Sylvester Manor: Farm-to-Table | CSA | Farm & Manor Updates | Sculpture | Shakespeare ….

Ticket registration is now open for Sylvester Manor’s 12th Annual Farm to Table Benefit. This popular event typically sells out, so early ticket purchase is strongly encouraged. Join us for an extended cocktail hour, seasonal farm-to-table cuisine, and an evening of music and dancing—all in support of sustainable agriculture, educational programs, and historic preservation. If you’re unable to attend, please consider making a donation today to support Sylvester Manor. We look forward to welcoming you for a memorable evening!

June 28
6-10:30pm
Creekside at the Manor

Summer Youth Program: New Week of OWLS Added

Due to popular demand, we have added a week of Outdoor Wilderness Living Skills (OWLS)! The one-week session will be held August 25-29 and is open to children ages 8-12 years old. Spots are limited so be sure to sign up today.

We also still have some spaces available in our Traditional Youth Program (ages 3 ½-7), Fig & Forest Culinary (ages 8-10), Forest Theatre (ages 7-14), STEM (ages 8-12). Give your child a Sylvester Manor summer full of wonder, nature, friends and more!

Almost Sold Out

Have you purchased your CSA share yet? We only have a few spots still available for the season. The 21-week produce share includes flowers, a rotation of vegetables, berries and unlimited herbs. We also have a farmstand credit, which is a great option for those who don’t want to commit to the CSA but still want to enjoy fresh produce.

Farm Update

This is one of the busiest times of the year on the Farm. Our two newest greenhouses are overflowing with seedlings and adolescent plants, the fields are being prepped for planting and the asparagus is starting to come in. The berries have all been pruned, fence lines cleared and everything feels fresh and new. Speaking of new, approximately 100 baby chicks just arrived. They will complement and expand our existing flock of 300 laying hens. In addition to the chickens, we have 30 ducks fertilizing our fields and 14 Berkshire pigs in our woodlands.

We’re excited to announce that the Farmstand will officially open on Friday, May 9th, Mothers Day weekend! We’ll be open weekends through May and seven days starting in mid-June.

Shakespeare at the Manor

Join us for another magical weekend of Shakespeare this summer! Allen O’Reilly and his talented group of actors return to the Manor to entertain us with one of Shakespeare’s most frequently performed comedies, Much Ado About Nothing. Tickets available soon.

Much Ado About Nothing
July 26-27
Manor Grounds

Town Update

On April 23rd Sylvester Manor appeared before the Town of Shelter Island’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) to seek a Special Permit to formalize our varied current and planned uses on the 236-acre property.  We are so grateful for the public support we received. Over two dozen letters of support were submitted and numerous community members spoke in support of our application during the hearing. The ZBA left the hearing open in order for us to respond to specific document requests. This matter will be continued on May 21st.

Our application packet can be found here. We have also prepared a Summary and Q&A, which is linked below. Information on the upcoming hearing and Zoom link can be found here.

April at the Manor House focused on books, books, and more books as we prepare to keep them safe during our long-planned rehabilitation. The subjects covered by the books range significantly, reflecting all eras and interests of occupants. This month, staff catalogued and packed 1,313 books in the Library of the collection’s 3,224 known volumes. 

We say “known” volumes because we encountered some not captured in an extensive assessment begun in 2010 by volunteer David Draper. We began by uploading his records — with 20 data points for each book — into a spreadsheet and, with some tweaking, transferred the data to our digital catalogue. 

Then we prepared materials to pack the books; assembling hundreds of boxes, cutting acres of acid-free tissue paper and miles of bubble wrap, and printing barcode labels to keep track of it all. We began our shelf-by-shelf inventory in the Library, cleaning, photographing, wrapping, and packing the books. Next, we’ll focus on those lining the first- and second-floor hallways. While many contributed, we entirely credit David Draper and his passion for historic preservation. He’s been our guide and our inspiration. Continuing his work has been a privilege as we prepare for the Manor House for its upcoming rehabilitation.

Trails Open

The trails and grounds are open for your enjoyment, seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Pick up a map highlighting our four walking trails (Creekside, Woodlands, Old Growth Forest and Farm). Paper maps are available at the kiosk at the front entrance to the Manor and also at the Welcome kiosk located by the parking area near the bathrooms. You can always download a digital version by clicking the button below.

Due to storm damage, the Land Bridge is temporarily closed. Please adhere to the posted trail closures.

Leashed dogs are welcome, but please pick up after your dog and dispose of the waste properly. No bicycles or motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails. The public restrooms are open to the public.

Download the “Sylvester Manor Walking Tour“ from the App Store for a self-guided tour of the grounds. Use the app and learn more about our historic property at your own pace.