Chestnut Hill Historical Society

The diverse architectural styles and stories behind nearly any street here are like rings of a tree, evidence of Chestnut Hill’s history. The Chestnut Hill Historical Society aims to preserve the community character through historical archives, architectural preservation, and an extensive outreach program.

The Historical Society’s archives at 8708 Germantown Avenue are home to an astounding 16,000 items – everything from building records to photos, maps, drawings, books, and diaries. Thanks to these archives and the research that led to naming Chestnut Hill to the National Register of Historic Places 1985, many important buildings in Chestnut Hill now have complete historic records.

To preserve these buildings and the natural beauty of Chestnut Hill, the Society often relies on easements, which allow property owners to donate potential development rights to the Society. The Society currently holds more than 67 acres and 12 historical façades under permanent protection. In partnership with the Friends of the Wissahickon, the easement committee has identified about 100 high-priority properties it would like to see preserved.

Although the Society has a wealth of information for history and architecture buffs, it also has resources for gardeners, owners of old homes, and anyone who’d like to take a stroll through Chestnut Hill. The Native Plant Demonstration Garden, right on the grounds of the Society, was designed in consultation with the Morris Arboretum and inspires gardeners to preserve native plants on their own properties. The Resource Center can help homeowners make repairs or find contractors who specialize in old homes. And for anyone who wants to know Chestnut Hill better, the Society offers award-winning maps and guides.

Executive Director Jennifer Hawk, whose native hilly lands of southern Indiana have topographical similarities to Chestnut Hill, said she likes the neighborhood because of the mix of architectural styles – contrasting “grand mansions and well-designed twins” – and because of the story that Chestnut Hill’s legacy tells. “Germantown Avenue has been the spine of Chestnut Hill, from today back to the days of Irish immigrants and Italian stonecutters,” said Hawk. Indeed, Chestnut Hill’s feeling of community comes from the people who live next to you, do business next to you, and walk next to you along the Avenue. It’s nice to know it’s been that way for a long time.

Chestnut Hill Historical Society
8708 Germantown Avenue
(215) 247-0417
www.chhist.org

Highlights: Archives, guides and maps, Native Plant Demonstration Garden, guided tours, Resource Center

How you can help: Volunteer, buy a guide or map, become a member, donate an easement, contribute a planned/memorial gift, or give a cash donation.