THE FARM

Over the course of its long history, the property that is now Sylvester Manor Educational Farm has been a Native American hunting ground, a feudal plantation staffed by Enslaved people, a market farm selling to cities across the northeast, and the country estate of Eben Norton Horsford, the father of modern food chemistry. In 2009, Bennett Konesni, a descendant of the founding Sylvester Family, began growing vegetables in the Windmill Field. It was his enthusiasm and vision that inspired the inception of Sylvester Manor Educational Farm. Together with the strong support of his uncle, and heir to the estate, Eben Ostby, and a dedicated group of community members the 501c3 non-profit was born, with the mission to cultivate, preserve and share these lands, buildings and stories, inviting new thought about the importance of food, culture and place in our daily lives.

On the farm, we are able to reflect on the importance of food and the culture surrounding it over these last few centuries — who grew it, how it was processed, how it was shared or marketed, and the associated skills, songs, dances, and stories. It is this food culture that has helped shape how we as a community, view our food.

Today, we explore Sylvester Manor’s role in the future of food by inviting the community to share produce grown on the property through our CSA and Farmstand, and to attend workshops, concerts, dances and other events that shed light on food, culture and place.

Are you interested in working on the Farm? Here are the current job opportunities!

Fall/Winter Farmhand / Livestock Crew: We are looking to hire a part-time Winter Farmhand for the 2023/2024 Fall and Winter Season! Is your summer farm job / apprentice wrapping up for the season? Are you looking to experience year-round farming, and be provided with free housing?  You’re in luck! We are seeking a hardworking, high-energy, positive individual, motivated by a career in agriculture to start this Oct/November and work with us through the winter (potential to stay on for the 2024 season is a possibility if the right fit). Starting pay is $15/hour plus free, shared housing. For more information and details on how to apply, click here.

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