Discovering Chestnut Hill - Northwest Philadelphia: Connected by Railways

Discovering Chestnut Hill: “Northwest Philadelphia: Connected by Railways” virtual lecture with Ted Xaras
Date: Tuesday, March 12, from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location: Virtual, via Zoom 
Tickets: Conservancy Member Admission $15.00 and Non-Member Admission $25.00 - All proceeds will be donated to the Save the Train campaign (SaveTheTrain.org).

This virtual lecture, supporting the Save the Train campaign, features renowned artist and railroad historian Ted Xaras and will focus on the architectural history and legacy of the Chestnut Hill East and West rail lines. The lecture will explore the history, architecture, and impact of the rail lines in the Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy, and Germantown neighborhoods.

Bob Previdi of Chestnut Hill, with expertise in transit, transport policy, community outreach, and organizing, will provide brief insights at the beginning of the program into the Save the Train organization and the significance of revitalizing train ridership in the community.

Photo courtesy of Ted Xaras.

Ted Xaras will lead the lecture, drawing on his passion for locomotives, railroads, the history of railroads in our region, and the architects who designed the stations along the lines. Ted's fascination with art and locomotives was sparked by his father, who worked at the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Eddystone during Ted's formative years. Encouraged by his parents, Ted pursued his artistic talents and graduated from Upper Darby Senior High School in 1963 before attending the Philadelphia College of Art, where he majored in Illustration and graduated in 1967.

Attendees will explore the architectural styles of the Reading Railroad (Chestnut Hill East) and Pennsylvania Railroad (Chestnut Hill West) stations, crafted by architects such as Frank Furness and W. Bleddyn Powell.

The lecture will examine the impact of these architectural treasures on local communities, promising a comprehensive exploration of their significance. Join the Chestnut Hill Conservancy in celebrating these architectural treasures and their timeless legacy.

Following Ted’s presentation will be a Q&A. If you would like to submit any questions in advance, please email Conservancy Programs and Communications Manager Chrissy Clawson at chrissy@chconservancy.org

In addition to our generous sponsors and supportive businesses, the Discovering Chestnut Hill Tour and Lecture Series is sponsored by John B. Ward & Co. Arborists.

Admission: Conservancy Member Admission $15.00, and Non-Member Admission $25.00
All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Save the Train campaign (savethetrain.org).

Registrants will receive Zoom access information approximately one day from the date of the event.