On sunny and brisk day in March, as part of the 250th Anniversary of the United States and the 25th Anniversary of the Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust (DFCLT), the Dennis Farm was honored to welcome Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Governor, Josh Shapiro, for a guided tour of the Farm. The Governor enthusiastically visited the historical features on the property including the Prince Perkins Homestead Site where he talked with archaeologist-Board members, Wade Catts and Patrice Jeppson, and the Perkins-Dennis Cemetery where he talked with family descendants, Denise Dennis, Darryl Gore and Lonnie Moore. At the cemetery, where Revolutionary War veteran and ancestral family member, Bristol Budd Sampson, is buried, the descendants presented the Governor with a copy of Denise’s book, Bristol Budd Sampson: Patriot of the American Revolution. The Governor said the book will be displayed in the Governor’s Mansion in Harrisburg.
During his visit, Governor Shapiro viewed the Semiquincentennial Bell on the Bell Terrace and reviewed the architectural plans for the restoration of the Henry W. and Angeline Perkins Dennis House with architect Ken Ruby. Local DFCLT cultural and educational partners joined the DFCLT Board and officers in welcoming Governor Shapiro to the Farm including Keystone College President, John Pullo; Keystone College-DFCLT Liaison, Lucas Taylor; Executive Director, Endless Mountains Heritage, Cain Chamberlin; and EJ Murphy of Destination Freedom.
When the Semiquincentennial Bell was dedicated on the Farm, in 2023, Governor Shapiro wrote, “The Dennis Farm has been instrumental in our Commonwealth’s success through its exceptional service as a strong historical, educational and cultural landmark.” Governor Josh Shapiro’s visit this year is one of the most historical moments in the long history of the Dennis Farm.
