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June News from the Conservancy

As summer begins and the tree canopies provide shade during the season’s warmest days, the Chestnut Hill Conservancy continues its work across preservation, conservation, archives, advocacy, public programs, and community engagement. This issue highlights new board leadership, the opening of our latest exhibit, recent programs, advocacy updates, Spring Gala highlights, and opportunities to connect with the Conservancy throughout the months ahead.

New Board LeadershipLast week, the Chestnut Hill Conservancy announced that architect, board member, and longtime community volunteer Jean McCoubrey, AIA, will serve as the next President of the Board of Directors beginning August 1, 2026. Board Member Dan Preston has been elected Vice President.

Current Board President Bill Webster will complete his term at the end of July after helping guide the Conservancy through a significant period of organizational growth, including adoption of its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan and expanded work across the Conservancy’s mission areas.“We are grateful to Bill Webster for his leadership and service as Board President during an important period for the Conservancy,” said David Gest, Esq., Executive Director. “Under Bill’s leadership, the organization adopted its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, creating a framework that will guide our work for years to come. We appreciate his partnership, thoughtful counsel, and commitment to ensuring a smooth leadership transition.”Together, McCoubrey and Preston will help guide implementation of the Conservancy’s Strategic Plan while continuing to strengthen the organization’s work throughout the region.

Read the full announcement

Meet Our Next Board President | Jean McCoubreyThe Conservancy recently published a feature profile highlighting Jean McCoubrey’s (pictured below alongside her husband, Dan McCoubrey) lifelong interest in architecture, preservation, and community planning.

	Growing up in a home that combined an early nineteenth-century structure with a thoughtfully designed modern addition, Jean developed an appreciation for the ways historic places can evolve while retaining their character. That perspective has informed decades of volunteer leadership throughout Chestnut Hill and her work with the Conservancy.

Since joining the Board of Directors in 2019, Jean has helped guide public programming, strategic planning, sustainability initiatives, facilities planning, and community engagement. She has also been an active volunteer with organizations including the Chestnut Hill Community Association, Greenspace Initiative, and Chestnut Hill Tree Tenders.The article explores Jean’s philosophy that thoughtful stewardship means planning not only for today’s community, but for future generations.

Read the full interview

Thank You for Making the 2026 Spring Gala a SuccessWhether you joined us at Binderton, supported the event through sponsorship, volunteered your time, contributed auction items, or made a gift, thank you for helping make the Conservancy’s 2026 Spring Gala our most successful Spring Gala to date.

Together, supporters helped raise more than $132,000, providing critical support for the Conservancy’s work in preservation, conservation, archives, advocacy, public programs, and community engagement.We also extend our sincere thanks to Nicole Moering and Zach Lose for opening their historic Chestnut Hill home, Binderton, to the Conservancy. Designed by Cope and Stewardson with a landscape by Frederick Dawson of the Olmsted Brothers firm, the property provided a fitting setting for celebrating preservation and stewardship. Their thoughtful care of this remarkable property helped make the evening possible.

This year’s Gala also honored Dennis F. Meyer for a lifetime of craftsmanship, preservation, and stewardship. Board President Bill Webster recognized Dennis’s decades of work preserving historic homes and architectural details throughout Chestnut Hill and surrounding communities, while the Conservancy announced plans to dedicate a commemorative bench at its headquarters in his honor.

Earlier in the evening, Benefactors and Gala Sponsors gathered for a private reception featuring remarks from Executive Director David Gest, Board Member Sue Jacobson of Jacobson Strategic Communications, and landscape architect Rob Fleming, who shared the history of Binderton and its Olmsted Brothers-designed landscape while enjoying live music by Limited Time Offer.

George McNeely led a spirited live auction that raised more than $31,500 in support of the Conservancy’s mission. We also thank our Benefactors, sponsors, Patrons, Program Book supporters, auction donors, and bidders for helping make this record-setting evening possible.Finally, we thank our Board of Directors, Gala Committee, staff, volunteers, Benefactors, sponsors, auction donors, bidders, Patrons, Program Book supporters, and everyone whose generosity helped make the evening possible.Additional event photographs by Steve Weinik are now available on the Conservancy website.

2026 Spring Gala

The Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s 2026 Spring Gala was made possible through the generous support of our Lead Sponsor, Chubb; our General Sponsors: Bowman Properties LLC, Dennis F. Meyer Inc., Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Nottingham, Walsh, Goodman, Pierce & Associates, George Woodward Co., Friends of the Wissahickon, MIS Capital LLC, and Team Whetzel. Additional thanks to our Spring Gala Sponsors: Jacobson Strategic Communications, Peter Zimmerman Architects, Kurtz Construction Company, Springer Capital, Practiced Hands Tree Care, Voith & Mactavish Architects, and A to Z Party Rental.

Marking the Moment | New Exhibit Now OpenThe Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s newest archival exhibition, Marking the Moment: Celebrations in Chestnut Hill and Nearby Neighborhoods, opened to the public on June 20 and will remain on view through spring 2027 at the Conservancy’s headquarters.

Developed by Curator and Archivist Alex Bartlett with assistance from Conservancy staff, volunteers, and members of the Collections Committee, particularly significant involvement from Collections Chair Dan Preston, the exhibition explores how communities throughout Northwest Philadelphia have celebrated milestones, traditions, organizations, neighborhoods, and everyday life over more than a century.

Organized around four themes—With Our Organizations, In Our Neighborhoods, On Our Blocks, and In Our Parks—the exhibition draws primarily from the Conservancy’s Archives while incorporating loans and contributions from community partners, including Allens Lane Art Center, Bowman Properties, Ltd., Friends of Cresheim Trail, Friends of Pastorius Park, Friends of the Wissahickon, NoName Gallery, and the Roxborough Manayunk Wissahickon Historical Society. Many of the photographs on display were originally published in the Chestnut Hill Local, whose photographic archive has been preserved by the Conservancy since 2006.The exhibition was recently featured in the Chestnut Hill Local in an article by Maggie Dougherty highlighting Bartlett’s vision for the exhibition, its collaborative development, and the role of the Conservancy’s Archives in preserving and sharing Northwest Philadelphia’s history. Executive Director David Gest, Esq. reflected on the exhibition’s broader significance:”I love our new exhibit because it helps illustrate the depth and breadth of our mission and our archival collection. Last year’s exhibit focused on environmental conservation in the Wissahickon watershed through maps, while this year’s exhibit is a major pivot toward community engagement and the social history of our area. As part of this, we’re excited to partner with organizations up and down, and on both sides of, the Wissahickon Creek, which also aligns with the Conservancy’s recently expanded geographic scope.”Early visitors have remarked on the exhibition’s ability to bring together photographs and archival objects in ways that reveal the shared traditions, memories, and community experiences reflected throughout the history of Northwest Philadelphia.The Conservancy is grateful to the exhibition’s supporters, whose generosity helped make this project possible: Anonymous, Tom Boyle, Dan Preston and Alex Darling.

Learn more and plan your visit

Join Our Team | Director of DevelopmentThe Chestnut Hill Conservancy is seeking a Director of Development to help advance the organization’s mission and support implementation of its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan.The position will lead fundraising strategy, membership growth, institutional giving, sponsorships, donor stewardship, grant applications, and special events while working closely with staff, volunteers, and the Board of Directors.After more than two and a half years with the Conservancy, Ashley Maass will be departing later this summer.”As I depart from my role as Director of Development in a few weeks, I am grateful for the opportunity to help grow the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s impact and engage more people across generations. Thank you to our members, partners, supporters, volunteers, and colleagues for your trust, collaboration, and commitment. As a member, nearby resident, and someone who deeply believes in the Conservancy’s mission, I look forward to continuing to support its important work.”We thank Ashley for her many contributions to the Conservancy, including strengthening membership, grant, and sponsorship efforts; helping lead three record-setting Spring Galas; advancing the implementation of the Strategic Plan; and expanding support for the organization’s preservation, conservation, archives, advocacy, public programs, and community engagement work. We wish her continued success.Learn more about the position and apply:IdealistIndeedLinkedInPhilaculture Job Bank

Community Listening Session | Registration Now Open

	Wednesday, August 5, 2026 6:00–8:00 PM Hybrid Meeting Virtual via Zoom or in person at Our Mother of Consolation Parish Hall 9 East Chestnut Hill Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118Learn more and register HERE

The Conservancy is leading a grant-supported Community Listening Session focused on historic preservation in Chestnut Hill on Wednesday, August 5.The goal of the public meeting is to better understand how stakeholders experience and value historic buildings, architecture, landscapes, and places in Chestnut Hill, and to explore preservation as a range of tools and opportunities rather than predetermined outcomes. The hybrid session will be held in person at Our Mother of Consolation Parish Hall and virtually via Zoom.The session is designed for listening before acting. Through guided discussion, participants will help identify the places, buildings, landscapes, and stories that matter most to the community. Feedback will be summarized and shared publicly, and community input will help inform the Conservancy’s listening practice, advocacy priorities, and future engagement efforts.The meeting is free and open to all. Advance registration is required for the Zoom link and requested for in-person attendees due to limited seating.This 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.

Learn more and register

Advocacy Updates Historic Preservation Advocacy The Conservancy continues to monitor Philadelphia Bill No. 251030.At the June 3 meeting of Philadelphia City Council’s Committee on Rules, the legislation was held without a vote.The Conservancy remains actively engaged with community organizations, preservation advocates, neighborhood groups, and elected officials while continuing to encourage meaningful stakeholder engagement before any additional legislative action occurs. We appreciate the collaboration of the many neighborhood organizations and preservation partners who participated in this effort over the past several months, and we will continue to share updates as they become available.Read the latest update HERE. Conservation Advocacy In June, the Conservancy also issued an Advocacy Alert regarding Pennsylvania Senate Bill 857 (SB 857). As a member of WeConservePA and an accredited land trust, the Conservancy joined WeConservePA and other conservation organizations in opposing legislation that could create significant new barriers to conserving public lands and waterways throughout the Commonwealth.As an accredited land trust holding conservation easements protecting more than 105 acres within the lower Wissahickon watershed, the Conservancy understands firsthand the importance of effective conservation tools and policies that safeguard open space, wildlife habitat, water resources, and the natural environment for future generations. Thank you to everyone who responded to our advocacy alert by contacting your Pennsylvania State Senator through WeConservePA. While that action has concluded, the Conservancy will continue monitoring legislation affecting conservation and land stewardship and will share future advocacy opportunities as they arise.Read the Advocacy Alert HERE.

Recent Grant SupportPhiladelphia Cultural Fund Award The Chestnut Hill Conservancy recently received its first Philadelphia Cultural Fund grant, receiving $12,875 in general operating support through the 2026 Art & Culture Grant program. The award supports the Conservancy’s ongoing work throughout Chestnut Hill and the lower Wissahickon watershed. The successful application was the result of a collaborative effort across Conservancy staff.

Spring ProgramsThank you to everyone who joined us this spring for the Conservancy’s public programs. We appreciate the many presenters, partners, Program Committee members, volunteers, sponsors, and attendees whose expertise, enthusiasm, and support, in collaboration with staff, made this season possible.

This season’s programs included Discovering: Pastorius Park on June 13, led by Rob Fleming, Ken LeRoy, and James McNabb; Discovering: Woodmere’s Frances M. Maguire Hall on June 11, featuring William R. Valerio, Ph.D., Jeff Krieger, AIA, LEED AP, and David Gest, Esq.; the members-only virtual program From Colony to Commemoration on May 19, presented by Liz Jarvis and Tom Keels; and Ask the Experts: Preservation and Conservation in Philadelphia on February 25, with presentations by David Gest, Esq., Kim Chantry, and Meg Cavanagh.If you missed a recent virtual program, or would like to revisit it, recordings of several presentations, including Ask the Experts: Preservation and Conservation in Philadelphia, are available on the Conservancy’s YouTube channel.We look forward to announcing our fall season of programs later this summer, with new opportunities to explore, learn, and celebrate.The Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s public programming is free or low-cost, made possible through the generous support of our Lead Sponsor, Chubb, as well as our General Sponsors, Event Sponsors, and dedicated members. Our 2026 Discovering Event Sponsor is John B. Ward & Co. Arborists. Heritage Consulting Group and Laurel Hill Gardens are both proud 2026 Discovering Supporting Sponsors. The 2026 Ask the Experts Event Sponsors are Ace Hardware Home Services and Krieger Jacob Architects, while Atkin Olshin Schade Architects serves as the 2026 Supporting Sponsor.Looking Ahead: Night of Lights 2026Planning is well underway for the 2026 Night of Lights. This year’s theme will include a celebration of  250+ years of history, landscapes, and architecture in Chestnut Hill and Northwest Philadelphia.

Plan to join us on Friday, October 2, as we “Flip the Switch” on opening night.The Conservancy’s free public streetscape exhibition will once again transform Germantown Avenue into a walkable outdoor gallery, with archival photographs, artwork, historic films, and community stories projected through storefront windows and onto historic building facades.This year’s exhibition will feature six themed slideshow presentations exploring the nation’s 250th anniversary through the lens of Northwest Philadelphia’s history, architecture, landscapes, and community stories. Additional slideshow themes will highlight public gardens and parks, historic foods, and other stories from across the lower Wissahickon watershed. Developed in collaboration with community partners across Northwest Philadelphia and the lower Wissahickon watershed, the exhibition will continue the Conservancy’s tradition of connecting local stories with broader themes during DesignPhiladelphia and Archives Month Philly.Sponsorship opportunities are NOW available. To learn more, please contact the Conservancy’s Development Associate Anne Oltmanns at Anne@CHConservancy.Org. For all other questions about the program, volunteer opportunities, the lighting committee, or anything else, please contact Chrissy Clawson at Chrissy@CHConservancy.Org, who directs the streetscape exhibition.

Historic District Advisory Committee Meeting | Thursday, July 16The Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s Historic District Advisory Committee (HDAC) will meet on Thursday, July 16, at 6:30 PM. The HDAC is a volunteer committee comprised of preservation, architecture, planning, and development professionals. They review projects related to historic structures, properties, and open spaces within the Chestnut Hill National Register Historic District.The agenda currently includes a review of a proposal for 550 W. Willow Grove Avenue, which includes additions to the existing skating arena, a retaining wall, and two freestanding accessory signs.The meeting is open to the public. Agenda materials and participation information will be available on the Conservancy’s website before the meeting.

Learn more and register

SupportYour 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

SponsorshipLooking to sponsor the Conservancy in 2026? 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 Development Associate, Anne Oltmanns, at Anne@CHConservancy.Org to explore available sponsorship options.Learn more

News June 25 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Chestnut Hill Conservancy marks the moment with new exhibit”June 25 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Stephen P. Bartlett”June 11 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Improvements are coming to the Water Tower Recreation Center — with some community help”June 10 – Chestnut Hill Local, “City Council tables hearing on historic preservation bill”June 8 – Hidden City, “Historic Preservation Advocates Continue to Rally Against Bombshell “Squilla Bill””June 4 – Forbes Travel Guide, “Why ‘Townsizing’ Is A Restorative Travel Trend (And 8 Idyllic Towns To Visit Now)”May 28 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Conservancy seeks support in fighting Council bill”May 28 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Family heritage of beauty on exhibit in Hill store”May 26 – Hidden City, “Historic Church In Chestnut Hill Struggles for Elbow Room”May 20 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Friends of Pastorius Park celebrates major project launch”May 14 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Conservancy program explores Hill’s role in the Revolution”May 6 – Chestnut Hill Local, “State Rep. Chris Rabb – The Chestnut Hill Local Candidate Forum”May 6 – Chestnut Hill Local, “State Sen. Sharif Street – The Chestnut Hill Local Candidate Forum”May 6 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Shaun Griffith – The Chestnut Hill Local Candidate Forum”May 6 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Dr. Ala Stanford – The Chestnut Hill Local Candidate Forum”May 6 – Chestnut Hill Local, “NW Philly’s questions answered”April 23 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Improve, expand participation in development review process”April 23 – Chestnut Hill Local, “A craftsman’s legacy: Dennis Meyer and 3 generations of stewardship”April 23 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Make the new zoning review a reality”April 23 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Yes to proposed zoning pilot”Events July 15 – Germantown Academy’s Adult Summer Camp Session with Alex Bartlett on “Mapping the Wissahickon” (In person)July 16 – Historic District Advisory Committee Meeting (Virtual)August 5 – Community Listening Session (Hybrid)September 16 – Discovering: Henry Holiday (Virtual)October 2 – Night of Lights “Flip the Switch” Opening Night (In person)October 3-5 – Night of Lights continues (In person)October 17 – Discovering: St. Martin’s Walking Tour (In person)

2026 LEAD SPONSOR2026 GENERAL SPONSORS 2026 SPRING GALA SPONSORS    2026 DISCOVERING SPONSORSEVENT SPONSOR  SUPPORTING SPONSORS  2026 ASK THE EXPERTS SPONSORSEVENT SPONSORSSUPPORTING SPONSOR

215-247-9329 | 8708 Germantown Avenue, Phila., PA 19118 | info@chconservancy.org