Latest News and Updates
Stay informed with recent articles and news from the Chestnut Hill Conservancy!Eileen Javers – A Life of Leadership, Community, and Quiet Impact in Chestnut Hill
That moment set the course for a life deeply embedded in the fabric of Chestnut Hill. Through a career that took her across the country and overseas—navigating high-stakes corporate boardrooms, historic preservation efforts, and community advocacy—Javers has remained committed to strengthening the places she cares about. Whether by preserving architecture, cultural landmarks, archives and ephemera, protecting green spaces, or fostering deeper connections within her community, her work has helped shape and safeguard the area’s identity.
Welcoming Bill Webster as the New Board President of the Chestnut Hill Conservancy
Bill and his partner, Jeff Dugan, moved to Chestnut Hill in 2018, drawn by its rich history, stunning architecture, and strong sense of community. “Chestnut Hill is unique in that it’s a walkable, engaging neighborhood where people genuinely connect,” Bill shares. “Germantown Avenue, with its historic charm and vibrant energy, really captures what makes this place special.”
Chestnut Hill Conservancy Ushers in New Leadership at 2025 Annual Meeting
PHILADELPHIA—On Jan. 9, members of the Chestnut Hill Conservancy braved frigid temperatures to gather at Springside Chestnut Hill Academy’s Wissahickon Inn Chapel for the organization’s annual membership meeting. The hybrid event, which combined in-person and virtual attendance, marked a period of transition and growth. It featured leadership updates, the election of new board directors, and a look back at a successful 2024.
Honoring the Legacy of Our Archives: A New Chapter Begins
Liz Jarvis retired as the Conservancy’s Curator/Archivist on May 3 after 30 years of caring for and growing the Conservancy’s Archives. Following Liz’s retirement, Alex Bartlett has seamlessly transitioned into the position of Curator and Archivist.
Celebrating National Trails Day
Traversing the Wissahickon Valley, many of its trails echo a history dating back over 200 years. These paths served as vital arteries, providing access to the numerous mills that once lined the banks of the Wissahickon Creek and its tributaries, connecting them with farms, businesses, and residences.
Conservancy Strikes Compromise on Historic Women’s Center
Amid the backdrop of Historic Preservation Month, Chestnut Hill celebrates a significant victory—an outcome of collaborative efforts between the Chestnut Hill Conservancy and Temple Health – Chestnut Hill Hospital.
A Life of Stewardship: Charlie Dilks’ Dedication to Conservation
Friday, May 17, 2024By Chrissy Clawson, Programs and Communications Manager The Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s sold-out Spring Gala on Saturday, June 8, will honor Charlie Dilks, a man whose commitment to conservation has significantly impacted the community. Held on the...
Liz Jarvis: History Turns a New Page
Friday, May 17, 2024By Chrissy Clawson, Programs and Communications Manager Liz Jarvis retired on May 3 from the Chestnut Hill Conservancy after 30 years of caring for and growing the Conservancy’s Archives. The Archives will continue serving as a legacy and resource...
Illuminating the Life of Louise Reid
Louis Reid and her dog Timmy, 1942. Chestnut Hill Conservancy Archives.Thursday, March 4, 2024By Tatiana Paden, Executive Office and Archives CoordinatorAndrew Jarvis contributed to this article. Domestic work was among the few occupations available to Black women in...
Building a More Complete Conservancy Archive
Thursday, February 8, 2024 One of the wonderfully unique things about the Conservancy's Archive is how locally complete its history is, from a house call in 1910 to the triumphs of a local legend like Grace Kelly. We aim to capture the subtle narratives of as many...