore your entire system. Enjoy a well-paced flow that will offer you just the right amount of challenge while encouraging strength, resistance, and flexibility while reducing tension in the hips, back and shoulders.
Thu, Jan 30Mather Homestead BarnJan 30, 2025, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PMJanuary is "hot tea month" and we are celebrating with a traditional tea by Carolyn's Absolutely Fabulous Events plus talk featuring beekeeper and honey sommelier Marina Marchese aka “the queen bee” who returns for her second visit to the Homestead.
Sat, Feb 08MH BarnFeb 08, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PMThe Concepts Group concludes its "Can You Imagine?" art show with a celebration and inspiration! Head on over to see the show (still some for sale!), make a valentine and enjoy a hot beverage. FREE! Collage by Meg Tweedy.
Sat, Feb 08Mather HomesteadFeb 08, 2025, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PMThe Concepts Group concludes their art show with a celebration and inspiration! Head on over to see the show (still some for sale!), make a valentine and enjoy a hot beverage. FREE! Painting by Meg Tweedy.
Thu, Feb 13MH BarnFeb 13, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMPatti Hoffman of Stitch-Stash in Darien will guide us through the creation of a Valentine's Key FOB — a one-of-a-kind custom painted canvas just for you. Sign up early so your initials can be painted on your canvas! Wine & Cheese as always -- plus Valentine's Day cocktail 🍸❤️
Wed, Feb 26Mather Homestead barnFeb 26, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PMAuthor Brian Shellum will share the fascinating life of Charles Young (1864-1922), born into slavery in Kentucky, who was the third Black graduate of the United States Military Academy, first Black U.S. national park superintendent, first Black military attaché, and first black Colonel in the Army.
Thu, Feb 27Mather BarnFeb 27, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMIn February, we will discuss one of poetry's greats: William Butler Yeats (1865 – 1939). Yeats was an Irish poet, dramatist and writer, and one of the foremost figures of 20th-century literature. We'll discuss his poetry as well as his "tangled" love life!
Sun, Mar 02Mather Homestead BarnMar 02, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PMSamantha will lead an educational, interactive and fun discussion of "Lyddie". It tells the story of a nineteenth century girl and her brother who are hired out as servants to pay their family farm's debts. Lyddie is recommended for ages 8 to 12, grades 3 to 7.
Multiple DatesWed, Mar 19The Mather HometeadMar 19, 2025, 2:00 PM – Mar 21, 2025, 3:30 PMKids - Join us for fun + learning at the Mather Homestead on March conference days! Day #1: Escape the Tories! Day #2: Fun at the National Parks! Day #3: Mather Crafts & Games!
Wed, Mar 19Mather BarnMar 19, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMJoin us during women’s history month for a discussion of the work of poet and short story writer Elizabeth Bishop (1911-1979) who has been called "one of the most important poets of the 20th century" by The NY Times.
Thu, Mar 27Mather Homestead BarnMar 27, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PMAuthors Kevin D. Murphy and Mary Anne Hunting will discuss a topic near and dear to the Mather Homestead's heart -- female architects, as Bertha Mather McPherson attended the Cambridge School of Architecture and became one of Connecticut's first female architects.
Thu, Apr 24MH Elizabeth W. Chilton Education CenterApr 24, 2025, 7:00 PMJoin us for our third annual Night at the Mather Tavern! Tavern Food + Tavern Drink + Tavern History + Tavern Games = Tavern Fun
Sun, Apr 27The Mather Homestead Barn & OutdoorsApr 27, 2025, 3:00 PM – 4:45 PMSamantha will lead a discussion of My Side of the Mountain, a Newbery Award winning adventure novel written and illustrated by Jean Craighead George in 1959. We are hoping that a falconer will join us for the fun!! Parents invited to join too!
Thu, May 15Mather Homestead BarnMay 15, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PMSamantha will lead us through a discussion of a this fascinating book about one of the first American women architects and a survivor of the sinking of the RMS Lusitania.
Thu, May 22Mather Homestead gardens, lawn & barnMay 22, 2025, 11:30 AM – 2:00 PMJoin us for our fifth annual garden tea supporting preservation of the Mather Homestead and property. More details to follow soon.
Tue, Jun 10Mather Homestead BarnJun 10, 2025, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PMArtists and aspiring artists are invited to enjoy the Mather Homestead property from June 7 through June 14. Come to paint, draw, photograph and be inspired!! Join us for lunch on Wednesday, June 10th compliments of the Mather Homestead! Raindate June 11th. Please RSVP!- Wed, Jun 11Mather Homestead BarnJun 11, 2025, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PMArtists and aspiring artists are invited to enjoy the Mather Homestead property from June 8 through June 15. Come to paint, draw, photograph and be inspired!! Lunch event on Wednesday, June 11th with lecture featuring Artscapades. Raindate June 12th. Please RSVP!
Date and time is TBDMather Homestead GardenDate and time is TBDWe’re spicing up our literary evening with music! We’ll discuss the lyrics of Bob Dylan, considered one of the greatest songwriters of all time, and hear his music played by Parkway Ramblers!! In the garden weather permitting.
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