Remembering Len Steinbach

Len Steinbach, 71, passed away suddenly on January 19, 2023, while doing what he loved: getting ready to attend a jazz performance with friends. His loss is completely unexpected, and his family and friends are profoundly saddened.

Len was born on July 11, 1952 to Julie and Gerson Steinbach in New York City. He was one of two children, predeceasing his sister Sharon. He graduated from Stony Brook University (BA, 1975) and pursued graduate work at New York University (information technology, journalism, business administration).

Len worked as a technology strategist and leader at several museums and consulted for many more. His career included roles as CTO at the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum (NYC) and CIO at the Cleveland Museum of Art. He served as president of the Museum Computer Network, and he was a long-time member of the Horizon Report, Museum Edition Advisory Board. He was a Lecturer in the Johns Hopkins University graduate program in Museum Studies for more than a decade and Adjunct Faculty at the Cleveland Institute of Art. His official titles belied his deep understanding of museums and their internal and external relationships and structures. Len was also an ardent supporter of the ACLU and served on its board when he was in Cleveland. 

Len was one of the most respected innovative thinkers, brilliant strategists, and great collaborators in the museum world. A contributor to both Curator journal and The Digital Museum: A Think Guide, his ability to clearly link technology programs to real outcomes for people who visit institutions set him apart.

He was big hearted and vibrant, and radiated friendship, understanding and empathy. He accepted everyone with an open heart, open arms, and an open purse — frequently treating friends to theater and music and greeting everyone with a perpetual smile. He had immense passion for his friends, museum work, music of all genres, theater (including puppetry), reading, and the environment. He was also a collector and restorer (to working order) of vintage miniature radios. Most recently he was learning to make ice cream in holiday-related flavors, such as marshmallow-sweet potato for Thanksgiving. They were a big hit. Len was adventurous, most recently attending four to six performances each week, reading voraciously, and exceeding the limits of what one might expect a 70-year-old to be able to do.

From Len’s first glimpses of innovation at The New York’s World Fair in his youth, where he visited often, to Woodstock, to skydiving in celebration of entering the sixth decade of life, he never refused a new or challenging adventure.

Len had an insatiable thirst for travel, visiting museums around the country and globally, supporting all realms of the visual and performing arts, most recently Scotland’s Fringe Festival. He also served an unprecedented 20 months as a Visiting Fellow in the Cultural and Heritage Management Program at City University of Hong Kong where he was beloved by his students.

His departure comes as a great shock and a deep wound, and it is felt by countless people who loved and appreciated him deeply in his wide network of community.

Two celebrations of Len’s life are planned:

1. Sunday, March 31, 2024 in New York City

• Where: Dixon Place, 161A Chrystie Street, New York, NY 10002
• Doors Open: 12:30 pm
• 1:00 pm: Service led by Rabbi David Evan Marcus followed by Eulogies and Audience Tributes
• 2:00 to 3:30 pm: Reception, Socializing, Lunch Refreshments

2. Friday, May 17, 2024, during AAM 2024 in Baltimore

• Where: The Peale Museum, 225 Holliday St, Baltimore, MD 21202
• When: 5:00–7:00 PM (the museum opens at 3pm for regular visits)
• Who: All of Len’s friends and colleagues are welcome to participate; there is no admission fee and registration at the AAM conference is not required.

Contributions may be made in Len’s memory to any arts, social justice, or Jewish causes that are most meaningful to you. Condolences may be sent to Sharon Steinbach, 401 East 65th Street, Apt. 6G, New York, NY 10065.