| Historic Odessa Foundation

Celebrating Dr. Seuss's 121st Birthday

March 2, 2025

Celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday with Historic Odessa. Party with your favorite Dr. Seuss readings followed by crafts. Sunday, March 2, 2025 2 pm - 4 pm Bank Building, 201 Main Street, Odessa, DE Reservation are required, call 302-378-4119 to reserve your spot. RSVP deadline is February 28th at 3pm.

2025, HOF opens for Spring Tours!

March 1, 2025

Historic Odessa reopens for Spring tours on March 1. HOF is open to the public March through December, Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM – 3:00 PM and Sunday 1 PM – 4:30 PM, Monday by reservation. Plan Your Visit » Historic Odessa: A 'Must-Do' in Delaware! Spring is a beautiful time to visit Historic

New Volunteer Open House, February 16th

February 16, 2025

Join us as we celebrate volunteering at Historic Odessa! The Historic Odessa Foundation is committed to making a difference in our community, Delaware, and the region through historic preservation and education. The vital work involved in conserving the historic legacy of Odessa, its landmark

New Volunteer Open House, January 26th

January 26, 2025

Read more about Wood Pump c.1780

The wood water pump in front of the Historic Pump House c.1780 is indicative of the public nature of the center of town. The pump was a necessity for thirsty travelers who otherwise would have had to beg a drink from a resident or purchase it at a livery stable or tavern.

Pomeroy and Beers atlas c.1868

Read more about Pomeroy and Beers atlas c.1868

The firm of Pomeroy and Beers produced an atlas in 1868 called the Atlas of the State of Delaware. It was the first atlas ever published of the State of Delaware. The multi-page atlas included counties, major towns and cities including Odessa, DE.

Hand Painted Wallpaper

Read more about Hand Painted Wallpaper

The wallpaper in the Corbit-Sharp House (c. 1774) is a rare example of hand-painted Chinese wallpaper. This kind of unique export product was made in the 18th century and helped establish the popularity of wallpaper in England and America.

Entrance Door Corbit-Sharp House

Read more about Entrance Door Corbit-Sharp House

Georgian houses displayed a strict symmetry with a paneled door as a centerpiece capped by an elaborate crown or pediment. The decorative crown (entablature) and fanlight transom window are indications of the Corbit's wealth.

Cornice with Mutule Blocks

Read more about Cornice with Mutule Blocks

The interior cornice in the Corbit-Sharp House with mutule blocks is a Georgian feature borrowed from Greek Doric architecture. Mutule blocks can also be seen in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall.

Original Furnishings

Read more about Original Furnishings

Because the Corbit-Sharp house remained in the Corbit family until the mid-20th century, we know an exceptional amount about the home's history and furnishings. Many pieces on display are original to the house, including this chest of drawers in the guest bedroom.