Sharon R. Stocker has worked on archaeological projects in the U.S. and Greece and, since 1996, has been directing archaeological excavations at Pylos and in Albania. Since 2011 she has lived year-round in Pylos, where she is an honorary citizen, initially to direct a U. of Cincinnati team collaborating with the Greek Ministry of Culture in improving touristic facilities at the Palace of Nestor. That collaboration resulted in the construction of the magnificent shelter that today protects the Mycenaean palace’s remains. Stocker co-directed the team that discovered the unparalleled grave of the Griffin Warrior in 2015 and two previously unknown Mycenaean beehive tombs in 2018. She continues to supervise that work on a year-round basis. Stocker coordinated efforts that brought exhibits of finds from these excavations to the Museum of Messenia, the J. Paul Getty Villa, and the National Museum of Athens in 2025-26. She has been honored for her work by the president of Greece, who appointed her a commander in the Order of the Phoenix, and by the Giuseppe Sciacca Foundation of Vatican City. She is a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London and served for several years as President of the Archaeological Institute of America’s Cincinnati society.
