our people

Gunnar Wissemann started working at the Manor in 1975, when he was 14 years old, and now has been living and working on the grounds of Sylvester Manor for over 25 years. He was the Caretaker for Andrew and Alice Fiske and then, when the ownership of the property changed, became the head of Buildings & Grounds for the non-profit educational farm. In his current role, he is responsible for all internal and external work in the property’s historic “core” including maintaining the health and well-being of the 1700’s Manor house.

Gunnar is a 1979 graduate of Shelter Island High School, where he was president of his class. He then went on to serve in the United States Marines, completing two tours of duty in Beirut, Lebanon.

Honorably discharged in January, 1985, he came back to the Island, ultimately returning to oversee the house and grounds of Sylvester Manor.