Sylvester Manor Educational Farm

History & heritage - since the founding of the organization, Sylvester Manor has been committed to sharing the stories and histories of all the people of Sylvester Manor (indigenous, enslaved african and european) who built, worked and sustained the Manor. Programming includes in-person and self-guided tours of the 1735 Manor house and surrounding 235 acres; curation, archiving and research of Sylvester Manor's extensive collection, and; partnerships with local, regional and national organizations and Educational institutions. Efforts are also ongoing to preserve and sustain the existing Manor house, its historic garden and unique cultural landscape, and to make the property - its waterways, trails and open spaces - accessible to the community.

Arts and education - Sylvester Manor educates and offers the public cultural experiences including summer youth programs, Farm orientated and place-based programming for families, and a multicultural american "roots" music concert series. The organization also hosts numerous tours and field trips for schools, historical societies and special interest groups that explore agriculture, food systems, sustainability and resilience, historic preservation, and the vast history of the property.

Farm - Sylvester Manor has a deep agricultural history dating back thousands of years when it was first under cultivation by the indigenous manhansetts. The organization was originally founded to re-establish agriculture on shelter island. The Farm consists of a vegetable and livestock operation on approximately 60 acres using organic methods. It serves a community supported agriculture program of approximately 150 families, a farmstand located on the property and other local/regional markets. Produce is also donated to the local food pantry. Sylvester Manor hosts agricultural education workshops on the Farm, including a residential apprentice farmer training program. The organization is continually expanding the farming operation in order to meet local demand.