Molly Lester

Margaret (Molly) Lester is Associate Director of the Urban Heritage Project and Lecturer in Historic Preservation at University of Pennsylvania's Weitzman School. Her research examines cultural landscapes, women's history (particularly 'She-She-She' camps), and architect Minerva Parker Nichols. She authored Building Ghosts: Past Lives and Lost Places (2024) and co-curated the exhibit 'Minerva Parker Nichols: The Search for a Forgotten Architect'.

Her professional experience includes roles at PennPraxis (heritage projects), Partners for Sacred Places, and Heritage Consulting Group. She holds an MS in Historic Preservation from UPenn and BA in Architectural History from University of Virginia.

Key projects: National Park Service collaborations, Minerva Parker Nichols research, Philadelphia Historic Sacred Places evaluation, and Great Falls National Landmark conservation planning.