The Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s Night of Lights Streetscape Exhibition returns to Germantown Avenue.
There’s something magical about walking down a street you know so well, only to see it transformed under the soft glow of projected images from another era. This October, as the evening chill starts to make its presence felt, Chestnut Hill invites all of us to step into such an enchanting experience with the return of its beloved Night of Lights Streetscape Exhibit.
I’ve strolled down Germantown Avenue more times than I can recall, and each time, I’ve felt the rich history whispering tales from every brick and cobblestone. But the Night of Lights inspires those whispers to come alive. From October 6th to the 14th, this historic avenue will not just be a street but a canvas that tells our shared stories, memories, and legacies.
Imagine standing outside your favorite store and seeing a projection of “Antique Postcards from the Wissahickon” or tracing George Washington’s steps through Chestnut Hill from a snapshot dated October 4th, 1777. As you continue your walk, let the tales of the architects behind Chestnut Hill’s iconic buildings wash over you, and feel a surge of community pride with stories of sustainable preservation in “This Green Old House.”
The Night of Lights is even more remarkable because local businesses like Chestnut Grill and Foliage Plant Boutique will join the festivities with extended hours. It’s a community affair, gathering old friends and new friends, reminiscing the past, and making new memories.
“The Chestnut Hill Conservancy is delighted to bring back our beloved Germantown Avenue streetscape exhibition. This sixth year of the Night of Lights exhibition will shed light on otherwise hidden layers of history, Wissahickon Park, improving energy efficiency in older buildings, and much more. We are excited to transform Chestnut Hill’s vibrant commercial corridor again with archival and modern images, colored lights, and a diversity of fascinating stories.” – Lori Salganicoff, Conservancy Executive Director.
Thanks to the generosity of our local sponsors, this nostalgic trip down memory lane remains open and free for everyone. Discover the Night of Lights like never before with guided walking tours. Led by local historians, architects, and experts, these tours will require a ticket. They are exclusively available on Tuesday, October 10th and Thursday, October 12th. Space is limited.