As the night air turns crisp and laced with the sound of autumn leaves, the Chestnut Hill Conservancy is once again gearing up for Night of Lights, its annual weeklong celebration of the area’s rich history and architecture.
Now in its seventh year, Night of Lights will transform Germantown Avenue into a vibrant streetscape exhibition from Oct. 3 to Oct. 9, showcasing the area's rich heritage through a series of illuminated storefront windows and dramatically lit buildings. Each evening from 7 to 9 p.m., a section of Germantown Avenue will come alive with projected images, …
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As the night air turns crisp and laced with the sound of autumn leaves, the Chestnut Hill Conservancy is once again gearing up for Night of Lights, its annual weeklong celebration of the area’s rich history and architecture.
Now in its seventh year, Night of Lights will transform Germantown Avenue into a vibrant streetscape exhibition from Oct. 3 to Oct. 9, showcasing the area's rich heritage through a series of illuminated storefront windows and dramatically lit buildings. Each evening from 7 to 9 p.m., a section of Germantown Avenue will come alive with projected images, archival footage and colorful lighting – showing familiar architectural details in a new light.
Much more than a chance to illuminate the past, the event is an accessible way to appreciate both our local history and the importance of preserving it.
Again this year, the Conservancy is collaborating with both Historic Germantown and Springfield Township Historical Society to showcase a wider range of archival materials.
"The Conservancy is excited by new features and thrilled to collaborate, and showcase the archival materials of both the Historic Germantown and Springfield Township Historical Society,” said Conservancy Executive Director Lori Salganicoff. “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.”
The exhibition kicks off with a soft preview on Thursday, Oct. 3, but the main festivities begin on Friday, Oct. 4, with a "Flip the Switch" ceremony near 8318 Germantown Ave. from 6:45 to 7 p.m. Following the ceremony, the avenue will come alive with storytellers, musicians and family-friendly activities until 9 p.m.
Some new features will be introduced this year, including a digital laser show on the 8300 block of Germantown Avenue, courtesy of MidAtlantic FX. For the first time in the event's history, archival films will be digitally mapped and projected onto the wall of the Verizon building at 8318 Germantown Ave. – thanks to support from Councilperson Cindy Bass' office and the City of Philadelphia.
Beyond the visual displays, Night of Lights also offers a rounded sensory experience that includes music as well as food.
Local jazz group Limited Time Only (LTO), MilkBoy co-founder Tommy Joyner's Pep Rally, and musicians from Maplewood Music Studios will provide live entertainment on opening night. And for opening night only, a band of musicians from the Crefeld School, ‘Crefeld Rocks’, will be playing when Conservancy staff actually “flip the switch” and turn on the light display.
History enthusiasts can consult with experts at the "Ask the Archivists" table, where they can explore local house histories and delve deeper into the historical record.
Local businesses are getting into the spirit as well, with food and beverage establishments offering themed specials and extended hours throughout the exhibition.
On Tuesday, Oct. 8, the Venetian Club will host a History Jam, while Chestnut Hill Brewery will wrap up the week with a special themed Trivia Night on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
“So anyone who’s been paying attention to the slideshows will definitely have an advantage,” said Clawson.
The heart of the exhibition is the seven illuminated storefront windows, each presenting a themed slideshow of historical images and educational content. These themes offer a diverse exploration of Northwest Philadelphia’s history and culture:
