Rehoboth Art League Homestead to close for season Nov. 9

The Peter Marsh Homestead on the Rehoboth Art League campus will close for the season Saturday, Nov. 9.

The Homestead was built in 1743 by Peter Marsh in the midst of 300 acres of farmland, which is now all of today’s Henlopen Acres and a major portion of Rehoboth Beach. The Homestead is the oldest building in Rehoboth on its original foundation. Using native black walnut, and handmade brick and cypress shingles, the colonial structure is the central two-story core of the Homestead, with two rooms on each floor plus an attic.

After more than a century and a succession of Marsh families living in it, the Homestead passed from the family in 1871, when it was purchased by William A. B. Dodd. Neither Dodd nor any of his family members have ever lived on the property. It was leased to tenant farmers throughout the years and then eventually rented to Henry and Alice Frazer sometime between 1881 and 1884. The Frazers lived in the Homestead until 1916 and were the last known tenants before Col. Wilbur and Louise Corkran purchased the home in 1929.

Louise Corkran took great interest in the gardens and grounds of the Homestead, which eventually became the home of the Rehoboth Art League in 1938.

The Homestead, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will open again in May 2020.

The RAL Homestead Docent Program is seeking volunteers to train for the 2020 season. Participants will meet new friends while learning about art and culture. Homestead docents engage with visitors about the history of the Homestead. Volunteer hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 to 4 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and 12 to 4 p.m., Sunday, May through October. For more information, go to www.rehobothartleague.org or call 302-227-8408.

From Substance to Silver, an exhibit of works by Leyla Rzayeva, will be on display in the Homestead through Saturday, Nov. 9.