Email digest for the Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList) egroup. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. RE: Stephen Koob (1951 – 2026) 2. RE: Using magnets to temporarily display massive 12x8 foot paper poster mounted on canvas 3. New Interactive Tool for Museums to Explore Energy- and Cost-Reducing Scenarios That Support Collections Care 4. Job posting: Preventive Conservator (open rank), Worcester Art Museum 5. Support with Project about the National Register of Historic Places ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1.From: Andrew Calver Posted: Wednesday June 17, 2026 8:58 AM Subject: RE: Stephen Koob (1951 – 2026) Message: Dear Lisa, It's very sad to hear this news. I still have an original tube of homemade B72 adhesive that Stephen gave me at the Institute of Archaeology Jubilee Conference in 1987. Condolences to you, his family, friends and colleagues. Best wishes Andy ------------------------------ Andrew Calver Consultant Manningtree United Kingdom ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 06-16-2026 07:04 From: Lisa Goldberg Subject: Stephen Koob (1951 – 2026) Stephen Koob unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, June 13th 2026. Funeral services will be today Tuesday, June 16th. Formerly chief conservator at the Corning Museum of Glass and known to many for his work with B-72, glass, ceramics, and archaeological materials (as well as his fondly labeled "Koob Tubes"), his impact on our field is widely acknowledged and appreciated. A formal obituary is forthcoming, and a celebration of his life is being planned this fall. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Goldberg, and his two sons and partners - Julian Koob and (wife) Mieko Palazzo, and Jeremy Koob. Donations in his honor can be made to the AIC, IIC, or by contributing to the conservation laboratory at the Corning Museum of Glass. ------------------------------ [Lisa] [Goldberg] [Conservator] [Goldberg Preservation Services LLC] [Corning] [NY] [607 368 3963] ------------------------------ 2.From: John Castronovo Posted: Wednesday June 17, 2026 8:58 AM Subject: RE: Using magnets to temporarily display massive 12x8 foot paper poster mounted on canvas Message: I often use small magnets to hold such objects for scanning and one trick I often use is to take two identical shots, moving the magnets between them. Nothing else can move. Then in Photoshop I open the scans on separate layers, and then using layer masks I can easily paint out one set of magnets so none are seen after flattening the layers to a single image. john castronovo techphoto, llc boonton, nj usa ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 6/16/2026 8:57:00 AM From: Aliza Taft Subject: RE: Using magnets to temporarily display massive 12x8 foot paper poster mounted on canvas Hi Heather, I was once involved in a project to photograph tapa cloths of varying dimensions, from 1'x1' to 10'x20' or so. They had all been rolled tightly and had a strong memory of it, so we needed to tack them down. Instead of trying to hang them, we made a magnetic floor using some old metal shelves, covered it with our photo paper, and then just used very small rare earth magnetic (5-10mm diameter) to tack the tapa edges down for the photo. Then the photos were shot from overhead. Obviously this requires a lot of floor space - we had the benefit of a catwalk for the extremely large items, and a photographer who was very good at stitching photos for the moderately large items. Just wanted to share a different idea in case it helps! Aliza ------------------------------ Aliza Taft Assistant Conservator of Objects Colonial Williamsburg Foundation ------------------------------ ------------------------------------------- Original Message: Sent: 06-11-2026 14:25 From: Heather Adams Subject: Using magnets to temporarily display massive 12x8 foot paper poster mounted on canvas Hello, We have a 12x8 foot paper poster mounted on canvas. The goal is to digitize and then roll it for storage. We're considering hanging it for just long enough to get good images of it. It's been lying on top of shelves for as long as I've been alive, and we have no idea what the condition will be when it comes down. Does anyone have a rule of thumb of the weight magnets could hold, or do you have other ideas for how to hang it? Thanks, Heather ------------------------------ Heather Parks Head of Preservation & Conservation Binghamton University [email protected] <[email protected]> ------------------------------ 3.From: Tiffani Emig Posted: Wednesday June 17, 2026 2:54 PM Subject: New Interactive Tool for Museums to Explore Energy- and Cost-Reducing Scenarios That Support Collections Care Message: The Min/Max interactive Dashboard is a new resource for museum collections and facilities staff who want to explore how changes to temperature and relative humidity (T/RH) conditions can reduce energy use and costs, while maintaining appropriate collections conditions. By testing different scenarios variable by geographical climate zone, building HVAC systems, square footage, and other factors, organizations can view the estimated impacts of broadened T/RH and support more informed, site-specific decision-making. Findings from the project's building energy model demonstrate that broader environmental parameters can reduce energy use by 11%–26% and associated costs within temperature ranges of approximately 61°F to 77°F and relative humidity between 40% and 60%, when managed within controlled fluctuation limits-this is appropriate for many collection object types. This tool is part of the Min/Max project, a national research effort funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and led by Environment & Culture Partners (ECP) in partnership with New Buildings Institute (NBI) and A2 Efficiency. Through 2027, the project is combining building energy modeling, conservation science, and data from eight art museums in the U.S. to generate data-informed, practical guidance that helps the field reduce energy use and emissions while maintaining high standards of collections stewardship. Learn more about the project: https://www.ecprs.org/capacity-building/min-max-the-relationship-between-energy-carbon-and-t/rh-parameters-in-collecting-institutions <https://www.ecprs.org/capacity-building/min-max-the-relationship-between-energy-carbon-and-t/rh-parameters-in-collecting-institutions> Jump to the Dashboard: https://www.ecprs.org/capacity-building/min-max-the-relationship-between-energy-carbon-and-t/rh-parameters-in-collecting-institutions#dashboard <https://www.ecprs.org/capacity-building/min-max-the-relationship-between-energy-carbon-and-t/rh-parameters-in-collecting-institutions#dashboard> ------------------------------ Tiffani Emig Deputy Director American Institute for Conservation and Foundation for Advancement in Conservation Washington DC [email protected] ------------------------------ 4.From: Matthew Cushman Posted: Wednesday June 17, 2026 2:54 PM Subject: Job posting: Preventive Conservator (open rank), Worcester Art Museum Message: Dear colleagues, I am excited to share a posting for our inaugural Preventive Conservator at the Worcester Art Museum. Our search is open rank, with title and salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, taking into account internal equity among other factors. Anticipated hiring range is $60,000 - $75,000; see below for more details. In addition to the Museum's salary and benefits package, the Conservation Department maintains budgetary support for the successful candidate's professional development, research travel, and professional memberships. Recruitment will remain open until filled. Initial review of applications will begin on Monday, July 20. We expect to hold two rounds of interviews: online screening interviews around the first week of August, and finalist interviews on site at the Worcester Art Museum around the week of August 24th. If you have questions about the position, the department, or the Museum, please feel free to reach out via email: [email protected] To apply: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/4261430 Description The Worcester Art Museum is seeking a Preventive Conservator to play a central role in shaping how the Museum cares for its collection, both today and long term. Working across Conservation, Collections Management, Curatorial, Facilities, and other museum partners, this role will advance a proactive, systems-based approach to collections care that prioritizes preservation needs in balance with operational realities, financial stewardship, and sustainability goals. The Museum's building is complex, idiosyncratic, and full of history. For the right candidate, these conditions are not obstacles to overcome but opportunities to engage creatively-testing ideas, refining systems, and making steady, meaningful improvements over time. The Preventive Conservator leads this work by building relationships, establishing shared standards, and helping colleagues across departments think collaboratively about risk, care, and long-term impact. In practice, the Preventive Conservator focuses on strengthening the systems that support collections care across the Museum. This includes leading environmental monitoring efforts; working closely with Facilities staff and external contractors to understand building conditions and inform priorities for HVAC and building management systems. In collaboration with Collections Management, the role includes revising and implementing the Museum's collections emergency preparedness planning and leading integrated pest management efforts. The Preventive Conservator is also a key partner in supporting exhibitions, loans, accessions, and storage initiatives. This work may include contributing to condition assessments or surveys, providing recommendations for housing, crating, and transport, and collaborating with colleagues to establish and apply environmental guidelines for works in storage, on display, and on loan. Coordinating collections maintenance activities and identifying appropriate materials and methods for storage and exhibition are central to the role. This position requires the ability to think both long-term and in the moment-developing programs and standards that will compound in value over time while responding calmly and effectively to the challenges that may arise in a complex museum environment. The Preventive Conservator contributes conservation expertise to Museum events and capital projects; supports training, mentorship, and internal knowledge-sharing; and may participate in public-facing outreach related to collections care. The role operates with a high degree of independence while remaining grounded in collaboration and shared responsibility. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. At this time, the Worcester Art Museum is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. Position Title: Preventive Conservator - Title commensurate with experience Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt; 37.5 hours per week Department: Conservation Division: Curatorial Reports to: Conservator in Charge Supervisory Responsibilities: None Salary Range: This position has an anticipated hiring range of $60,000–$75,000, based on experience and qualifications. Standard salary ranges for comparable levels are: Assistant conservator, $60,000–$66,000; Associate conservator, $66,000–$72,000; and Full conservator, $72,000–$78,000 annually. Key Requirements: A master's degree in Conservation from a recognized training program, with training and professional experience grounded in preventive conservation theory and practice. Demonstrated experience applying preventive conservation principles within a museum or comparable institutional setting, such as environmental monitoring, integrated pest management, emergency preparedness, collections maintenance, or housing and storage planning. The ability to think and work systems-wide-understanding collections care as long-term, incremental work shaped by environmental conditions, institutional constraints, and evolving standards in the field. Strong collaborative and communication skills, with the ability to build trust, translate technical concepts for diverse audiences, and influence practice across departments without relying on formal authority. Sound professional judgment and organizational skills, including the ability to work independently while contributing to the development of new programs, standards, and workflows, and to balance preservation priorities with financial stewardship and sustainability considerations informed by preservation science Occasional travel is required for courier assignments, conferences, site visits, or operationally important meetings. This role may be performed through a combination of on-site and remote work, as appropriate. About WAM The Worcester Art Museum connects people, communities, and cultures through the experience of art. Our wide-ranging exhibitions tell global stories-from art made thousands of years ago to works being created today. The Museum's collection of nearly 40,000 objects, assembled since its opening in 1898, provides a foundation to connect visitors of all ages with art, artists, and the ideas they spark. With strong ties to both our local community and the international art world, the Worcester Art Museum is an essential cultural venue for Central Massachusetts and beyond. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility at WAM: At WAM we are committed to building a diverse environment, one where staff feel a sense of belonging, and are valued for their contributions and the perspectives they bring. Please visit our Mission, Vision, and Values page to learn more. The Museum is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. ------------------------------ Matthew Cushman George F. & Sybil H. Fuller Conservator in Charge Worcester Art Museum Worcester MA [email protected] (508) 793-4310 ------------------------------ 5.From: Rafael Frank Benzecry Posted: Wednesday June 17, 2026 3:18 PM Subject: Support with Project about the National Register of Historic Places Message: Hello everyone, My name is Rafael, and I am an attorney based in San Francisco dedicated to advocating for cultural resources and immigrant communities. On my own initiative as a historic preservation advocate, I'm gathering feedback on how we might improve the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). I am seeking input from individuals familiar with historic preservation through a survey designed to gather feedback, observations, and ideas. If you are interested in participating, or if you know others who may be interested in contributing, the survey can be accessed at the following link: https://forms.gle/JdeBYrnwrT6UP9XK8 <https://forms.gle/JdeBYrnwrT6UP9XK8> My hope is that this initiative will help foster meaningful discussion within the historic preservation community and generate practical ideas for strengthening the NRHP. I also hope that the results may contribute, in some way, to future improvements in the preservation system. Thank you for your time and consideration. ------------------------------ Rafael Frank Benzecry San Francisco United States ------------------------------ You are subscribed to "Global Conservation Forum (ConsDistList)" as [email protected]. To change your subscriptions, go to http://community.culturalheritage.org/preferences?section=Subscriptions. 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