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LITERARY EVENTS
BOOK CLUB, POETRY
Our literary series is led by Samantha Gault, a seasoned educator who brings American literature to life! Our lively discussions include "book club" discussions of historical fiction and non-fiction, poetry discussions, and other discussions of literature. And our discussions include events for both adults and kids. Samantha makes learning fun and accessible for all. JOIN US!
And please consider purchasing from our friends at Barrett Bookstore or Elm Street books - buy local!
Do you have a book/topic to recommend? Email us!
About Samantha Gault
A career educator, Samantha taught high school English at Greenwich Academy for eight years and at The Dalton School for five. She currently teaches ninth grade English at New Canaan Country School, where her own children – William, age 9, and Georgia, age 7 – are students. She holds a Bachelor's in English from Dartmouth College and a Master's in English from Middlebury, with a specialty in poetry and American and modern literature. Samantha and her family live in Darien and are pleased to welcome the Mather Homestead Education Center to the neighborhood!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wed, Sep 04Mather Homestead patio (rain go away)Sep 04, 2024, 7:00 PMThe National Park Service launched a project in March: "You Are Here: Poetry in Parks." This initiative will feature site-specific poetry installations in seven national parks. We will be discussing the seven featured poems with Samantha over three sessions.
Sun, Sep 08The Mather HomesteadSep 08, 2024, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PMFamily fun at the Homestead! Join us for games, tours and ICE CREAM!
Wed, Sep 18Mather Homestead BarnSep 18, 2024, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMTeddy Roosevelt was many things - President, outdoorsman, and also a great storyteller and prolific writer. Samantha will lead us in a reading of some of his most impactful writings. No advanced reading required!
Thu, Sep 19New YorkSep 19, 2024, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PMPrivate tour of Teddy Roosevelt's Birthplace followed by lunch at the Harvard Club of NYC.
Fri, Sep 20Oyster BaySep 20, 2024, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMVisit to Sagamore Hill, the Summer White House of Teddy Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States, from 1885 until his death in 1919. Transportation and picnic lunch provided.
Thu, Sep 26The Mather HomesteadSep 26, 2024, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PMA dazzling look at the making of one of America's most remarkable presidents, "The Loves of Theodore Roosevelt" celebrates five extraordinary yet unsung women. Funds to benefit the 1778 house restoration. Please consider becoming a patron of this event.
Wed, Oct 09DarienOct 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.
Fri, Oct 18DarienOct 18, 2024, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PMNight at the Museum returns for the third year! This year we’ll have two groups. 5 to 6:30 pm, ages 5 to 9; 7:30 to 9 pm ages 10 to 13. Limited to 25 kids per session.
Wed, Oct 23New YorkOct 23, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PMField 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. Customized docent-led tour with optional lunch at the Yale Club NYC.
Thu, Oct 24The Elizabeth W. Chilton Education CenteOct 24, 2024, 7:00 PMJon Waterman, photographer, filmmaker, adventurer, and author of the bestselling Atlas of the National Park, returns for a discussion of his latest book: Into the Thaw: Witnessing Wonder Amid the Arctic Climate Crisis, a first-hand account of the Arctic crisis.
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.- Wed, Nov 13Mather Homestead patio (rain go away)Nov 13, 2024, 7:00 PMThe National Park Service launched a project in March: "You Are Here: Poetry in Parks." This initiative will feature site-specific poetry installations in seven national parks. We will be discussing the seven featured poems with Samantha over three sessions.
Fri, Nov 15DarienNov 15, 2024, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PMLocal artists from the Concepts Art Group will showcase their work which is inspired by the National Park Service's "Poetry in the Parks"
Tue, Nov 19Mather Homestead BarnNov 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 PMCreate your holiday wreath! We provide all the materials -- plus a holiday cocktail or two for inspiration. Bring clippers please! $95/$85 members
Mon., Weds. 9:30 amMather BarnMon., Weds. 9:30 amVinyasa style yoga in the barn. No class Pres. Day Week Feb 19 & 21.
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
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.
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