Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley share a rich history. This is the home of early European settlements, the center of industry in the colonial era, three signers of the Declaration of Independence, and a scenic delight filled with DuPont family legacy.
Visit Delaware's best-kept secret. This charming, fully occupied community remains one of the most important colonial/Federal villages in America - second only to Williamsburg, Virginia in the number and authenticity of its historic structures. Enjoy greatly preserved history at AMSTEL HOUSE, DUTCH HOUSE, the NEW CASTLE COURT HOUSE MUSEUM, and the READ HOUSE & GARDEN.
First settled by the Dutch in the 17th century, Odessa today is less than a mile wide, but it boasts some of the finest examples of 18th- and 19th-century architecture and lifestyles in the Brandywine Valley. Five of the town's most unique properties are known collectively as the HISTORIC HOUSES OF ODESSA and are operated by the Historic Odessa Foundation, open year-round for tours. The houses include the Corbit-Sharp House (circa 1774), the Wilson Warner House (circa 1769), the Collins-Sharp House (circa 1700), the Brick Hotel (circa 1822) and the Odessa Bank (circa 1853).
The New Sweden Centre is an interpretive center for the colonial history of the Delaware Valley, featuring "Hands-On-History" displays of artifacts from the Prehistoric era to the American War for Independence, with a special focus on Native Americans and the New Sweden Colony.
The Marshall Steam Museum displays the world's largest collection of operating steam cars, along with antique autos, 1/8 size steam locomotive reproductions, and standard gauge model RR. The museum is located on a beautiful 200 acre preserve that includes an 1897 Victorian Mansion.
Greenbank Mills & Phillips Farm is a living history museum with tours and programs focusing on a variety of aspects of the Early Republic (1790-1830) - the gristmill, the textile factory, and daily life at the 1794 Phillips House and 19th century farm with heritage livestock.
The Delaware Museum of Natural History opened its doors in 1972 to excite and inform people about the natural world through exploration and discovery. Encounter dinosaurs, look beneath the seas, experience an African watering hole, come face-to-face with a jaguar, and marvel at the diversity of birds and shells from around the world.
