Debbie Buckson, Executive Director of the Historic Odessa Foundation discussed events scheduled for Black History Month at the historic properties, a Delaware stop on the Underground Railwoad listed on the National Parks Service Network to Freedom and the Harriet Tubman Byway.
HOF’s “Freedom Seekers: The Odessa Story” exhibit allows visitors to follow in the footsteps of Sam, a fugitive slave who is given refuge in Odessa after escaping from enslavement in nearby Maryland.
Tours of the Historic Odessa’s National Park Service Network to Freedom exhibit and National Historic Landmark Corbit-Sharp House will be free of charge on Wednesday, February 8, and 22, from 12 to 3 p.m.
On Wednesday, Feb. 22, at 4:30 p.m., Historic Odessa, in partnership with the Corbit-Calloway Library, will present “Escape to Freedom: The Odessa Story.” This event, for students in grades three through twelve, will present readings of narratives describing the harrowing stories of enslaved people trying to make their way north to freedom. Students will then be escorted to the Corbit-Sharp House where they will follow in the footsteps of Sam, a fugitive slave who is given refuge in Odessa while being hunted by a posse of slave catchers coming from nearby Middletown and the Maryland plantation from which he escaped.
We also discussed educational opportunities for students at HOF, including internships and reserach projects. Debbie mentioned the historic research programs and the opportunity to work with their conservationist, they work with high school and youth groups including Eagle Scouts as well as college students.
Reserve your place on a tour or register for the Escape to freedom:The Odessa Story at the Corbit-Calloway Library with tour of Odessa by calling Jennifer at 302-378-4119 and visit HISTORICODESSA.org for information about th ehistory and opportunities at Odessa.