Click Here to download our revised 2012 calendar.
You can also view an interactive list on our facebook page.
Or view it below!
The purpose of these programs is to engage creatively and enthusiastically with the extraordinary history and resources of Sylvester Manor, a 350-year-old, 243-acre family farm; and to make learning about food, culture and place fun – and available to the public. All programs are held at Sylvester Manor unless otherwise noted. Welcome all!
April
Earth Day | April 21 and 22 | 1-3p | a Collaboration with Mashomack Preserve
Come celebrate Earth Day with Mashomack Preserve and Sylvester Manor. Join us at the Mashomack Visitor Center on Saturday for stories about the planet. On Sunday, help us help Mashomack and the Nature Conservancy break the Guinness Record for largest worldwide picnic. Fresh Sylvester Manor Egg Salad Sandwiches for sale at the farmstand!
May
Memorial Day Open House | May 26 | 2 -4p
Open the season with family fun on the grounds of the our 1735 Manor House. Sample our farmstand’s finest and enjoy music and spring festivities. Come join us at 80 North Ferry Rd, Shelter Island, NY.
June
SM Contra Dance Series #1 @ Havens House Barn | June 2 | 7:30p
The ancient art of the barn dance was the farmer’s social networking coup. Join young farmers and old hands as we gather once again to hop and holler into the night. Easy dances- perfect for beginners- guaranteed grins.
click here for the Contra Dance Poster PDF
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Farm-to-Table Benefit Dinner | June 30
For inquiries regarding tables or tickets, please contact FarmDinner@SylvesterManor.org or 917.743.1767.
To view event details, please visit our Farm To Table page here.
July
The Imaginarium- ages 3+4 | 9 sessions, July 2-August 31 | 9a – 11a
Enter a world of imagination at Sylvester Manor, where we explore the grounds and enjoy the shade of the copper beech while playing exciting games and enjoying the world of fun farm-based fiction books.
Young Farmer’s Program- Ages 5-10 | July 2-6, July 23-27 | 9a – 2p
Collect eggs from the chickens, harvest and plant vegetables and mulch garden beds. Create farm-based artwork and join us for a special farm grown, organic lunch with the farmers and our families on Friday afternoons that you get to help cook! Also in August!
SM Contra Dance Series #2 @ TBA | July 7 | 7:30p
Farm Science Program – Ages 7-12 | July 16-20, July 30-August 3| 9a – 2p
How are flowers pollinated? What critters keep the soil rich and healthy? How can water be used in sustainable ways? Exploring questions like these, we delve into the natural processes that make the farm go. Also in August!
Green Theater Co. Shakespeare in the Field | July 14, 15 | 6:30p
THE TEMPEST brings to life romance, redemption, and comedy on a remote island. Hal Fickett and his acclaimed Green Theater Company revisit our windmill field to share this classic in their engaging minimalist style.
Banjo Building Workshop | July 16-21
Using a watch & do approach, noted banjo builder and teacher Jeff Menzies will guide you step by step as you make a real gourd or tackhead banjo. You will make a piece of art of the highest quality and warmest feeling- as nice on stage as it is in the living room. No woodworking experience required.
Founding Families Brunch | July 22 | 11a
August
SM Contra Dance Series #3 @ TBA | August 4 | 7:30p
Young Farmer’s Program | August 6-10, August 27-31| 9a – 2p
Plein Air Painting Workshop | August 18- 19
Set on Sylvester Manor’s magnificent grounds, this small two-day painting workshop is led by award-winning landscape painter Janet Jennings. Capture the magic of island light using watercolor, oils or acrylic paint. Open to absolute beginners and accomplished painters. (Please bring own lunch, materials, and insect repellant).
Farm Science Program Week 3 | August 20-24| 9a – 2p
En Plein Air: Outdoor Painting Workshop with Janet Jennings | Aug 18-19
Join our Plein Air (“in the open air”) painting workshop, a method popularized in the mid 19th century by the Impressionists. Led by Hamptons artist Janet Jennings – an award winning landscape painter – Sylvester Manor offers the unique opportunity to unlock your artistic potential and encourage your creativity. This two-day workshop is open to absolute beginners and accomplished painters who wish to explore watercolor or oil/acrylic painting. Set amongst magnificent grounds of Sylvester Manor, this small painting workshop will allow you to capture the magic of the autumnal East End light within a preserved landscape of natural beauty. Please bring your own lunch, gear, insect repellant, and painting supplies.
October
Plant & Sing | October 6-7
Each October people gather to plant garlic and harvest fall crops, transforming the fields and the work itself with festive songs, dances, recitations and meals. It’s the community harvest festival tradition made new- join us!
Roots Music Film Series #1 | Location/Time TBA
Watch and listen as we explore performances of notable early American songsters preserved in Shelter Islander Joe Lauro’s remarkable Historic Films collection. From work songs to early blues and bluegrass, this series explores the musical culture of food in film.
November
Roots Music Film Series #2 | Location/Time TBA
Classical Guitar Concert w/Mark & Beverly Davis | November 10 | 7p
For more than three decades Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist Mark Davis has been a leader in the field of plucked string music, known equally for his work as a guitarist, conductor and educator. Mark and his wife Beverly have performed at notable festivals worldwide. Come enjoy impeccable classical music in intimate setting of the Manor’s living room- designed in 1908 by Henry Bacon for string music.
December
Roots Music Film Series #3 | Location/Time TBA
Tea and Tree | Sylvester Manor |December 15 | 2-4p
