Stephen Tyng Mather Home

Stephen Tyng Mather Home is a colonial-era residence in Darien featuring wood-frame construction, a central chimney, and a five-bay facade across two and a half stories. The structure displays typical period design while accommodating later modifications that expanded its footprint.

The house was built in 1778 by Deacon Joseph Mather as a family residence. Its significance grew when resident Stephen Tyng Mather established the National Park Service in 1916, linking his home to a major conservation movement.

The home honors a figure who shaped American conservation thinking and whose legacy remains visible in its rooms. Visitors can explore spaces that reflect the values of environmental stewardship that defined an era.

The house operates on a limited schedule and requires advance reservations before visiting. Plan ahead to ensure access and check current visiting guidelines before making the trip.

A 1927 renovation by architect Thomas Harlan Ellett added a side porch and expanded the structure significantly. Despite these 20th-century changes, key original interior details were preserved, showing how the home adapted while honoring its past.

Location: Connecticut

Inception: 1778

Website: https://matherhomestead.org

GPS coordinates: 41.11250,-73.47417

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:02