Bell Ceremony Reception: Keystone College and the Dennis Farm to Partner

Trust. In 2012, Keystone began hosting The Dennis Farm Symposium and Field Tour, an annual on-campus conference which also included guided tours of The Dennis Farm conducted by Keystone students.

For the last 11 years, Keystone College has enjoyed a proud relationship with The Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust. This summer, that affiliation will be taken to an even greater level. On June 28, The Dennis Farm will be honored during a special semiquincentennial Bell Presentation Ceremony as one of Pennsylvania’s most revered historical landmarks in celebration of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026.

The ceremony will take place at The Dennis Farm in nearby Brooklyn Township, Susquehanna County, followed by a luncheon at Keystone. In addition to members of the Keystone community and officials from The Dennis Farm, the event will include numerous local, state and national officials and dignitaries. The Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of The Dennis Farm. The 153-acre historic farm was pur chased and settled by the ancestors of Denise Dennis, free African Americans who jour neyed to northeastern Pennsylvania from Connecticut in the late 1700s. Today, The Dennis Farm serves as a living tribute to the lives and accomplishments of this remarkable family and Denise serves as president and CEO of The Dennis Farm Charitable Land

“Keystone College is truly honored to host a luncheon honoring The Dennis Farm, recognizing the vital role it has played in our nation’s history,” said Keystone College Interim President John F. Pullo, Sr. Under Ms. Dennis’ leadership, The Dennis Farm, which is open to the public, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places; featured in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture; honored by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Historical and and Department of Agriculture, and listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s map of rare African American historical sites in the Northeast United States.

“There are very few places like The Dennis Farm, where we can walk for acres and acres and know that when the nation was young, free African Americans owned and worked this land – by and for themselves – and that even today it is in the stewardship of the same family,” Denise said. “ ‘The Farm’ as we call it, represents a little-known chapter in the story of the United States. We are working to ensure that the property with its rich history and natural environment is preserved for future generations.”

Denise is well-known and respected for her many and varied accomplishments. Most recently, she has written a new children’s book about one of her ancestors. Bristol Budd Sampson: African American Patriot of the American Revolution describes the life and accomplishments of her great-great-greatgreat uncle during the Revolutionary War. The book is one of three children’s books she has written about ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War.

“Bristol Budd Sampson: African American Patriot of the American Revolution,” is illustrated by artist Richard Watson, and written in rhyming verse so that it can be easily understood and enjoyed by children. Besides the melodic flow of words, the book’s message is clear. Bristol Budd Sampson, served his country with honor and great courage until the war’s end in 1783, and was later buried on The Dennis Farm.

“I really believe this is an extremely important story for all young people, especially for children of color because it will help them realize that African Americans played a vital role in the founding of our nation,” Ms. Dennis said. “More than 5,000 African Americans served in the American Revolution, fighting so all Americans can enjoy the freedom we enjoy today. The earlier young people learn the full story of our nation’s beginnings and the diversity of those who served, the better.” H