Press release by Chestnut Hill Conservancy shared by Chrissy Clawson on 6 July 2026

The Chestnut Hill Conservancy congratulates the owners, stewards, and partners of Erdenheim Farm following the property’s official listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

In the late spring of 2026, the National Park Service formally listed the Erdenheim Farm Historic District in the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing one of the region’s most significant historic agricultural landscapes. The listing follows a multi-year process that began with a Determination of Eligibility in 2022, continued with preparation of the National Register nomination by historic preservation consultant Kathleen Abplanalp in 2024, and concluded after review by the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service.

Spanning more than 475 acres across Springfield and Whitemarsh townships, Erdenheim Farm represents an extraordinary example of long-term stewardship of historic resources. The designation recognizes the property’s exceptional collection of historic buildings, designed landscapes, agricultural resources, and open space that together tell more than 160 years of agricultural, architectural, and landscape history.

“Erdenheim Farm represents an extraordinary preservation success story,” said David Gest, Esq., Executive Director of the Chestnut Hill Conservancy. “The National Register listing affirms the property’s historic and cultural significance while recognizing decades of thoughtful stewardship. It is a meaningful milestone for Erdenheim Farm and for everyone who values the preservation of historic landscapes.”

National Register listing formally recognizes a property’s historic significance and documents its importance to our nation’s history. It also requires federal agencies to consider potential adverse effects on listed resources under certain circumstances and makes qualifying rehabilitation projects eligible for certain federal and state historic preservation tax incentives. Listing itself is honorary and does not restrict private property rights or limit a property owner’s ability to alter a property.

The Conservancy has long celebrated Erdenheim Farm as an exceptional example of preservation and conservation. In 2022, the organization presented the Shirley Hanson Founder’s Award to Bonnie and Peter McCausland, and to Christopher McCausland and Elizabeth McCausland Salata, in recognition of their commitment to protecting and stewarding the properties in the district.

Building on that relationship, the Conservancy partnered with Erdenheim Farm in 2024 to present a Discovering lecture and guided public tours exploring the district’s history, architecture, designed landscapes, agricultural traditions, and ongoing stewardship. Presented by historic preservation consultant Kathleen Abplanalp, the lecture offered an early look at the extensive research supporting the National Register nomination, highlighting the district’s architectural, agricultural, and landscape significance, and explaining the nomination process. The recording remains available on the Conservancy’s YouTube channel, continuing to educate the public about one of the region’s most significant historic landscapes.

“For generations, Erdenheim Farm has inspired people who care about conservation and preservation,” said Shirley Hanson, co-founder of the Chestnut Hill Conservancy and co-chair of its Preservation Committee. “This recognition honors not only an extraordinary landscape, but also the many people whose vision and stewardship have ensured that future generations will continue to benefit from it. We are delighted to celebrate this well-deserved milestone.”

Abplanalp’s nomination documents the evolution of Erdenheim Farm from its nineteenth-century origins through nationally significant improvements made during George D. Widener’s ownership, including contributions by architect Horace Trumbauer and the Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm. Her research also demonstrates the remarkable integrity of the farm’s historic buildings, designed landscapes, agricultural features, and open space.

The Chestnut Hill Conservancy extends its congratulations to the McCausland family, Peter Ernst of the Erdenheim Farm Foundation and McCausland Foundation, Kathleen Abplanalp, the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office, the National Park Service, the staff stewarding Erdenheim Farm, and the many other individuals whose dedication helped achieve this important
milestone.

As surrounding communities continue to evolve, Erdenheim Farm stands as a lasting reminder that thoughtful stewardship, preservation, and conservation can protect places of exceptional
historic, architectural, agricultural, and environmental significance for generations to come.

Learn more

To learn more about Erdenheim Farm, its history, and ongoing stewardship, visit the farm’s website at ErdenheimFarm.com.

Interested in the research behind the National Register listing? Watch the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s recorded Discovering lecture, Erdenheim Farm: A Legacy of Preservation From 1862 to the Present Day, presented by historic preservation consultant Kathleen Abplanalp, on the Conservancy’s YouTube channel.

To learn more about the Conservancy’s Discovering series and ongoing work in preservation, conservation, advocacy, and education throughout Chestnut Hill and the lower Wissahickon
watershed, visit the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s website at CHConservancy.org.

About the Chestnut Hill Conservancy

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. Founded over 55 years ago to protect and celebrate the area’s historic architecture, and since 1990 protected more than 105 acres of land through its easement program, making it the nation’s first urban accredited land trust. The Conservancy maintains a professionally curated archive with over 66,000 items accessible to the public and engages the community through educational programs, advocacy, and various events.

The organization has also documented thousands of structures, contributing to Chestnut Hill’s designation as a National Register Historic District.

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8708 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118 | 215-247-9329