What story about Northwest Philadelphia could you tell in five minutes and 10 images?

The Chestnut Hill Conservancy is looking for 10 people to answer that question as part of the 2026 Night of Lights: 10x10 History Jam, a new storytelling program on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Venetian Club, 8030 Germantown Avenue. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Applications are now open for speakers, and the Conservancy wants to hear from a range of people from across Northwest Philadelphia. You do not need to be a historian or professional speaker. You need a story you want to tell, and a way to tell it through images.

The format is simple: 10 speakers. 10 images each. Five minutes each.

Each speaker will tell one focused story. Every image will appear for 30 seconds before automatically advancing. Between presentations, a local DJ will play brief sets, creating a lively, social evening that feels different from a traditional lecture or panel.

The idea came from Dan Macey, who first developed a History Jam concept for Night of Lights in 2024 and is leading this year’s 10x10 committee.

“I wanted a cool, fun way for people to get a better idea of why we love our neighborhood,” Macey said. “History is all about storytelling, and we are looking for people to just tell us a quick story that they find interesting that they can tell with 10 images. I’ve seen the 10x10 in other communities and thought it would be a perfect program for Chestnut Hill.”

And “history” is intentionally broad.

A story could explore a building, street, landscape, person or community. It could begin with archival photographs, maps, documents or objects. A speaker might focus on architecture or design, the Wissahickon and the natural environment, a longtime business or institution, arts and music, food and cultural traditions, transportation, preservation, conservation, development or neighborhood change. It could also be a lesser-known story that helps an audience see a familiar place differently.

That range is important. Part of the idea is to hear from people with different connections to Northwest Philadelphia and bring more of those voices and stories into Night of Lights. Together, the 10 presentations will offer different perspectives on the people, landscapes, cultures and changes that have shaped this part of Philadelphia.

The Conservancy especially hopes to hear from people who may not normally think of themselves as history presenters. Community members, artists, educators, designers, business owners, organizations and others are encouraged to consider what story they could bring to the evening. Speakers do not need to tell the whole history of a subject. The goal is to find one compelling story and tell it well.

Speakers should be comfortable presenting publicly and working within the timed format. Presentations should be primarily visual and understandable to people who may know little or nothing about the subject. Speakers will submit slides and presentation materials in advance and participate in a technical run-through before the event.

If presenting isn’t for you, come hear what your neighbors have to share. The program is for anyone who simply wants to come listen, learn and spend the evening together. In addition to the 10 presentations and music, there will be time to gather and talk, with food generously sponsored by the Chestnut Hill Hotel.

The 10x10 History Jam is free and open to the public with support from the Philadelphia City Fund through the Philadelphia 2026 Neighborhoods Celebration grant and the Philadelphia Cultural Fund Arts and Culture Grant.

The History Jam is part of the larger 2026 Night of Lights, presented in partnership with DesignPhiladelphia and Archives Month Philly. This year’s programming uses the nation’s 250th anniversary as an opportunity to explore more than 250 years of local history. Through 10 very different stories, the History Jam will look at some of the people, places, landscapes, cultures and changes that have shaped Northwest Philadelphia.

The 10x10 History Jam is Thursday, Oct. 15, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Venetian Club, 8030 Germantown Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m. The program is free, but advance registration is encouraged because space is limited. Apply to be a speaker by emailing Chrissy Clawson at chrissy@chconservancy.com with your proposed story and a link to an example of you speaking publicly, such as an interview, reel, radio or television appearance, or other recording.