Our Lady of the Isle Roman Catholic Church
Since 1907, Our Lady of the Isle Roman Catholic Church has functioned as a spiritual family center that prides itself on its commitment to lending a helping hand, not only to members of the congregation, but to the Shelter Island community at large. The history of Catholicism on Shelter Island dates back to the early 19th century. Though a large number of Catholics lived on the Island at the time, they had no local priest or church to minister to them. Those who wished to practice their faith had to migrate to St. Agnes in Greenport every Sunday, a trip that, in those pre-ferry times, was exhausting and often dangerous, especially in the dead of winter. for more information visit www.ourladyoftheisle.org
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church has enjoyed more than a century of ministry to our island community, serving with exceptional worship, education, and outreach. We believe that our remarkable building reflects the spirit of the people who worship in it. In addition to our building, God has blessed us with remarkable members. We have a legacy of gifts we intend to share with all whom we meet. There is weekly Eucharist, preaching, a sense of belonging, spiritual direction, good music, and a venue for weddings and other milestone events. For more information visit our website www.stmarysshelterisland.org.
Shelter Island Presbyterian Church
The fascinating history of the Shelter Island Presbyterian Church unfolds as a unique blend of triumph, misfortune, growth, and decline, with a memorable cast of characters. More than 270 years ago, in 1743, early settler Jonathan Havens set aside land and the first Church building was erected on the same site as our present structure. However, it was not until the ministry of the Reverend Daniel Hall, which began in 1806, that a Statement of Faith and Covenant was written "that was conformable to the order and discipline of the Presbyterian Church." For more information visit www.sipchurch.org
Sylvester Manor Educational Farm:
Sylvester Manor Educational Farm is a 243-acre historic plantation and nonprofit educational farm on Shelter Island, NY, engaging all ages in farm-based programs. The Sylvester Manor house itself is in fact a collection of several building and remodeling efforts spanning several hundred years. Of interest there is the windmill, burial grounds and archaeological sites. For information about access to the property, visit www.sylvestermanor.org
Shelter Island History Center, Havens’ House Museum:
Open to the public, the museum is a fascinating glimpse of early Shelter Island. In 1761, William's son, Captain James Havens and his wife, Elizabeth, took over the homestead and named it "Heartsease." Here, they raised their 11 children. The home was also a store, a tavern, a school, the post office and the town meeting hall which served a community of 27 households. Captain Havens was a privateer during the war for independence and a Representative of Suffolk County in the New York Provincial Congress of 1776. For hours of operation, visit www.shelterislandhistorical.org
Mashomack Preserve:
Visit the Trail House (79 S. Ferry Rd.) and discover fantastic hiking trails. Mashomack Preserve is a natural area of nearly 2,100 acres which encompasses diverse habitats necessary for the survival of many species of plants and animals. Only 90 miles from New York City and comprising one third of Shelter Island, Mashomack is a museum of life in process, a sanctuary where the natural cycles of flora, fauna, and ecosystems are allowed to complete themselves free from human interference. The Preserve is made available for compatible scientific research, educational programs, and passive recreational use. We invite you to visit and explore Mashomack and to experience its unique beauty. For information about trails and programs, visit www.nature.org/mashomack
Union Chapel in the Grove:
Located in Shelter Island Heights, Union Chapel has large Marine Mosaic windows flanking the chancel which are outstanding examples of the unusual craftsmanship of William Cole Brigham, a local artist, whose rich effects were achieved by the adroit use of natural shells, stones and chunks of broken glass. Stained glass was rarely used. One hundred and forty summers ago, Methodists organized a Camp Meeting and began holding summer worship services in the open grove. Worship moved indoors when the lovely chapel was built in 1875. This building, which is included in the National Register of Historic Places, has been restored and maintained by the Trustees of the Chapel.
For more information, visit www.unionchapelinthegrove.org
Taylor’s Island:
Located in Coecles Harbor and accessible only by water, this is a wonderful stop for kayakers. The Island and its historic Smith-Taylor Cabin, built around 1900 by F.M. Smith, was a gift to the Town of Shelter Island from S. Gregory Taylor for the "use and enjoyment of the general public." Taylor's Island is part of the Coecles Harbor Marine Water Trail. For more information, visit www.taylorsisland.org
Quaker Cemetery:
To the west of the Sylvester Manor entrance on North Ferry Road, near the creek lies the Quaker Cemetery, commemorated by Cornelia Horsford in 1884 to all residents of the property over the centuries, including several persecuted Quakers who found refuge with the Sylvesters in the 17th century. Today, the site is the warm-weather meeting grounds for Shelter Island chapter of The Society of Friends.