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Our Mission

The mission of the Historic Odessa Foundation is to preserve and promote the houses, grounds, collections and historic legacy of Odessa, Del. Our Foundation is charged with raising money, maintaining Odessa’s historic assets, supporting scholarly and archeological work and educating the public in the history of the town and the state of Delaware in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Strategic Plan

The Historic Odessa Foundation has undertaken a comprehensive strategic plan in order to guarantee financial health now and in perpetuity. Our strategy for maintaining and growing Historic Odessa’s conservation and education mission relies on both individual and corporate gifts.

From the Collection

Three-legged pan

Historic Odessa Foundation, gift of H. Rodney Sharp
1900-1940
In 1845, a fugitive slave from Maryland named Sam approached the Corbit home begging for refuge. Sam was hidden by Mary Corbit behind a tiny door in the attic of what is now referenced as the Corbit-Sharp house. There, the runaway was given food and a warm quilt.