Date: Wednesday, April 9, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM
Location: Hybrid (Limited in-person seating in Chestnut Hill, virtual attendance available)
Registration Link: Click HERE for virtual registration
Registration Fee: $15 for Conservancy Members, $25 for Non-Members

Join us for the first installment of our 2025 Discovering Chestnut Hill series on Wednesday, April 9, for “Private Gardens of Philadelphia: Lost and Found,” featuring author and garden historian Nicole Juday.
This hybrid event will take place on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, offering both limited in-person seating and virtual attendance. The in-person program will run from 6:30 to 9:00 PM, while the lecture will begin at 7:00 PM for all attendees. It will be followed by a moderated Q&A led by Conservancy Board Member and landscape architect Rob Fleming. The Q&A will begin around 8:00 PM.
The Philadelphia region is home to more historic private gardens than any other part of the United States. In this engaging talk, Nicole Juday will explore remarkable gardens featured in her recent book, Private Gardens of Philadelphia, highlighting those that have survived against the odds and what they reveal about Philadelphia’s rich social and cultural history. These gardens—hidden behind tall hedges, nestled in bustling neighborhoods, or tucked away down quiet lanes—reflect generations of stewardship, dedication, resilience, and horticultural artistry.
The event will feature breathtaking photography by Rob Cardillo, showcasing the beauty and diversity of these private landscapes, from meticulously maintained estates to gardens that have adapted to environmental and urban challenges such as development pressures, flooding, and deer.
Registration:
Advance registration is required. In-person attendance is limited and expected to fill quickly. Virtual registrants will receive a link to join the event remotely approximately one day in advance of the program.
Space is limited for the in-person attendees; sign up today!
The Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s public programming is made possible through the generous support of our Lead Sponsor, Chubb, General Sponsors, Event Sponsors, and members. John B. Ward proudly serves as the 2025 Discovering Chestnut Hill Event Sponsor, while E.G. Rall Landscape Design is our 2025 Supporting Event Sponsor.
For more information, please get in touch with Chrissy Clawson at Chrissy@CHConservancy.Org or 215-247-9329 x 108.

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.

Save the Date!
The 2019 Chestnut Hill Conservancy Annual Meeting, featuring the Preservation Recognition Awards, will take place on Saturday, January 6. Stay tuned for details!
The Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s Preservation Recognition Awards honor outstanding projects within the Chestnut Hill National Register Historic District (virtually all of Chestnut Hill). Each award recognizes a project that is a striking gift to Chestnut Hill today – and far into the future — and an inspiration for others as they care for their own buildings. These awards help to express our gratitude to those who cherish our historic and architectural resources.
The Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s Preservation Recognition Awards will honor projects in the following categories:
- Preserving / protecting historic resources (in the built or natural environment),
- Historic building restoration, rehabilitation or adaptive reuse, or
- Good stewardship of an important building.
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