Date: Tuesday, March 12, 7:00 – 8:30 PM Location: Virtual, via Zoom Registration: Click HERE Admission: Conservancy members are $15.00; non-members are $25.00 All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Save the Train campaign.
This virtual Discovering Chestnut Hill lecture, supporting the Save the Train campaign, features renowned artist and railroad historian Ted Xaras. It will focus on the architectural history and legacy of the Chestnut Hill East and West rail lines and the impact of the rail lines in the Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy, and Germantown neighborhoods.
“These railways are more than just modes of transportation; they are functional connections to our past, linking generations and neighborhoods while shaping the very fabric of our communities,” said Lori Salganicoff, executive director of the Chestnut Hill Conservancy. “Had the railroad lines never been established, our neighborhoods would be very different. Our neighborhoods and city will be poorer in every way if they are abandoned.”
To kick off the program, Bob Previdi of Chestnut Hill, who has a background in transit and transport policy, will discuss the Save the Train organization and underscore the importance of revitalizing train ridership in our community. This effort is integral to securing increased SEPTA funding for the future of our transit system.
Anne Dicker, President of the West Mt. Airy Neighbors, eloquently captures the essence of these rail lines: “The Chestnut Hill West line is indispensable as the backbone of our Northwest community, seamlessly blending past and present with its utility and charm. Serving as a vital public access point, it connects diverse demographics and profoundly shapes the fabric of our neighborhoods. Recognizing the importance of preserving and utilizing this essential resource is paramount. Our present choices pave the way for its future, underscoring the need for collective action to safeguard its legacy for future generations.”
Following Ted’s presentation will be a Q&A. If you would like to submit any questions in advance, please email Conservancy Programs and Communications Manager Chrissy Clawson at chrissy@chconservancy.org.
Tomorrow, join the Chestnut Hill Conservancy in celebrating these architectural treasures and their timeless legacy.
Save the date: Wednesday, April 10, for “SunHaven Carriage House: Residential Rainwater Management Systems”
All photos are courtesy of Hap Haven.
Date: Wednesday, April 10, 7:00 – 8:30 PM Location: Virtual, via Zoom Registration: Click HERE Admission: Free, but required
Hap Haven, a nationally known sustainability expert with extensive experience in both home and garden performance, will lead the discussion. Haven has trained over 1,000 contractors trained for Building Performance Institute certifications and was inducted into the BPI Hall of Fame in 2011. Haven brings 40 years of hands-on experience to the presentation.
During the virtual lecture, attendees will embark on a fascinating journey around SunHaven Carriage House. It’s a 100-year-old stone carriage house located in Germantown. Attendees will explore nine innovative rainwater management systems designed to reduce stormwater runoff. Haven’s presentation will focus on practical solutions that can be implemented at home.
Your support is a commitment to celebrating and sustaining the history, architecture, and open green space of Chestnut Hill and surrounding communities in the Wissahickon Watershed.
