HELP US BRING HISTORY TO LIFE!
The Mather Homestead Foundation relies on its generous supporters to fund the ongoing operations of the Homestead as well as special projects related to preservation and beautification. We also rely on our volunteers who generously offer their time - get involved!
The Mather Homestead Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. All gifts to the Mather Homestead are considered tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Annual Fund
The Mather Homestead relies on annual contributions from our Mather friends who recognize the importance of the Mather Homestead in our local and national history and are dedicated to the preservation of the 1778 home and surrounding seven acres as a place for historical education. SUPPORT
Membership
When you become a member of the Homestead your support our mission and help us secure our future. Members enjoy discounted/free tickets to events and free private tours. SUPPORT
1778 Restoration Project
In 2022, the Mather Homestead Foundation completed a "Condition Assessment" of the historic house and other buildings on the property. The resulting 152 page document concluded that while the ~250 year old house was well maintained by the Mather-McPherson family, there is still much work to be done to keep the house in shape with projects totaling $400 - $500K. SUPPORT
Beautification
The Mather Homestead property was originally 100 acres of farmland. The property now consists of seven acres, surrounded by Land Trust property which was also part of the Mather farm.
In 2023, The Mather Homestead Foundation hired Heritage Landscapes to conduct a Cultural Landscape Report of the property. The report will provide a better understanding of the property, its history and usage, and inform a Master Plan for the future.
The Mather-McPherson family has seeded a fund which will enable us to execute our Master Plan. Please consider a gift to help us plant and beautify the property! Our goal is to create a park like setting to be enjoyed by the community. SUPPORT
Sponsor
The Mather Homestead Foundation offers many opportunities for sponsorship and appreciates the support of our business sponsors who have contributed with financial and in kind donations. Donors are recognized in various ways - through our events, social media and publicity, and signage at the Homestead. SUPPORT
Planned Giving
We appreciate individuals who will consider the Mather Homestead in their giving plans through bequest, life insurance beneficiary or trust. Help us to secure the future of the Mather Homestead for another 250 years! SUPPORT
Volunteer
We welcome the help of volunteers and offer many wants to get involved - join us as a docent, lend us your green thumb, help us plan events ... and more! Thank you to our volunteers! VOLUNTEER
Thank you to the McPherson Family
Thank you to the Chilton Family
Thank you to The Darien Foundation
The Darien Foundation proudly supports The Stephen Mather Foundation.
"Whether a harvest festival for families or a scholarly lecture over tea in the garden, Mather caters to a range of ages and local constituencies, preserving the past and making history relevant to the future."
- Sarah Woodberry, Executive Director, The Darien Foundation
Thank you to our grantors
Thank you to our Lead Sponsors
The Mather Homestead Foundation appreciates the support of Rings End, in kind donor to the 1778 House Restoration Project and BMW of Darien, lead sponsor of the Fall Harvest Festival. Many other sponsors have contributed to various events and projects and we are very grateful.
