African American siblings rejuvenate Gettysburg’s Keystone Inn Bed and Breakfast

African American siblings rejuvenate Gettysburg’s Keystone Inn Bed and Breakfast

The Keystone Inn, located at 231 Hanover St. in Gettysburg, has been purchased and renovated by siblings Patrick, Christine, and Stephen Campbell. The new owners, perhaps the first African Americans to own a bed & breakfast in Gettysburg, have created a space where people can retreat with friends, family, and colleagues.

After an extensive search for a bed and breakfast, the Campbells purchased the Keystone in August 2020. When choosing the Keystone, the siblings looked for a place with character, a location big enough to host family gatherings, and near stops on the Underground Railroad.

The team made substantial rehabilitation of the property before opening for three months around Remembrance Day 2020, closing for further renovations, and then reopening in April, 2021. Working in the midst of the pandemic, the siblings too extra care that people could visit the inn in the safest possible manner.

“Changing the world from the dining room table” is the phrase Christine Campbell frequently uses to convey one of their many roles as innkeepers. Their priority is to create unique guest experiences that allow friends, family, and coworkers to connect and engage in a relaxing, peaceful setting.

The garage has been transformed into the “Carriage House,” a welcoming space for small meetings and friendly gatherings equipped with state-of-the-art technology and wired for sound and video conferencing, creating the perfect place to “work from home at the Inn.” The inn also includes a well- appointed kitchen, perfect for preparing hearty, delicious breakfasts for guests as well as hosting large family holiday dinners.

The Campbell team has included the Keystone’s historical heritage in their design by incorporating Civil War stories themes. Each room is named for a historical character, including Basil Biggs, an African American farmer and veterinarian from Gettysburg.

One of the rooms honors the Reasor Family, the original owners of the house. The Reasors were local furniture makers, and the room features pieces of their work.

Christine Campbell has spent most of her professional life in the nonprofit sector, managing, administering, and developing housing and services for individuals with disabilities. She has been a vocal advocate for social justice. In her spare time, she sings with her local church choir and enjoys entertaining guests with excellent food, fun, and companionship.

Patrick Campbell has worked in technology project management for the bulk of his career and has a strong business sense. He is an outstanding pianist in his own time and enjoys sports, particularly basketball and football.

An architect by training, Stephen Campbell has worked in Public Services in New York City, Washington, DC, and currently Lancaster, Pennsylvania. His work is centered on long-term community development, and he brings his principles to it. He is an organic gardener and a Sondheim fan in his leisure time.

For more information, please visit The Keystone Inn’s website.