Abstract:

Wisłoujście Fortress, Poland, is a nationally protected historical site managed by the Museum of Gdańsk. Since early 2013, the University of Gdańsk has conducted research at the site, resulting in a range of archaeological, architectural, and historical data. The initiated academic and public institutional cooperation opened the field for joint educational initiatives, which continue to this day. This paper shares the development of this cooperation and its results within the framework of new perspectives.

The beginning of the cooperation aimed to obtain a broad context of scientific data to proceed with restoration work at the site. The initial archaeological and architectural investigations resulted in the prospection of the fortress's structure and provided the foundational data for restoration efforts. One area of investigation focused on the historical functions of specific spaces within the fortress, including the identified 17th-century kitchen, among others. Furthermore, many of the archaeological finds obtained during the excavations are now on display at the site.

Following the restoration work, the management plan designated the fortress to serve as a backdrop for historical and educational events. In this context, much of the historical equipment in today’s museum is relevant to the archaeological finds from the site. These circumstances expanded the field for education and the dissemination of scientific data through various events. The fortress became a venue for student-organized events, including educational activities in experimental archaeology. These activities, integrated into museum events, serve to disseminate knowledge about how things were made or used in the past.

These and other examples of cooperation illustrate effective institutional practices aimed at expanding students' professional skills while engaging tourists and the local community in historical knowledge, thereby helping to protect the monument. Major efforts are being made for future activities that aim to clarify the framework: research-museum action—community benefits.

Keywords:

University-Museum Cooperation, Education, Archaeology, Poland.