Andrea Floersheimer

Hometown: Baltimore, MD

Education Background: BA in History, Columbia University

How did you get interested in your field?

My interest in historic preservation grew out of my love for history. I was a history major in college and always felt that learning about the past helped me understand our present a whole lot better. Shortly after I graduated from college, I realized that I wanted to work in history, but I wanted my work to be in service to the present-day challenges and aspirations of communities. Once I learned about historic preservation, it was obvious that the field was exactly what I was looking for.

What was your background prior to coming to Penn?

I received my BA in History and had some experience volunteering in museums, libraries and arts/cultural organizations during college. After graduating from college, I spent around three years serving as the first Archivist/Heritage Cultural Collection Coordinator for an Alaska Native tribal consortium based out of Anchorage. I then served as the first Circuit Rider Fellow at Preservation Connecticut before matriculating at Penn in fall 2025.

Why did you choose Penn?

I chose Penn because of the opportunities to explore historic preservation in diverse contexts and the emphasis on community-centric work. I was impressed by the program’s close collaboration with the National Park Service, the experience and research of the faculty, and the program’s focus on translating preservation knowledge into practical, real-world impacts. I felt confident that at Penn I would have the bandwidth to expand my skills and develop expertise in the areas that most interested me.

What do you like best about Philadelphia?

I love the fact that on any given weekend, I can indulge in incredible food, go to fresh farmers markets, play chess in the park, and partake in the seemingly endless array of seasonal events/markets/activities that are happening all over the city. I love how bikeable and friendly Philly is – it feels like a small town in a big city.

What kinds of activities and/or organizations are you involved in?

At Penn, I am a student ambassador and involved in graduate student Jewish life on campus. Outside of class, I love to cook, write fiction, host board game nights, and cycle.

What are your career ambitions?

I want to work for a creative, solution-oriented organization that aims to make the past relevant to present day constituents. Interpreting historic sites, collaborating with stakeholders, digging through archives, and advocating for preservation-minded solutions are all activities that I hope to do throughout my career.