We’ve partnered with America250PA as they make their way through all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. They’re spreading the word about the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States and Pennsylvania’s unique role as the birthplace of democracy in America. Stay tuned right here for news and updates from the America250PA team.
America250PA’s first Semiquincentennial Bell at The Dennis Farm
As part of America250PA’s preservation mission, the commission is placing bronze, permanent commemorative Semiquincentennial bells across the commonwealth to highlight historically significant locations from communities throughout the Commonwealth whose stories have been untold or not widely known.
In June, we are excited that America250PA’s first Semiquincentennial Bell will be unveiled at The Historic Dennis Farm. We are privileged to honor this farm and their contribution to African-American history. Consisting of 153 acres in Susquehanna County, Northeast Pennsylvania and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Dennis Farm was originally purchased and settled by the family of Prince Perkins and his wife, Judith, free African Americans who, in 1793 arrived in the region from Connecticut with the first wave of settlement following the American Revolution.
The Perkins descendants, the Dennis Family, have retained ownership of the property into the twenty-first century and America250PA is honored to present this family with our first Semiquincentennial bell. Their story, often overlooked, is an important component of our Commonwealth’s history and we look forward to highlighting it through their Semiquincentennial bell. America250PA hopes that their story will be one of hope and inspiration to future generations of Pennsylvanians.
While The Dennis Farm is no longer a working farm, Hope Dennis (1906-2006) and M. Denise Dennis established The Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust non-profit in 2001. Their goal as a non-profit organization is to preserve the unique and beautiful Dennis Farm site while also conserving its resources. Furthermore, the Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust seeks to serve as an educational and cultural resource that welcomes tourists to come and view its beauty. If able, we encourage you to schedule a visit to the farm!
Featured Image (top): Standing at the entrance to the farm, from left, Lonnie Moore III, VP Marketing; Denise Dennis, President & CEO; and Darryl Gore, VP Development, DFCLT. Photo Courtesy of The Dennis Farm.
