If you’re having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online.

May News from the Conservancy

Preserving the places that define us, and the stories that connect us

Pawpaw – Asimina triloba
Pawpaw flower in May 2023 at the Morris Arboretum. Photo by Paul Meyer.

Pawpaw is a small native tree bearing large, custard-like fruit. Though it naturally grows in southern Pennsylvania, it is rarely cultivated and best known through folklore—“Way down yonder in the pawpaw patch.”

Spreading by root sprouts, it forms clonal groves in moist, rich soil. Trees typically mature around 35 feet. A member of the tropical Custard-apple Family, it stands out in northern landscapes. Its large green fruits ripen yellow, with soft, sweet flesh surrounding large seeds. Flavor varies, and ripe fruit bruises easily, making it rare in markets. It can be eaten raw or used in desserts.

At home, Pawpaw is upright and pyramidal with yellow fall foliage. It is resistant to most pests and diseases and supports zebra swallowtail larvae.

With Preservation Month coming to a close, May was marked by celebration, reflection, and renewed calls to action. The Conservancy’s sold-out Spring Gala will take place tomorrow, honoring Susan and Bob Peck for their lasting contributions to conservation and stewardship in Chestnut Hill and beyond.

This month also saw the opening of Mapping the Wissahickon, our first in-house archives exhibit in over a decade; an Ask the Experts program on ornamental ironwork; and a community presentation sharing rarely seen local history. At the same time, advocacy for public transportation and cultural funding intensified, underscoring how preservation today requires both protection and participation.

Below are highlights from these efforts, along with ways to stay engaged.

Spring Gala: Honoring Susan and Bob Peck – Saturday, May 31

	The Conservancy’s 2025 Spring Gala, our annual fundraiser, will bring together supporters for a sold-out evening honoring Susan and Bob Peck. Held at a historic private residence in Chestnut Hill, the event celebrates the Pecks’ decades of service to public space, cultural landscapes, and environmental preservation.

A full recap will be shared in the June newsletter.

To learn more about the Pecks and why they are being honored:

Read Len Lear’s profile in the Chestnut Hill Local ➝

Read Chrissy Clawson’s feature on their life of service and stewardship ➝

The Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s 2025 Spring Gala is made possible through the generous support of our Lead Sponsor, Chubb, General Sponsors, Event Sponsors and Gala Benefactors. Thanks to our generous Spring Gala Sponsors including Peter Zimmerman Architects (Supporting Sponsor), Kurtz Construction (Decor Sponsor), Springer Capital (Catering Sponsor), Team Whetzel (Bar Sponsor), and The Whitemarsh Foundation.

Now Open: Mapping the Wissahickon Exhibit

Fridays and Saturdays, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM \| Through fall The Conservancy’s first in-house archives exhibit in over a decade, Mapping the Wissahickon: From the Colonial Era to a Reclaimed Watershed explores three centuries of land use, development, and preservation in the Wissahickon Valley.

Featuring rare maps, surveys, and guidebooks from the Conservancy’s collection, the exhibit offers a lens on how the landscape has evolved—and how public and private action continue to shape its future.

Curated by Alex Bartlett in collaboration with Dan Preston and David Gest.

Learn more and plan your visit ➝

This exhibit was made possible thanks to the generous support of:
Anonymous, Bowman Properties, Ltd., Dan Preston and Alex Darling, Archivist Rebekah Grimes and additional staff of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, and James McNabb.

Ask the Experts Recap: The Art and Craft of Ornamental Ironwork

On Saturday, May 10, attendees joined the Conservancy for an Ask the Experts session with Robert Anderson of Anderson Ironworks. Through live demonstration and in-depth discussion, Anderson offered an engaging exploration of the history, techniques, and restoration of ornamental metalwork.

This free in-person event blended traditional forging methods with modern applications, offering participants practical tips for maintaining and restoring architectural ironwork. A highlight of the afternoon was a live forging demonstration of a classic scroll—showcasing the timeless beauty and precision of this foundational design.

The Conservancy is deeply grateful to Robert Anderson for generously sharing his time, knowledge, and craftsmanship—and to the staff, Program Committee, and partners who helped organize and support this event.

View the handout provided to attendees ➝

The Conservancy’s Lead Sponsor, Chubb, General Sponsors, and members make this free program possible. The 2025 Ask the Experts Event Sponsor is Ace Hardware Home Services and the Supporting Sponsor is E. G. Rall Jr. Landscape Design. Ask the Experts is organized by the Conservancy and offered in collaboration with our friends at the Chestnut Hill Community Association.

Community Presentation: Local History and Infrastructure with the Villages

On Friday, May 16, Curator and Archivist Alex Bartlett presented a talk on the layered history of Northwest Philadelphia to residents of the Village of East Falls and Village on the Ridge. Hosted at the Roxborough Branch of the Free Library, the presentation explored how transportation and development have shaped community identity across generations—drawing on rare images and documents from the Conservancy’s Archives.

The evening was similar in content to the “Valley Talk” Alex gave for Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) earlier this spring, which is available on the FOW’s YouTube channel ➝. Topics included early industry and infrastructure in the Wissahickon Valley, the evolution of regional transit, and the interplay between the built environment and community life—past and present.

The Conservancy is grateful to the Villages, and to the organizers of the event for the opportunity to participate in such a thoughtful and well-attended event.

Strategic Planning Update

The Conservancy is continuing to shape its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan. Building on last year’s community-wide survey and this year’s Community Voices public brainstorming sessions, the planning process has identified key focus areas to guide the organization’s work over the next five years.

The plan centers on advancing the Conservancy’s mission through its core areas—preservation, conservation, and history—supported by cross-cutting goals to strengthen inclusive community engagement and partnerships.

Additional updates will be shared later this year as the Conservancy prepares for phased implementation.

National Survey of History Practitioners – Final Week to Participate

The national survey closes Friday, June 6. Whether you’re a volunteer or a longtime professional, your response helps shape a more informed and inclusive future for the field.

The data will explore issues such as compensation, representation, and job satisfaction across public history organizations.

Take the 10-minute survey ➝

Preserving Place Through Access and Support

	As the Conservancy’s mission includes protecting the architectural, historical, and natural character of Northwest Philadelphia—and that includes advocating for the systems and funding that support vibrant, connected communities. St. Martins Station, May 1966. Chestnut Hill Conservancy Archives.

As the Conservancy’s mission includes protecting the architectural, historical, and natural character of Northwest Philadelphia—and that includes advocating for the systems and funding that support vibrant, connected communities.

Preserving Community Character: Save the Train

As part of the Save the Train coalition, the Conservancy supports efforts to sustain SEPTA service to Chestnut Hill and surrounding areas. This work protects the historic role of rail in shaping our community’s development, the use and reuse of historic train stations, and the continued viability of village-scale living supported by public access.

You Can Help:

Call Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman: 717-787-8724
Attend upcoming public hearings
Share updates via social media

Protecting Cultural Funding in Pennsylvania

The proposed state budget includes a $2 million cut to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s (PHMC) Grants to Museums program, which funds organizations like the Conservancy, local historical societies, and museums across the Commonwealth. These funds are vital to preserving and sharing Pennsylvania’s rich cultural and historic resources.

The Conservancy’s Archives have benefited from this grant program in the past, helping preserve and share the records, photographs, and stories that define and celebrate our regions history. Protecting this funding is vital to ensuring that Pennsylvania’s local history remains accessible to future generations.

Take a moment to contact your legislators using this tool:
Email your legislators ➝

The City of Philadelphia budget is also under review, with a June 30 deadline. The Conservancy is following updates regarding proposed changes that may impact local cultural institutions.

Membership

Did your membership recently expire, or are you interested in joining? Conservancy members receive exclusive benefits, including:

Discounts to Discovering Chestnut Hill programs
Free research access in the Archives
Exclusive opportunities like members-only events

To learn more about membership, contact Development Manager Ashley Maass at Ashley@CHConservancy.Org or 215-247-9329 x 202.

Renew or Join

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

Looking to sponsor the Conservancy in 2025? Sponsorship offers a unique opportunity to support local preservation efforts while gaining visibility among a community passionate about history, conservation, and sustainability.

Contact Development Manager Ashley Maass to explore available sponsorship options.

Download the 2025 Sponsorship Brochure

News

May 22 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Conservancy Spring Gala to honor Robert, Susan Peck”
May 8 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Conservancy works to preserve Germantown Trust Company Building”
May 5 – REDFIN Blog, “25 Historical Home Renovation Tips: How to Modernize Without Losing Charm”
May 1 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Eileen Javers — A life of leadership and quiet impact”
April 30 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s new exhibit maps the Wissahickon”
April 24 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Beloved Hill architecture preservationist dies at 82”
April 17 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Thank you to volunteers”
April 17 – Chestnut Hill Local, “The comfort of gardens: Landscapes that make a house a home”
March 29 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Spring 2025 issue: From the editor”
March 29 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Do you love living in Philly’s northwest?”
March 20 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Chestnut Hill community champion dies at 92”
March 5 – Chestnut Hill Local, “Cause of fatal fire remains unknown”

Events

Saturday, May 31 – Spring Gala, In-Person.
Friday–Saturday, June 6 – 7, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Mapping the Wissahickon Exhibit
Friday–Saturday, June 13 – 14, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Mapping the Wissahickon Exhibit
Friday–Saturday, June 20 – 21, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Mapping the Wissahickon Exhibit
Friday–Saturday, June 25 – 26, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Mapping the Wissahickon Exhibit
Friday October 3 – Night of Lights “Flip the Switch” – More information coming soon!
Friday October 4 – 6 – Night of Lights continues – More information coming soon!