Sylvester Manor Educational Farm is a dynamic cultural and arts center that blends history, nature, and creativity on Shelter Island, New York. Once a 17th-century provisioning plantation, the site has been transformed into a nonprofit educational farm and cultural center devoted to cultivating and preserving arts, culture, and heritage. The Manor offers year-round programming including live musical performances, art events, storytelling sessions, and workshops that reflect the region’s rich multicultural legacy. With a strong emphasis on community engagement, Sylvester Manor hosts artist residencies and cultural festivals that explore themes of history, land, and identity.

The organization is uniquely positioned on over 230 acres of preserved land, including gardens, forests, and historic buildings, providing an inspiring setting for cultural expression and education. Through partnerships with artists, historians, and educators, it fosters meaningful dialogue and creative learning. Sylvester Manor also highlights the historical narrative of the land and the diverse peoples connected to it, including the Indigenous, African, and European influences that shaped the site. Its programs often interweave farming, food heritage, and the arts to create immersive cultural experiences. As a hub where the arts meet environmental and historical awareness, Sylvester Manor stands as a unique and impactful destination in the world of arts and culture.

Key Services:

– Cultural and arts programming in a historic setting
– Community events featuring music, storytelling, and live performances
– Artist residencies focused on heritage, land, and identity
– Collaborative arts workshops and educational activities
– Seasonal cultural festivals celebrating diverse traditions
– Historical tours emphasizing local and ancestral histories
– Outdoor performances and installations in natural spaces
– Cross-disciplinary programs connecting agriculture, culture, and the arts