Just two East Coast kids running away to Alaska and falling in love. A tale as old as time.

Karl Klupar graduated from Cornell School of Hotel Administration and was hired to work in Skagway at the Klondike Hotel (renamed Westmark).

Rosemary Libert received a Bachelor's in Fine Arts from Boston College and began working for the National Park Service as a guide. After a couple of different parks, she came to work in Skagway for the Klondike Gold Rush NP. She took a part-time job working nights as a bartender at the Klondike Hotel, where Karl fired her.

Luckily for Karl, Rosemary forgave him. Married in 1985, and their firstborn Olivia was born in 1988. Fast forward to 2023 and their five kids have all graduated college.

In 1993 they opened Lynch & Kennedy, a store full of fine Alaskan gifts between 3rd and 4th. In 1998 they purchased The Historic Skagway Inn between 6th & 7th. Rosemary brought her artistic eye to the decor of the Inn and Karl ensured proper administration of the businesses. Together their entrepreneurial spirit grew the garden, restaurant, and tours on the Inn property. Rosemary recently started their next venture, Star of Alaska, a deep blue covellite jewelry.

They don’t manage all of this on their own. Each of their children has worked summers for them. For years Karl’s Mother came to work in the gift shop and now Rosemary’s sister can be found among other friends, family, and employees.