If you’re having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online.       October News from the Conservancy  October was busy at the Chestnut Hill Conservancy, with the return of Night of Lights, new public programming, and ongoing work across our historic preservation, environmental conservation, and community archives initiatives.This year’s Night of Lights brought four evenings of local history to Germantown Avenue, along with new programming, including a children’s program with Doug Wechsler and our inaugural 10×10 History Jam. We’re grateful to the many volunteers, sponsors, businesses, and community partners who helped make it possible.Beyond Night of Lights, we’ve continued to connect with the community through walking tours, educational programs, and partnerships focused on protecting our region’s historic and natural resources. In this newsletter, we’ll share highlights from the past month, introduce two new staff members, and look ahead to upcoming programs and the next steps in our community preservation planning work.Thank you for your continued interest in and support of the Conservancy’s work.Conservancy Awarded State Grant for ArchivesThe Chestnut Hill Conservancy has been awarded a $16,720 Cultural and Historical Support Grant from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) for the 2026–2027 grant cycle.Announced September 10, the grant is part of nearly $4 million awarded to 182 museums and historical societies across 60 Pennsylvania counties. The program provides unrestricted operating support to eligible institutions, helping sustain their ongoing work to preserve and share Pennsylvania’s history.The Conservancy thanks PHMC and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for supporting organizations dedicated to preserving and sharing local history, including the Conservancy’s work in Chestnut Hill and the lower Wissahickon watershed.  Night of Lights 2026 | Thank you!The Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s ninth annual Night of Lights returned to Germantown Avenue October 2–5, with four evenings of projected videos, illuminated architecture, and local history. This year’s exhibition explored more than 250 years of history, architecture, landscapes, and community life in Northwest Philadelphia and the lower Wissahickon watershed, connecting local stories to the nation’s 250th anniversary.Despite rain during opening night, visitors joined the annual Flip the Switch ceremony and explored six projected video locations along Germantown Avenue. Live music, volunteer storytellers, and activities were part of the opening-night programming, while the projected videos and illuminated architecture continued through October 5.This year also introduced new programming beyond the evening exhibition. On October 4, children’s author, photographer, and naturalist Doug Wechsler presented “Bizarre Bugs, Toads, and Butt-Breathers,” a free family program with Hilltop Books and Friends of the Chestnut Hill Library.   Our First 10×10 History Jam | October 15On October 15, the Conservancy presented its inaugural 10×10 History Jam at the Venetian Social Club. Ten speakers each shared one story through 10 automatically advancing images and a five-minute presentation.Topics ranged from the life and legacy of Dinah of Stenton and the history of Summit Street to the ecology of fallen trees in the Wissahickon, family businesses, immigration, and aging in place.Thank you to presenters Richard Bartholomew, Laura Keim, Mary Pomichter, Doug Wechsler, Anne McNally, Julia Steinberg Agnew, Barbara Adolphe, Dan Preston, Michael McCullough, and Fran O’Donnell for sharing their research, experiences, and personal stories.Special thanks to Dan Macey, who developed the concept and served as emcee; DJ Mister Mike for providing music between presentations; Greg Gorski for AV and sound support; and the Venetian Social Club for hosting. Thank you also to Chestnut Hill Hotel for sponsoring the evening’s food and refreshments, including selections purchased from Chestnut Hill Brewery.The Conservancy hopes to add a sound recording of the History Jam to its Archives as an oral history documenting the presenters and their stories.    Attended the 10×10 History Jam? Share Your Feedback If you joined us for the inaugural 10×10 History Jam on October 15, please take approximately four minutes to complete our survey by Friday, November 6. Your responses will help us evaluate this new program, inform future events, and document its community impact as part of our grant reporting. The survey may be completed anonymously. Complete the 10×10 History Jam Survey Thank You to Our Volunteers, Video Creators, Sponsors, and PartnersMore than 50 volunteers contributed to Night of Lights, from event preparations and lighting to storytelling, music, and welcoming visitors along Germantown Avenue. We are especially grateful to those who remained at their posts during the rain on opening night.   Thank you to this year’s projected-video creators and contributors, whose research, images, and storytelling formed the foundation of the six projected videos:Historic Foods of the Wissahickon: Dan Macey, Historic Foodways of the Delaware Valley.250+ Years of Chestnut Hill Architecture: Richard Bartholomew.250+ Years of Wissahickon Valley Park: Then and Now: Sarah Marley, Debbie Hoellin, and Stan Kozakowski, in collaboration with Friends of the Wissahickon.George Washington’s March through Flourtown, Chestnut Hill, and Germantown: October 4, 1777: Liz and Andrew Jarvis.Awbury Arboretum: The Historic Landscape: George McNeely.Beyond the Wissahickon: Parks and Gardens of the Northwest: Jocelyn Rouse, Mackenzie Warren, Dennis Pickeral, Kaila Temple, and Kim Staub; curated by George McNeely. We also thank the volunteer storytellers and Pastport stampers who welcomed visitors and shared these histories at each location.Thank you to State Rep. Chris Rabb and his staff, and Councilmember Cindy Bass and her staff, for joining the opening-night festivities. We also appreciate the musicians who participated, including those whose performances were affected by the weather.Special thanks to Bowman Properties Ltd. and Electrical Wizardry, whose teams contributed their time to installing the colorful lighting along Germantown Avenue. This year also marked a new collaboration with BEAM, ltd., which donated its lighting design expertise to create the color-changing illumination of the Conservancy’s headquarters and gardens for Flip the Switch. Led by Emily Potenza, BEAM’s team worked with John Siemiarowski of Electrical Wizardry and Dave Hoylman of Bowman Properties on the lighting installations. Thank you to BEAM team members Christina Spangler, Evgeniia Dmitrieva, and Natalia Matias for their contributions to the design. Read BEAM’s article about the lighting collaboration Share Your Feedback If you attended Night of Lights October 2–5, please consider completing our visitor survey by Friday, November 6. Your feedback helps evaluate the exhibition, inform future programming, and document its community impact as part of our grant reporting.Complete the Night of Lights Survey Grant and Sponsorship Support With the support of sponsors and the City of Philadelphia, the Conservancy’s Night of Lights is free and open to the public. The event provides a fun, accessible way for residents to learn about the area’s history, vitality, and ongoing stewardship while enjoying all that Germantown Avenue has to offer.The 2026 Night of Lights is supported in part by the Philadelphia City Fund.Support provided by the Philadelphia Cultural Fund.This public program is made possible through the generous support of the Conservancy’s Lead Sponsor, Chubb, as well as General Sponsors, Event Sponsors, and members. The General Sponsors are Bowman Properties Ltd., Dennis F. Meyer Inc., Merrill Nottingham, Walsh, Goodman, Pierce & Associates, George Woodward Co., MIS Capital LLC, Team Whetzel, Lauro Painting, and Friends of the Wissahickon. The 2026 Night of Lights event sponsors include Projection Sponsors: Chubb, Bowman Properties Ltd., BEAM, ltd., Electrical Wizardry Inc., Friends of the Wissahickon, and George Woodward Co.; Event Presenting Sponsors: Chestnut Hill Hotel, Ace Hardware Home Services, Chestnut Hill College, Laurel Hill Gardens, Robertson’s Flowers and Events, and Temple Health Chestnut Hill Hospital; Event Supporting Sponsors: Cawley Masonry, Chestnut Hill Business District, Goldenberg Group/Gravers Lane Gallery, Northworks, and Premier Building Restoration.Night of Lights is presented in partnership with DesignPhiladelphia and Archives Month Philly. Planning for the Future of Historic Chestnut Hill Baptist Church  The Conservancy is working with Chestnut Hill Baptist Church at 2 Bethlehem Pike to support strategic facilities planning and the long-term stewardship of its historic building and grounds. Constructed in 1835, the church is listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places and is a significant building within the Chestnut Hill National Register Historic District.A Strategic Facilities Planning Committee, bringing together church members, Conservancy representatives, and community members, is evaluating the property’s needs, including the building, grounds, and cemetery. The committee is also identifying potential funding sources for repairs and exploring opportunities for community engagement, rehabilitation, and periodic public access.The partnership builds on a longstanding relationship with the church.Learn more about the partnership and committee’s workWelcome To Our New Staff Members!The Chestnut Hill Conservancy recently welcomed two new staff members, Anna Rubin, Director of Development, and Aileen Williams, Administrative Manager. Please join us in giving Anna and Aileen a warm welcome! We encourage members and community partners to introduce themselves and say hello at the Conservancy or at an upcoming program.  Anna Rubin | Director of DevelopmentAnna joined the Conservancy in September 2026, bringing experience in nonprofit development, communications, and community engagement. Previously, she served as Director of External Relations at the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium in Vermont. At the Conservancy, Anna leads fundraising, donor relations, sponsorships, and grant development.”Since joining this talented team, I’ve already learned so much about historic properties, neighborhoods, and the people who make the communities in the lower Wissahickon watershed vibrant. My aim is to support ongoing activities and programs through creative approaches to funding and connecting with community.” — Anna Rubin  Aileen Williams | Administrative ManagerAileen brings experience in historic preservation, archives, and museum operations. She holds a master’s degree in historic preservation from the University of Vermont, where she focused on building restoration. Her previous work includes archival research and collections management at the Paso Robles Historical Society, as well as historic site interpretation and documentation for the State of Vermont.”I am very excited to be a part of a team with such passion and drive for preservation and to be a part of an area as wonderful as Chestnut Hill. It’s truly a privilege, and I look forward to working with and getting to know the community more.” — Aileen WilliamsAdvocacy Updates PreservationAs the National Historic Preservation Act marked its 60th anniversary last month, the Conservancy continues to monitor proposed changes to the regulations implementing Section 106 of the law. Section 106 requires federal agencies to consider the effects of federally involved projects on historic properties and provides opportunities for public participation and consultation.Under the proposed revisions, public participation would become discretionary rather than required, allowing federal agencies to determine whether to seek public input. The changes would also reduce consultation requirements with state and local preservation authorities and other stakeholders. These changes have not been finalized.  The Conservancy has participated in Section 106 consultations involving local historic resources, including the Bells Mill Road and Valley Green Road bridges and proposed cell towers at Chestnut Hill College’s Sugarloaf Campus (pictured left). Conservation On Saturday, October 24, Conservancy staff members Krista Gebbia, Director of Stewardship, and Chrissy Clawson, Director of Programs and Communications, joined community partners and neighbors at the first Cresheim Trail Fall Foliage Festival, organized by Friends of the Cresheim Trail.The festival brought together organizations working to protect and care for open space in Northwest Philadelphia, including Friends of the Wissahickon and Chestnut Hill Community Association, with activities along the rail trail corridor between Germantown and Stenton Avenues.The Conservancy holds a conservation easement protecting approximately 5.5 acres of open space in East Mt. Airy, established in 2006 as part of a neighborhood effort to prevent development. The protected property is part of Wissahickon East Park, an example of how community advocacy and long-term conservation tools can work together to protect local green spaces.Friends of the Cresheim Trail is leading efforts to restore the historic Quarry Rock Garden along the Friends Loop in Chestnut Hill. The site was once a quarry associated with George Woodward’s use of Wissahickon schist and was later developed as a rock garden.Led by Friends of the Cresheim Trail Executive Director Brad Maule, the restoration committee is coordinating efforts to clear invasive vegetation, improve access, and reintroduce native plantings. Conservancy Director of Programs and Communications Chrissy Clawson serves on the committee.A volunteer planting and workday is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, from 9:00 AM to noon.The Conservancy’s Archives contain historic photographs documenting the garden, including a 1943 image from the Rina Brun Fesnak collection. These materials provide a record of the landscape’s earlier appearance and its place in the community’s history. Learn more about the Conservancy’s conservation easements Learn more about the Quarry Rock Garden Public Programs | October Highlights  Ask the Experts: Connected HomesOn October 21, the Conservancy presented “Ask the Experts: Connected Homes, Smart Technology for Safer, More Resilient Homes,” a free hybrid program exploring how connected technologies can help protect and maintain historic and contemporary homes.Presenters Kate MacDougall, Senior Risk Consultant and Historic Home Specialist at Chubb, and Kevin Chung, Agency Sales Manager at Chubb, discussed water leak detection, electrical fire prevention, cybersecurity, remote monitoring, and other technologies that can support long-term home stewardship.Rob Fleming moderated a Q&A with the presenters and additional industry professionals, including representatives from Johnson, Kendall & Johnson (JKJ).Special thanks to JKJ for providing catered refreshments from Bacchus for the in-person program.A recording will be available at a later date. Additional printed Chubb materials on home maintenance and water damage prevention are available at the Conservancy’s office.  Discovering: St. Martin’s Neighborhood and an Updated Walking Tour Map On October 17, architect and city planner Richard Bartholomew led a walking tour exploring the history, architecture, landscapes, and planning of Chestnut Hill’s St. Martin’s neighborhood.The tour explored how the neighborhood’s buildings, streets, and landscapes were designed to work together, including the residential developments of George and Gertrude Woodward. Participants examined architectural details, Wissahickon schist, landscaped residential courts, and other neighborhood features.Thank you to Richard for sharing his extensive research and for updating the Conservancy’s St. Martin’s walking tour map alongside staff and volunteers, including Rob Fleming. The updated map builds on a walking tour originally developed by the Chestnut Hill Historical Society, now the Conservancy. It identifies 20 historic locations for self-guided exploration, with additional historical commentary available on the Conservancy’s website. The Conservancy will add more historical information and archival images to the online resource.A limited number of printed maps are available at the Conservancy’s headquarters, 8708 Germantown Avenue.Explore the updated St. Martin’s Walking Tour Coming Soon | Ask the Experts: Section 106October 2026 marked the 60th anniversary of the National Historic Preservation Act.Next month, the Conservancy and Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia will present a free, virtual Ask the Experts program examining Section 106.The program will explore federal historic preservation review, including consultation, public participation, and proposed regulatory and legislative changes. These proposals could affect how historic and cultural resources are considered in federally involved projects.Additional details, including panelists and registration information, will be announced soon.In the meantime, the National Trust for Historic Preservation continues to provide updates on federal preservation policy. Resources include its October 21 webinar, “Understanding and Responding to Federal Permitting Reform.” Sign up for the National Trust’s email updates to stay informed. Understanding and Responding to Federal Permitting Reform Community Engagement | Listening Session Update Following the Conservancy’s August 5 Community Listening Session on historic preservation, staff are working with community stakeholders to evaluate feedback gathered through facilitated discussions, interactive activities, and surveys. The findings will help inform future community engagement, preservation planning, and advocacy priorities.The Conservancy expects to share an Executive Summary by the end of November, highlighting key themes and findings from the community engagement process. The findings will help inform future preservation planning, advocacy priorities, and opportunities for continued community participation.The project has been funded in part by a grant from the Henry A. Jordan, M.D. Preservation Excellence Fund of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Membership Conservancy members save $15 on every paid Discovering program, whether virtual or in person. Membership offers additional ways to engage throughout the year, including special programs and early registration opportunities. Earlier this year, members were invited to the free, members-only program From Colony to Commemoration: Chestnut Hill’s Role in Realizing and Remembering the Revolution. Active members who have not received the recording can contact Chrissy Clawson for a link. Not yet a member? The Chestnut Hill Conservancy is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to conserving and celebrating the region’s history, architecture, and landscapes. Our work, rooted in education, advocacy, and stewardship, is made possible through the support of our community.Questions? Contact the Conservancy’s Director of Development, Anna Rubin, at Anna@CHConservancy.Org to learn more. Support Your support allows the Conservancy to continue free or low-cost public programs, preservation efforts, and advocacy for Chestnut Hill’s historic architecture, open space, and cultural resources. Donations directly sustain educational initiatives, conservation easements, and the Archives, ensuring our shared history is protected for future generations. Donate Sponsorship Interested in sponsoring the Conservancy in 2027? Sponsorship offers a unique opportunity to support local preservation efforts while gaining visibility among a community passionate about history, conservation, and sustainability.Please contact the Conservancy’s Director of Development, Anna Rubin, at Anna@CHConservancy.Org to explore available sponsorship options. Learn more News  October 15 – Chestnut Hill Local, “New path to be announced for Cresheim Trail”October 8 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Update on development review process”October 8 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Wanted: Storytellers for History Jam on the Hill”October 2 – 6ABC Action NewsOctober 2 – Telemundo Local NewsOctober 2 – NBC10 NewsOctober 2 – PHL17 (online), “Head Out to Chestnut Hill for a Night of Lights”October 2 – PHL17October 2 – WXPNOctober 1 – Metro Philadelphia, “Fun things to do in Philly this weekend”October 1 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Night of Lights returns with exhibits, music, activities”October 1 – WHYY, “The Jonas Brothers, ‘Mamma Mia!,’ spooky-season openings and more in this week’s ‘Things to Do’”September 30 – Metro Philadelphia, “Fun things to do in Philadelphia this weekend”September 28 – Billy Penn, “Philly weekly events calendar: September 28 to October 4″September 28 – Philly Voice, “31 things to do in Philly, the suburbs and South Jersey this weekend, Oct. 3-4″September 28 – The Philadelphia Citizen, “Fun Things To Do In Philly This Week And Weekend”September 27 – Visit Philadelphia, “Things to Do in Philadelphia This Week & Weekend”September 24 – Chestnut Hill Local, “A new light will be shining brightly on Night of Lights”September 23 – Metro Philadelphia, “Chestnut Hill’s Night of Lights returns Oct. 2 to 5 with projections, live music and activities along Germantown Avenue”September 23 – Metro Philadelphia, “Chestnut Hill Night of Lights shines bright next month”September 22 – Metro Philadelphia, “Chestnut Hill’s Night of Lights returns for four nights this October”September 22 – 93.3 WMMRSeptember 21 – 92.5 XTUSeptember 21 – 95.7 BEN FMSeptember 18, The Mt. Airy Record, “Chestnut Hill’s Night of Lights returns Oct. 2-5 with projections on Germantown Avenue”September 17, Philly Voice, “Chestnut Hill’s Night of Lights will transform Germantown Ave. with illuminated buildings and projected history”September 11, Philadelphia Family, “The Best Things To Do in Philly with Kids”September 10 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Conservancy schedules Henry Holiday program”September 10 – Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, “PHMC Awards $4 Million to Bolster PA’s Museums and Historical Societies”September 10 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Conservancy schedules Henry Holiday program”September 10 – Global Philadelphia, “Night of Lights”September 3 – SECRET PHILADELPHIA, “Starting October 2, Chestnut Hill’s historic Germantown Avenue becomes a free outdoor museum for four nights of glowing archival projections”September 1 – Design Philadelphia, “September 1 – PhillyBite.com Magazine, “Chestnut Hill’s Night of Lights Returns for its 9th Year with Expanded PHL250 Programming”August 31 – Dosage Magazine, “Chestnut Hill’s Night of Lights 2026 Returns for Its 9th Year With PHL250 Programming”August 27 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Protect community’s right to be heard on historic preservation”August 14 – PHILADELPHIA.Today, “House of the Week: $2.7M Chestnut Hill Estate Sits Along Wissahickon Valley Park”2026 LEAD SPONSOR 2026 GENERAL SPONSORS      .png){kind=logo}  2026 DISCOVERING SPONSORSEVENT SPONSOR  SUPPORTING SPONSORS .jpg)  2026 ASK THE EXPERTS SPONSORSEVENT SPONSORS .jpg) SUPPORTING SPONSOR  2026 NIGHT OF LIGHTS SPONSORSPROJECTION SPONSORS .jpg){kind=logo} PRESENTING SPONSORS %20(1).png)   SUPPORTING SPONSORS .png)    EVENT PARTNERS    215-247-9329 | 8708 Germantown Avenue, Phila., PA 19118 | info@chconservancy.org |
