Brooklyn Township near Kingsley in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
America250PA Semiquincentennial Bell
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 4, 2025
1. America250PA Semiquincentennial Bell Marker
On June 28, 2023, two-hundred elected officials and invited guests gathered on the Dennis Farm to celebrate the Dedication Ceremony and unveiling of the Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA's) first Semiquincentennial Bell, a 1300 lb. bronze replica of the Liberty Bell, presented to the Dennis Farm as part of the Commonwealth's celebration of the United States 250th Birthday, in 2026. The commission selected the Dennis Farm to receive America250PA's first Semiquincentennial Bell because, from the American Revolutionary War veterans resting in the family cemetery at the hilltop to the present, the Dennis Farm has symbolized the freedom und self-determination for which our forebears fought and died. The quotation engraved on the bell, written by Perkins Dennis family descendant, DFCLI Founder & CEO, Margaret Denise Dennis, says, "When the nation was young, our free African American ancestors owned and farmed this beautiful place, against great odds."
The program opened with remarks from America250PA Executive Director, Cassandra Coleman, and Chair, Patrick Burns. United States
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United States President Joseph R. Biden, Vice President Kamala D. Harris, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro sent eloquent congratulatory letters:
"The Dennis Farm is representative of an extraordinary period in our nation's history," wrote President Biden."...the story of the farm and the Perkins-Dennis family...serves as a reminder of the work we must continue to do to bring our nation closer to reaching its full promise for all Americans. May the Dennis Farm remain an enduring symbol of America's promise of liberty and justice for all."
Vice President Kamala Harris wrote, "I am honored to extend my warmest greetings to the leaders and supporters of the historic Dennis Farm as you gather to celebrate the Semiquincentennial Bell dedication....As the oldest African
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 4, 2025
2. America250PA Semiquincentennial Bell and Marker
In his letter, Governor Shapiro described the Dennis Farm as "a testament to the principles of African American perseverance, success and liberation," adding, "The Dennis Farm has been instrumental in our Commonwealth's success through its exceptional service as a strong historical, educational and cultural landmark."
M. Denise Dennis closed her remarks with these encouraging words, "So let us proceed in the positive, as our ancestors did, moving in the light, with the better angels of our nature guiding our way."
[Top left photo caption reads]
America250PA Semiquincentennial Bell Dedication, Dennis Farm, June 28, 2023. From left, George Stark, Coterra Energy; Dennis Family descendant, Darryl Gore; America250PA Chairman, Patrick Burns: America250PA Executive Director Cassandra Coleman;
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., October 4, 2025
3. America250PA Semiquincentennial Bell
[Bottom right photo is uncaptioned]
To learn more about The Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust or to make a donation please visit us at www.thedennisfarm.org
Erected 2023 by The Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust, Endless Mountains Heritage Region, PA DCNR, and America250PA.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Patriots & Patriotism • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the America 250, the Historic Bells, and the Liberty Bell Replica series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1776.
Location. 41° 43.818′ N, 75° 45.562′ W. Marker is near Kingsley, Pennsylvania, in Susquehanna County. It is in Brooklyn Township. It can be reached from Creek Road. Marker and Bell are on the Dennis Farm grounds, off Creek Road about 0.4 miles south of Charles Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kingsley PA 18826, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Ice House (within shouting distance of this marker); Dennis Farmhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Barn Complex (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Dennis Farmhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Dennis Farmhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Dennis Farmhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Dennis Farm (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Dennis Farm Stonewalls (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kingsley.
More about this marker. The Dennis Farm is closed to public access except on designated days and for prearranged tours.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 91 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 5, 2025, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
