Historic Odessa Foundation COVID-19 Notice
The Historic Odessa Foundation in support of response efforts to curb the COVID-19 virus, and in keeping with CDC guidance to practice social distancing, is postponing all tours, programs, and events through June 1st. The health and wellbeing of our visitor’s, volunteers, staff, and community is of the upmost importance to us. The foundation sincerely appreciates your understanding during this time of concern and we look forward to welcoming everyone back. As we continue to monitor the situation please visit our website for updates.
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18th Century Life
Five historic houses. Nearly 30 acres of surrounding property, outbuildings, and gardens. An outstanding private collection of household furnishings, fine and decorative arts. And programs and tours that bring this 18th-century enclave to life, all year long. Learn More »
Born in New York City on the Upper East Side June 12, 1942, Patrick Mancuso is a true son of the "Big Apple." Patrick’s talents as a front line staff member are never more apparent than during our annual Odessa Holiday Tour.
Spotlight
Early 19th century Americans desired to create small indoor gardens of potted plants for pleasure and for decoration. Growing small flowering plants throughout the winter was becoming all the rage for the middle class.
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.
