May 15, 2026
Historic Odessa Foundation is moving forward with an exciting capital improvement project at Cantwell’s Tavern: expanding and enclosing the patio to create a welcoming three-season garden space for our community and visitors.
At the same time, we are developing new educational programming and planning an outdoor picnic area to create even more opportunities to share Odessa’s history and advance our museum mission with the more than 100,000 patrons who visit the Tavern each year.
Thanks to generous grant support from several foundations, Historic Odessa has been able to fund this project, and the restaurant expansion is expected to strengthen the museum’s operating budget for years to come.
This strategic initiative has earned enthusiastic support from leading philanthropic organizations across Delaware. To meet the membership goals tied to this momentum—and to position Historic Odessa for future support—we must add 50 new members this year.
To help us reach this goal, we are pleased to introduce a special offer for new members only: a two-year Contributor Membership for $250, available from May 15 through August 15.
The promotional $250 two-year Contributor Membership includes:
- $50 gift certificate for Cantwell’s Tavern
- Free guided Historic Odessa House tours
- Member discounts on lectures, workshops, family programs, special events including annual Historic Odessa Brewfest.
- 10% discount when dining at Cantwell's Tavern
- Invitation to Member-Only events, including December Holiday Party
- Members E-Newsletter
- Six guest passes
- Personalized Membership Card
- Reciprocal admission at over 800 institutions through North American Reciprocal Museum Association
As an added thank-you, current members who recruit two new promotional memberships will receive one complimentary ticket to the Member Holiday Party.
We are deeply grateful for the generosity and loyalty our donors and members have shown over the past 20 years, and for all you have done to help Historic Odessa grow and thrive.
We hope we can count on your continued support as we work to fulfill this important membership commitment and build a strong future for Historic Odessa.
