06/19/2026
It is with profound sadness that we learned of the passing of Stephen P. Koob, one of the most respected and influential figures in the field of glass and archaeological conservation.
Throughout a distinguished career spanning more than four decades, Stephen made extraordinary contributions to the preservation of cultural heritage. He held an M.A. in Classical Archaeology from Indiana University and a B.Sc. in Archaeological Conservation and Materials Science from the Institute of Archaeology, University of London.
Before joining The Corning Museum of Glass in 1998, where he later served as Chief Conservator and ultimately Chief Conservator Emeritus, Stephen worked as a conservator specializing in ceramics and glass at the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution. His pioneering work advanced the conservation of historic glass, particularly in the study and treatment of unstable and deteriorated glass, and established new standards for the profession.
A dedicated educator and mentor, Stephen trained generations of conservators through internships, workshops, and professional courses across the United States, Europe, and beyond. His commitment to education was recognized in 2014 with the Sheldon and Caroline Keck Award from the American Institute for Conservation for excellence in the training of conservation professionals. In 2022, he received the Robert L. Feller Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the highest honors in the conservation profession.
Stephen was a Fellow of both the International Institute for Conservation (IIC) and the American Institute for Conservation (AIC), an active member of numerous professional organizations, and Chair of the International Commission on Glass Technical Committee 17 on Archaeometry and Conservation of Glass. His authoritative publication, Conservation and Care of Glass Objects, remains an essential reference for conservators worldwide.
His impact extended far beyond museums and laboratories. He worked, taught, and supervised at archaeological sitesacross the world, including the Athenian Agora, Samothrace and Gordion in Greece and Turkey, and continued to share his expertise generously with the international conservation community throughout his retirement. Most recently, he delivered the ICOM-CC Glass and Ceramics Working Group lecture “Adhesives for Ceramics and Glass” in November 2024, reflecting his lifelong dedication to advancing professional knowledge and practice.
Stephen Koob's scholarship, generosity, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to conservation have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of professionals. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, former students, and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. His contributions to the conservation of cultural heritage will not be forgotten.
