Stephen Weil

I was very sad to learn of Steve´s passing away. I am certain that he has been one of the most lucid thinkers in the museum realm in these
past years. His wit, intelligence and wisdom were a rare combination of
elegance and savoir-faire.
His books will remain as a testimony of his knowledge, experience and
sensibility.

While I only knew Stephen Weil through hearing him speak and reading his work, I am convinced he was one of the few important thinkers in our field. He understood and loved museums while challenging them to change. He was a leader in that he inspired others with his passion, commitment, insight, energy, accessibility and willingness to share his experience and knowledge. The museum field is better for his contribution and we will feel his loss. My condolences to his family.

Dear Wendy,

Museums Aotearoa, the Museums of New Zealand, was very sad to learn of Stephen's passing, and we'd like to convey our condolences to you and the family, from our our part of the muesum world. Stephen was a passionate voice and insight and his visit to New Zealand ten years ago is remembered with affection. Stephen chronicled the maturing of the international museum community and we feel closely connected with him and the common commitment he expressed so well. We...

once I wrote a poem about stephen. His butterfly and his sense of humour, his presence and his professionalism.
He was, for an american, modestly present and really human.

Dear Wendy
I met Mr. Weil in Lubbock, Texas in 1993. It was great to receive a class with him. My good friend Gary Edson invited him to share with us (Texas Tech University´s Museum Science students)his ideas and knowledge. I must say that Steve Weil is a permanent light in my profession and job. A best way to remember him is to continue reading his articles and books.
From here, Costa Rica, receive my regards.
sincerely Félix Barboza-Retana

Dear Wendy
My condolence.
I met Stephen Weil in Lisbon (Portugal) in 2001, on the occasion of a conference on Museums and Communities promoted by the Portuguese Museums Network. I vividly remember his humour, his polemic way of talking about museum matters and the capacity to think openly about the world.
Clara Camacho
Portuguese Museums Network, Coordinator

I feel blessed to have known Stephen while working at the Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies. He always had time for me if I had a question. His sense of humor was fun. His brilliance and interesting way of thinking fresh thoughts has been so important to the museum world. He is sorely missed.

I met Stephen at the very beginning of my museum career working at the Hirshhorn Museum fresh out of college. Concerned that I might not be making the best decision about studying to become a museum conservator, I asked Stephen for his advice. He really didn't give me any advice on what I should do, but the passion in his voice as he spoke to me of his own experience left me with no doubts that I was headed in the right direction. Our paths never crossed again, and although I can't remember a...

Dear Wendy,
At the University of Victoria, Cultural Resource Management Program, we were deeply saddened to hear that we had lost Steve. He has been a friend, mentor, teacher, thinker, and inspirational advocate. His writing and teaching have left a profound mark on the museological landscape of Canada, and the world, particularly as a long-time visiting lecturer to the international cross section of students here at UVic. For many of us it will be hard to believe he is not there for...