Saturday, May 3, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
8708 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Free, but registration is required, and space is limited for this in-person program.
Register HERE
Join the Chestnut Hill Conservancy for Ask the Experts: The Art and Craft of Ornamental Ironwork with Robert Anderson, owner and partner of Anderson Ironworks. Anderson Ironworks has been a cornerstone of craftsmanship, blending traditional forging techniques with modern design to create stunning and functional metalwork that enhances architectural character.
For decades, Anderson Ironworks has contributed to the beauty and functionality of local landmarks, including the Chestnut Hill Hotel and the MARKET at the Fareway. The company has also earned national acclaim for its meticulous attention to detail and excellence in design.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the artistry of ornamental ironworking firsthand.
Robert Anderson: As the owner and partner at Anderson Ironworks, Robert Anderson has been a driving force since 2006, continuing the family’s legacy of exceptional craftsmanship. Based in Worcester, PA, Robert specializes in ornamental ironwork, focusing on design, project management, and old-world forging techniques. After joining the family business, Anderson Welding, in 1992 following high school, Robert mastered foundational skills in fabrication and welding before transitioning to ornamental ironwork. He dedicated years to perfecting traditional forging methods, which have become the hallmark of Anderson Ironworks. Under Robert’s leadership, the company has earned national recognition, including prestigious awards from the National Ornamental & Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA), such as a Bronze Award for Hand-Forged Iron Gates (2010), a Silver Award for Non-Ferrous Gates (2013), and a Gold Award for Restoration (2023) for the Princeton Ferris Thompson Gates. Robert’s work is prominently featured in local projects, including the Chestnut Hill Hotel and Market, where Anderson Ironworks has crafted and maintained custom metalwork such as railings, planters, signage, and stainless-steel features. His dedication to blending tradition with innovation has made Anderson Ironworks a trusted name throughout Montgomery and Bucks Counties and beyond, with a growing portfolio of creative and technically precise projects that reflect his passion for enhancing architectural character.
This program is perfect for anyone, from history enthusiasts to those curious about how to maintain or restore metalwork. During this free in-person event, Robert Anderson will provide an engaging exploration of the history, craftsmanship, and restoration of ornamental ironwork, complemented by a live forging demonstration that showcases the timeless beauty and precision of this craft.
The Conservancy’s Lead Sponsor, Chubb, General Sponsors, and members make this free program possible. Ask the Experts is organized by the Conservancy and offered in collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Community Association.
For advance questions or registration inquiries, please contact Conservancy Programs and Communications Manager Chrissy Clawson at Chrissy@CHConservancy.Org.
Registration is free but required.
Tuesday, February 4, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Virtual, via Zoom
Free, but registration is required.
Register HERE
Join the Chestnut Hill Conservancy for Ask the Experts: Putting Plants to Work with Jeff Lorenz of Refugia Design. Refugia Design embraces the ethos of designing and stewarding landscapes that support native ecosystems to create biological corridors of refuge for plants, people, and wildlife. Refugia founder Jeff Lorenz and the team specialize in transforming lawns into sophisticated and dynamic plant communities. Since 2015, they have created 100+ habitat ‘stepping stone’ gardens within five miles of their Narberth HQ as part of their award-winning Ecological Greenway Network.
Join Jeff as he lifts the veil on traditional landscaping practices to offer tangible creative alternatives that embrace natural processes to create immediate environmental impact by ‘putting plants to work.’
Jeff Lorenz: As founder of Refugia Design, based in Greater Philadelphia, Jeff Lorenz combines his decades of experience in landscape design with a desire for innovation. His sensibility is for immersive outdoor sanctuary spaces that seek to co-exist with, rather than control nature. Refugia’s work can be regularly found in Fine Gardening, Martha Stewart Living, Gardenista, and Architectural Digest. Jeff is the creative thinker behind Refugia’s mission, methodology, and Ecological Greenway Network and truly believes that ‘putting plants to work’ is the only way forward. Award-winning exhibitors at the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show and recipient of multiple local, national, and international design awards from the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, American Society of Landscape Architects, and the Perennial Plant Association; Refugia addresses climate change and loss of biodiversity through landscapes that are resilient, beneficial and beautiful. Jeff resides in Narberth with his creative partner Kayla and daughters Freya and Adelaide.
This program is designed for everyone, from experienced gardeners to those new to sustainable landscaping. During this free virtual lecture, Jeff will provide actionable insights into common issues in our region alongside case study inspiration for creating an ecologically beneficial, beautiful, and resilient garden come spring.
This free program is made possible by the Conservancy’s Lead Sponsor, Chubb, our General Sponsors, and members. It is done in collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Community Association.
For advance questions or registration inquiries, please get in touch with Conservancy Programs and Communications Manager Chrissy Clawson at Chrissy@CHConservancy.Org.
Registration is free but required. Registrants will receive the Zoom meeting link one day before the program’s date.
Saturday, March 9, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Chestnut Hill Conservancy, 8708 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Free, but registration is required
Register by clicking HERE
Join the Chestnut Hill Conservancy for “Historically Comfortable: Energy efficient heating and cooling solutions for historic homes.” featuring HVAC expert Chris Wilson from Unique Indoor Comfort.
Chris Wilson’s expertise spans over 17 years in the HVAC industry, with a notable focus on retrofitting historic structures. Beginning his career with Unique Indoor Comfort, he honed his skills over six years as an installation manager and later excelled for 11 years as a sales rep and project manager. Renowned for his meticulous approach, Chris specializes in marrying aesthetic solutions with preservation, which is evident in projects like the George Woodward Co. and the restoration of the Zimmerman Grist Mill. His dedication to excellence has made him a trusted figure in the industry, with a reputation for seamlessly integrating modern technology while respecting architectural heritage.
During his presentation, Chris will delve into various topics, including load calculations, duct design, building envelope enhancements such as air sealing and insulation, and installing hydronic and steam boilers. Learn about the latest advancements in forced air gas, hybrid, heat pump, and geothermal systems, as well as the benefits of ductless mini-split and high-velocity central air conditioning solutions. With a team of dedicated professionals and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Unique Indoor Comfort, its affiliated brands, and Ace Hardware strive to provide the best in home preservation services.
Don’t miss this opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable knowledge from an industry expert.
This free community program is made possible through the generous support of the program sponsor, the Conservancy’s general and supportive businesses, and is done in collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Community Association.
If you would like to submit any questions in advance, please email Conservancy Programs and Communications Manager Chrissy Clawson at chrissy@chconservancy.org.
The Conservancy’s Ask the Experts is a free program done in collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Community Association. Ask questions and get solutions through our free community program that addresses a featured topic by a local expert on prevalent issues relating to historic homes and landscape care.
Join us for a captivating afternoon of historic preservation at the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s Ask the Experts “Window Restoration Workshop” on Saturday, September 23, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.
The Chestnut Hill Conservancy hosts this free event in collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Community Association. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to delve into the art of window restoration. Discover the secrets of reviving timeless windows while maintaining their historical charm.
The workshop will be led by two distinguished experts: Ray Tschoepe and Andrew Staples.
Ray Tschoepe’s rich background encompasses both academic achievement and practical expertise. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Master’s program in Historic Preservation, Ray’s career path includes serving as an independent restoration contractor and later as the Director of Conservation at the Fairmount Park Historic Preservation Trust, which later became the Conservancy. With nearly three decades of experience in the field, Ray brings a wealth of knowledge to the workshop.
Ray’s co-expert, Andrew Staples, brings invaluable insights to the event. Andrew is the Conservation Supervisor at the Fairmount Park Conservancy. Having been brought up around the trades, he developed an interest in the history and development of construction techniques and technologies. Andrew holds an MA in Archaeology of Buildings from the University of York in the UK.
The workshop will begin with an interactive workshop followed by a brief Q&A session, offering attendees the chance to interact directly with these seasoned professionals. Whether you’re a preservation enthusiast, homeowner, or simply curious about historic architecture, this workshop is a must-attend event.
Take advantage of this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of window restoration and contribute to preserving Chestnut Hill’s architectural legacy. Mark your calendar for September 23, 1:00 – 3:00 PM, at 8708 Germantown Avenue. We look forward to welcoming you to this enriching and educational event.
Registration is required, and space is limited.
REGISTER HERE: https://chconservancy.app.neoncrm.com/eventReg.jsp?event=63&
A free program for the community, Ask the Experts addresses a featured topic by an expert on prevalent issues relating to historic home and landscape care, with free access to the Archives. Ask questions; get solutions!
Organized by the Chestnut Hill Conservancy and co-sponsored by the Chestnut Hill Community Association.The 2023 Ask the Experts Series is made possible through the generous support of sponsor Wallace Landscaping Associates and our supporting businesses.
This event has been cancelled.
A free program to the community, Ask the Experts is offered quarterly, and addresses a featured topic by an expert on prevalent issues relating to historic home and landscape care. Ask questions; get solutions! This time the topic will be Winterization.
Visit chconservancy.org/first-saturdays for more!
