Muzealnictwo (Apr 2023)
PROFESSOR ANDRZEJ MAREK WYRWA(1955–2022), DIRECTOR OF THE MUSEUMOF THE FIRST PIASTS AT LEDNICA
Abstract
The date 17 November 2022 marked the deathof Prof. Andrzej Marek Wyrwa, a historian and archaeologist,a long-standing professor at the Adam Mickiewicz Universityin Poznan, and Director of the Museum of the First Piasts atLednica. Born on 22 March 1955 in Krzyż Wielkopolski, hegraduated in history (1978) and archaeology (1981) from theAdam Mickiewicz University in Poznan. Bonded with his almamater in his scholarly activity, where he worked uninterruptedlyas of 1984, he was conferred doctoral degree in 1985, postdoctoraldegree in 1996, and became professor in 2004. Havingheaded the ’Łekno’ Archaeological Expedition in 1982–2008,he conducted excavations at Ł3 archaeological site at Łeknonear Wągrowiec which resulted in a spectacular discoveryof pre-Romanesque rotunda relics dating back to the Early--Piast monarchy, of a stronghold, and of a Cistercian monasteryfounded in 1153. In many aspects that research into the wholesettlement complex around Łekno was trailblazing, extensive,and interdisciplinary. Having become Director of the Museumof the First Piasts at Lednica in 2008, over the 14 years of hiscontribution to that institution he implemented crucial projectsenabling its operation. In 2013, he extended the archaeologicalreserves at Ostrów Lednicki, Giecz, and Grzybowo. He alsoextended the Dziekanowice seat of the Museum making thedream of generations of Polish scholars and museologistscome true: to have Ostrów Lednicki’s Piasts’ heritage proudlymanifested. Not so long ago, since on 7 October 2022, togetherwith Prof. Wyrwa we happily celebrated the launch of the newMuseum building. Furthermore, his academic legacy containsover 625 academic studies, works for general public, and piecesof feature writing.
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