Now in its seventh year, Night of Lights 2024 will captivate visitors with a blend of art, history, and community. The event will feature seven storefront windows projecting archival images from the Chestnut Hill Conservancy and other archives, including Historic Germantown and the Springfield Township Historical Society. Colorful lights will theatrically highlight often overlooked architectural features of neighboring historic buildings, bringing the rich heritage of Chestnut Hill to life.
“Every year, we look forward to our beloved Night of Lights Germantown Avenue streetscape exhibition,” said Conservancy Executive Director Lori Salganicoff. “This seventh Night of Lights will reveal otherwise hidden layers of history. The Conservancy is excited by new features and thrilled to collaborate with Historic Germantown and the Springfield Township Historical Society again to showcase their archival materials. We can’t wait to transform Chestnut Hill’s vibrant commercial corridor with archival and modern images, colorful lights, and a rich diversity of fascinating stories.”
Kicking off with a soft preview on Thursday, October 3, this seven-night event begins its main festivities with the much-anticipated “Flip the Switch” ceremony on Friday, October 4, from 6:45 to 7 p.m., near 8318 Germantown Avenue.
Following the opening ceremony on Friday night, there will be live entertainment that includes storytellers interpreting and answering questions about each of the seven themed projection locations. At the same time, local musical talents like jazz group Limited Time Only (LTO), Pep Rally led by MilkBoy co-founder Tommy Joyner, and artists from Maplewood Music Studios—including the Rich Rudin Trio and Ralph Salerno—will play through the evening. Families and history enthusiasts can visit the “Ask the Archivists” table for interactive, hands-on activities, including discovering local house histories and delving into the area’s heritage.
From Saturday onward, the exhibition continues with exciting highlights throughout the week, such as the History Jam at the Venetian Club on Tuesday, October 8, and a special themed Trivia Night at Chestnut Hill Brewery on Wednesday, October 9, to wrap up the festivities.
The themes for this year include a variety of compelling topics. “A Soup to Nuts History of the Wissahickon Valley” showcases the history of the Wissahickon Valley from the days of the Lenape Nation to the present, celebrating the centennial of the Friends of the Wissahickon. “Chestnut Hill Architectural Hall of Fame” celebrates one of the nation’s most architecturally distinguished communities, showcasing exceptional examples of architecture spanning three centuries. The origins and legacy of J.H. Dulles Allen’s Enfield Pottery and Tile Work are presented in “JH Dulles Allen and the Enfield Pottery and Tile Works.” “Local Visions: Exploring Northwest Philadelphia’s Vibrant Arts and Artists” celebrates the vibrant arts scene in Northwest Philadelphia, featuring a curated selection of works from local artists by Woodmere Art Museum. “Public Transportation in Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, and Germantown” is a historical exploration of public transportation in the area.* The Heart of Germantown: Discovering the Urban Village Historic District” explores the newly created Germantown Urban Village Historic District, centered around the circa 1704 Market Square in central Germantown. Lastly, “Venetian Club” celebrates the Venetian Social Club’s 100th anniversary, honoring its century-long legacy as a community cornerstone in Chestnut Hill.
In addition to the projections, Night of Lights 2024 will debut a brand-new digital laser show on the 8300 block of Germantown Avenue, courtesy of Mid Atlantic FX and support from Councilperson Cindy Bass’s office and the City of Philadelphia.
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