Stephen Searl Takes Over As Sylvester Manor Educational Farm Executive Director

Sylvester Manor Educational Farm in Shelter Island has announced a change in leadership for the New Year. Stephen Searl took over as Executive Director, replacing Jo-Ann Robotti who retired, and Tracy McCarthy filled the new position of Director of Operations.

“Their arrival at the Manor marks a smooth transition of leadership and the next step towards the Manor’s future,” said Benjamin Dyett, President of the Board of Directors at Sylvester Manor. “Stephen’s more than 15 years of experience in land management and farming, coupled with Tracy’s deep history in business operations and marketing, is a great leap forward in moving the Manor to the next level.”

The Manor’s future plans include making the property more accessible to the public, expanding outreach and marketing to increase visitors, grow the education program and develop workshops with local schools, collaborate with other organizations, and preserve and restore the historic site.

The Sylvester Manor Educational Farm site has a history that dates back to 1652. Its mission is to preserve and share the site’s history with the public. The Manor is located at 80 North Ferry Road in Shelter Island. The grounds are currently closed for the winter, and re-open in April.

However, Sylvester Manor Educational Farm has teamed up with the Eastville Community Historical Society to present the fourth annual Black History Month event Lift Your Voices: A Celebration of Music, Culture & Tradition – taking place at Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor on Sunday, February 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. Attendees will hear from panelist Henry Maxwell Letcher II (East End Jazz DJ, Musician and Jazz historian), Shane Weeks (member of Shinnecock Nation, Drummer and Musician), and Karl Schwarz (member of New Moon Acoustic Blues Band, Traditional Blues and Gospel musician). Dr. Georgette Grier-Key, Executive Director of ECHS, will moderate.

For more information, please visit www.sylvestermanor.org.