Mather Homestead’s New Executive Director, Samantha Lane Gault

It seems fitting that Samantha Lane Gault majored in English from Dartmouth College. After her first job at the CBS Early Show as weatherman Dave Price’s personal assistant, teaching called. She landed a job at Greenwich Academy, teaching 9th through 12th grade English — a role she held for eight years. While there, she earned a Masters in English from Middlebury’s Bread Loaf School of English and then went on to teach at the Dalton School in Manhattan. After five years, she taught 9th grade English at New Canaan Country School, while also running literary programming at The Mather Homestead.

It’s a narrative rich in critical thinking, creativity and the ability to encourage young people to take a deep exploration into written works of art. The Mather Homestead has its own compelling story to share, and Samantha is excited to have the opportunity be a part of it.

On the homestead

During a recent visit to the Mather house, Samantha is eager to show me around. Samantha appears oversized as she maneuvers from one room to the next in this living doll house. Is it because people were smaller back when the house was built by Deacon Joseph Mather in 1778? Not necessarily says Samantha. Smaller rooms with lower ceilings kept the home warm, thus serving a practical need during those unforgiving winters.

She moves comfortably in the home, sharing that she is in awe of how the Mather Homestead has been so carefully and lovingly preserved. “It tells an amazing story — of a family that lived here for seven generations — and all they experienced,” she says. This included raids on their home by Tories during the Revolutionary War. Stephen Tyng Mather was an avid conservationist and the first Director of the National Park Service. Following his death his daughter, Bertha Mather McPherson, was one of Connecticut’s first female architects and a visionary preservationist. She left the home as it is today.

You don’t have to be a history buff to enjoy the Mather Homestead. Samantha encourages visitors to explore its many offerings. “There is something for everyone. It is a place of great natural beauty as well as historic significance,” she says. And there is no greater joy than watching children run wild across the Mather lawn — destination playhouse!”

Longtime resident

Darien has been her home for sixteen years. Samantha and her husband, recently separated, moved to town right when they were married. He commuted to the city and she was teaching at Greenwich Academy. They wanted to be on the train line and near the water. The town’s reputation for its competitive schools, vibrant community, and public programs were compelling draws. “Paddle tennis. Blue Wave kickers. Mad Science. Selleck’s Woods. Darien Library. My family has taken full advantage of it all,” she adds.

Local involvement

Samantha craved both academic stimulation and deepening her community connection. When former Executive Director Heather Raker decided to retire, Samantha knew the position would be ideal for her. “It seemed like the natural next step,” she says. “I am grateful to the board for their thoughtful and thorough search process and for ultimately giving me this opportunity. Every step of the interview process got me more excited for the job.”

Moving forward, Samantha shares that the Homestead will continue to be a welcoming place for all. Their goals is to enhance visitor experience, tours, and the property itself. “To keep the programming as dynamic as it has been. We will keep bringing history to life,” she says.

In America’s semiquincentennial anniversary year, it’s a fitting time for Samantha to get to work. “Mather Homestead looks forward to partnering with The Museum of Darien, Norwalk Historical Society, and other members of the Middlesex Parish community to celebrate America250!” she says. The community can experience a Revolutionary War reenactment at the Homestead on May 2 and Museum Open days in Darien and Norwalk on June 14 among other events. 

Her excitement for what she’ll bring to the role, and strengthening her community engagement, is part of her bright outlook. She has a never too late approach. “To apologize, to say thank you, to reach out to a friend, to learn something new.” It’s a fitting mission the community will benefit from.

To learn more about Mather Homestead, please visit www.matherhomestead.org.