Night of Lights Illuminating Chestnut Hill through October 25

Night of Lights

Illuminating Chestnut Hill through October 25

We’re so excited to share this year’s expanded Night of Lights with you!

Continuing until October 25, from 7 pm to 10 pm, you’ll find historical images and films from the Conservancy’s Archives projected through storefront windows along Germantown Avenue, with neighboring historic buildings illuminated by colored lights.

Visit h ttp://chconservancy.org/night-of-lights for all the details and don’t forget to RSVP on Facebook so you never miss an update!

Community Storytellers

at Night of Lights

While you’re out enjoying the projections and striking light displays up and down the Avenue, don’t forget to watch for our Storyteller Station signs and get ready to listen in!

In audio pieces mixed and produced by Molly Murphy, hear how the neighborhood has changed over the years from long-time residents Willard Detweiler, Steve Kurtz, Russell Goudy, and Anne McNally. You’ll learn a few anecdotes you’ll never forget (including the answer to the ultimate Chestnut Hill trivia question: Before it was called the Schmitter, what was the original name of McNally’s famous sandwich?).

From our partners at the Germantown Historical Society, listen to experiences and memories of the Black community in Germantown, from attending dance classes at the YWCA to shopping on the Avenue to student life at Germantown High School. These recordings are part of a project called “African Americans Between the Wars,” recorded in the1990s.

These community stories can also be accessed from home by visiting our mobile website. We’re so pleased to include this wonderful part of Night of Lights in a way that’s safely accessible to all!

Have Your Own Stories to Tell?

We want to hear from you. What are your memories of Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy, Germantown, or Springfield Township? We all have stories to tell, and as we remember every year during Night of Lights, we can learn so much about our current world from the stories of our past and the places that are important to our community.

You can preserve your memories of your childhood (or of this current and truly historic moment) as easily as making a phone call–whether you’re out walking the Avenue during Night of Lights or in the comfort of your home. Just dial 267-820-8175 and press 0# to share! You can also email us to arrange a time to record your story at info@chconservancy.org.

Night of Lights in the News!

This year’s Night of Lights is bringing our communities together and we’ve received wonderful coverage by local press, including our local networks, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and more.

Check out this clip from CBS Philly and visit our Press page to see more of Night of Lights in the news!