October 8-17, 7pm-9pm
The fifth annual Night of Lights is less than one month away! From October 8-17, the Conservancy’s innovative public art installation will once again transform Chestnut Hill’s commercial corridor into an interactive display of local history and architecture.
Archival images and films from the Conservancy’s Archives highlighting the history of Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy, Germantown, and Springfield Township will be projected through storefront windows along Germantown Avenue, while neighboring historic buildings will be illuminated with colored lights.
We are thrilled to include expanded elements to accommodate social distancing, and to restore beloved in-person activities. The opening night on October 8 (rain date October 9) will feature live storytelling, musicians, an oral history recording station, interpreters stationed at projection windows, and more special activities. The evening will begin with a “Flip the Switch” ceremony at 6:45 p.m., and opening reception at the George Woodward Co. Offices (8031 Germantown Avenue) featuring an antique car display, wine tasting from Jefferson Vineyards, and remarks from local officials.
The exhibition—complete with accompanying mobile experience—will remain on view through October 17 for self-guided explorations of community history and return visits.
Additional activities and celebrations are planned throughout the 10-day run, including craftspeople demonstrations on October 13. Many stores will stay open late and restaurants will feature local historic food items on their menus.
Interested? Visit http://chconservancy.org/night-of-lights and be sure to RSVP to our Facebook event for updated information, partner activities, and sneak peeks!
Photo by Bradley Maule
Announcing the slideshow themes for this year’s Night of Lights!
We’re pleased to present eight projections featuring fantastic archival images and stories of Chestnut Hill and our surrounding communities, presented by the Conservancy and our community partners:
  • Civil War Hospital and What Came After
  • Highlights of Historic Buildings in Springfield Township (with the Springfield Township Historical Society)
  • Neighborliness by Design: The Woodward Legacy in Chestnut Hill
  • On the Street Where You Live: The Pedestrian Experience in Chestnut Hill
  • Philo T. Farnsworth
  • Repurposing Historic Buildings
  • Sustainability: Energy Retrofit How-To for your Old House
  • Wissahickon Postcards
Over the next few weeks, we’re excited to take a deeper dive into the themes for this year’s slideshows as we prepare for Night of Lights. We’ll also share ways you can contribute your own stories of the community, past and present!
While you wait for October 8-17,
revisit past years of Night of Lights
As we look forward to the fifth Night of Lights, we invite you to also look back at past years!
When we all bunkered down last March, the Conservancy got to work converting many of the fascinating Night of Lights slideshows to free YouTube videos.
These narrated HISTORY AT HOME videos range in length from about 5 to 15 minutes. Click on this filmstrip image to enjoy these illustrated stories from the Archives.
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  • October 7 – Historic District Advisory Committee Public Meeting 6:30pm. Register HERE for a Zoom link to attend
Thank You!
Sponsors and supporters are community champions. Your support now will continue our work
in the coming year!
2021 CHESTNUT HILL CONSERVANCY LEAD SPONSOR
2021 CHESTNUT HILL CONSERVANCY GENERAL SPONSORS
2021 CHESTNUT HILL CONSERVANCY PROGRAM SPONSORS
2021 CHESTNUT HILL CONSERVANCY NIGHT OF LIGHTS MEDIA SPONSOR
Always feel free to contact us with any questions about the Conservancy, our programs and events, or your membership at info@chconservancy.org
Chestnut Hill Conservancy | 8708 Germantown AvenuePhiladelphia, PA 19118