Bringing the History of the Earth to the Public by Using Storytelling and Fossils from Decorative Stones of the City of Poznań, Poland

Abstract

The fossil content of building and decorative stones is used to communicate a wide range of geological knowledge, namely the history of the Earth, plate tectonics, evolutionary patterns and climate change, to nonexpert audiences. Storytelling and narratives are employed to improve the level of interpretation of palaeontological geoheritage. Seven rock types, five of which are highly fossiliferous, widely utilized in most recognizable monuments of the city of Poznań in Poland are employed to produce a complex narrative that guides the individual from the Ordovician to the Neogene period. The narrative is accompanied by rich visuals (graphic reconstructions of ancient ecosystems and now-extinct organisms, palaeogeographical maps) available in four printed and online leaflets and guides, supplemented by a museum exhibition where additional rocks and complete fossil specimens are shown and by workshops for more deeply interested participants. The narrative component of the project allows the detection of the most common misconceptions related to the Earth sciences and strengthens the engagement of individuals involved in the project. The project is developed further with self-guided walks around other Polish cities.