About
The Chestnut Hill Conservancy is a community educational center, archive, land trust, and advocate for the preservation, conservation, and history of neighborhoods in the Wissahickon watershed in and around Philadelphia.
Mission
The Chestnut Hill Conservancy conserves, preserves, and celebrates history, architecture, and landscapes in Chestnut Hill and the lower Wissahickon watershed through inclusive and proactive community engagement, advocacy, and stewardship.
Vision
We envision Chestnut Hill and other communities surrounding the Wissahickon Valley as green, vibrant, historic urban villages that respect and celebrate their historic resources and open space; promote the social and economic value of historic preservation and environmental conservation; and prioritize best practices in sustainable, equitable, and historically and ecologically sensitive new construction.
The Conservancy’s work includes:
Archives
The Conservancy holds over 66,000 archived items, including documents, periodicals, photographs, and maps, with a focus on Chestnut Hill and its surrounding areas. These items are accessible online and at our headquarters located at 8708 Germantown Avenue.
Conservation
The Conservancy holds conservation easements and monitors eased properties in accordance with accredited land trust guidelines through its professional staff and Conservation and Easements Committee.
Preservation
The Conservancy holds preservation easements and advocates for best practices in historic preservation, including through the work of its Historic District Advisory Committee.
The Conservancy’s work across all mission areas is rooted in community engagement—from one-on-one collaboration to neighborhood-wide partnerships—ensuring that preservation, conservation, and archives are accessible, inclusive, and responsive. Through public programs—such as Ask the Experts, the Discovering series, Nights of Lights, the Preservation Party, and communications—we engage the public in the value of preservation, conservation, and history.
Learn more:
Discover more about our history and the individuals who drive our mission.
Our History
Discover how the Conservancy has evolved since 1967.
Meet the Staff
Meet the professionals stewarding local buildings, landscapes, and history.
Board of Directors
Get to know the community leaders guiding the Conservancy’s mission.
Latest from the Conservancy:
Catch up on what’s happening at the Conservancy—event updates, press releases, and stories that showcase our work to preserve and protect the region’s history, architecture, and open space.
Resources and tools:
Through our public programs, community collaborations, and partnerships with regional and national organizations, the Conservancy has gathered a range of resources to support homeowners, researchers, and community members. The Resources and Tools page offers curated guides, references, and best practices in preservation, conservation, and archives to help care for the places and stories that define our community.
Our community of support:
Thank you to all Conservancy members—at every level—whose support makes our work to preserve and protect this community possible. We are especially grateful to our Leadership Circle members and Annual Sponsors, both Lead and General, for their generous contributions.
Leadership Circle:
Leadership Circle members—our highest-level membership supporters—provide critical annual funding that sustains every part of the Conservancy’s mission. Since its founding more than 20 years ago, the Leadership Circle has contributed to protecting and celebrating the open spaces, architecture, and history that define Chestnut Hill and communities in the Wissahickon watershed. Learn more ➜
Sponsoring Businesses:
Supportive businesses play a vital role in advancing the Conservancy’s mission throughout the year. Through sponsorship of programs and events—including lectures, exhibits, and high-profile gatherings—these generous partners help ensure continued stewardship of the region’s historic architecture, natural landscapes, and community history. Learn more ➜
Contact Ashley Maass, Development Manager at 215-247-9329 x 202 or Ashley@CHConservancy.Org to explore Sponsorship opportunities.
The Chestnut Hill Conservancy is classified as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. A donation to this organization may qualify as a charitable deduction for federal income tax purposes. Please consult with your tax advisers or the IRS on the tax deductibility of your donation. Registration and financial information may be obtained from the PA Dept. of State by calling toll-free (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.