News & Press

Feb 26, 2020 10:00AM

Volunteers: Welcome Back Brunch

2020 promises to be an exciting year for the Historic Odessa Foundation! Please join us for a Welcome Back Brunch on Wednesday, February 26th at 10am in the Bank.

May 9, 2020 10:00AM to 4:00PM

Saturdays at the Hearth: Fresh from the Garden

Explore the Collins-Sharp House with your guide as our costumed interpreters capture the sights and flavors of authentic 18th century cooking.  Savor the sights and aromas of dishes cooked over an open fire using the tools, recipes and techniques common in colonial Odessa.  We’ll focus our cooking today on crops growing in our kitchen garden. 

Mar 10, 2020 10:00AM to 4:00PM

HOF Celebrates Harriet Tubman Day

Celebrate Harriet Tubman Day by visiting our National Park Service Network to Freedom exhibit, “Freedom Seekers: the Odessa Story”.  Join our docents from 10am to 4pm as they follow in the footsteps of Sam, a fugitive slave from Maryland who was given refuge in the Corbit-Sharp House.

Jul 14, 2020 6:00PM

Show & Tell: Bring an Object, Share Its Story

Do you own a special object that has a fascinating history, or is a family heirloom?  Do you collect objects with a passion and love telling their stories?  Do you want to learn more about objects in the museum’s collection?  If so, then come be a part of our “curiosity cabinet of discoveries” where individuals (suggested age - 10 years and up) are invited to bring an object and share its story.  If your object could talk, what would it say?  Remember the fond memories of your school days show and tell experiences?

May 12, 2020 6:00PM

Show & Tell: Bring an Object, Share Its Story

Do you own a special object that has a fascinating history, or is a family heirloom?  Do you collect objects with a passion and love telling their stories?  Do you want to learn more about objects in the museum’s collection?  If so, then come be a part of our “curiosity cabinet of discoveries” where individuals (suggested age - 10 years and up) are invited to bring an object and share its story.  If your object could talk, what would it say?  Remember the fond memories of your school days show and tell experiences?

Mar 10, 2020 6:00PM

Show & Tell: Bring an Object, Share Its Story

Do you own a special object that has a fascinating history, or is a family heirloom?  Do you collect objects with a passion and love telling their stories?  Do you want to learn more about objects in the museum’s collection?  If so, then come be a part of our “curiosity cabinet of discoveries” where individuals (suggested age - 10 years and up) are invited to bring an object and share its story.  If your object could talk, what would it say?  Remember the fond memories of your school days show and tell experiences?

Jan 29, 2020 1:30PM

Behind the Scenes: Conservation Internship Program

H. Rodney Sharp (1880-1968), newly graduated from Delaware College (now the University of Delaware), came to Odessa in 1900 to teach at the Academy, a three room brick schoolhouse on Main Street at the corner of Third Street.  He first roomed at the 1822 hotel-tavern, now Cantwells Tavern, and later had rooms in a private home.  He became friends with Daniel Wheeler Corbit and often visited his mansion, a National Historic Landmark. Though Mr. Sharp left Odessa in 1903 to work for E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, his appreciation for the town of Odessa prompted his restoration of many of its historic houses, and his interest in education continued throughout his life.

Dec 5, 2020 10:00AM

HOF Participates in "Christmas in Odessa 2020"

The first "Christmas in Odessa" took place 55 years ago as a fundraiser for the Women's Club of Odessa. The purpose was to fund college scholarships for local high school seniors. With the help and cooperation of Odessa homeowners and the Historic Odessa Foundation, the Women’s Club of Odessa has provided scholarships to over 100 students.

2020, HOF opens for Spring!
Mar 1, 2020 9:45AM

2020, HOF opens for Spring!

Historic Odessa reopens for Spring tours on March 1. HOF is open to the public March through December, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM – 4:30 PM and Sunday 1 PM – 4:30 PM, Monday by reservation. Plan Your Visit »

Calling all photographers! Capture the moment at Historic Odessa

Calling all Delaware photographers! Now is the perfect time to have a photo session on the beautifully preserved grounds of Historic Odessa, Delaware.

Mar 1, 2020 2:00PM

Celebrating Dr. Seuss's 116th Birthday

Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with Historic Odessa Foundation. Party with a reading of Cat in Hat followed by family friendly arts and crafts.

Dec 5, 2019 7:00PM

Holiday Candlelight Tour SOLD OUT

You are invited to step back in time through the doors of the Historic Odessa Foundation and explore the Christmas traditions of yesteryear! Participants experience a special candlelight tour of our 2019 holiday exhibit and enjoy wine and festive treats in front of a roaring fire at the Collins-Sharp House, c.1700.