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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
Sun, Jan 26Mather BarnJan 26, 2025, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PMVinyasa style yoga in the Barn with Mary Ann.
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 01Mather Homestead BarnFeb 01, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 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.
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, 7:00 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.
Sat, Mar 01Mather Homestead BarnMar 01, 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!
Thu, Mar 27Mather Homestead BarnMar 27, 2025, 7:00 PM – 8:00 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
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!
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
Wed, Jan 22Mather Homestead BarnJan 22, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMSamantha will lead us through a discussion of a "brilliant, action-packed reimagining of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."- Wed, Jan 22Mather Homestead BarnJan 22, 2025, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PMSamantha will lead us through a discussion of a "brilliant, action-packed reimagining of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."
Sat, Dec 21DarienDec 21, 2024, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PMFamily Fun presented by the Junior Board. Crafts, cookie decorating, live music and a visit from St. Nick! Plus festive bevs & sweet treats.
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