History

The first findings of the collection were discovered by Dr. Konstantinos Taxidis, who reached out to Professor Michalis Dermitzakis of the University of Athens. Professor Dermitzakis assessed the findings as particularly significant and conducted a small excavation in 1991.

In 1995, the University of Athens initiated systematic paleontological excavations in the wider area of Polichnitos.Greek and Dutch researchers participated in these excavations. After their preservation, the findings were returned to Vrisa. To house the findings, the community of Vrisa provided the building of the village’s old school. The fossils became the core of the collection. Later, the collection was enriched with rocks and minerals, as well as with donations of specimens from the residents of Vrisa and Polichnitos, the most notable being a donation of zoological specimens from Georgios Vennetis.

Throughout the museum’s operation, the contribution of local residents was significant, particularly in indicating locations for the discovery of fossils. For example, the most important fossil site (Site F) was discovered by Mr. Thrasyvoulos Taxiidis. Various outreach and community engagement activities took place at the Vrisa Natural History Collection, with notable events including an international paleontological conference held in Polichnitos in 1999 and the museum studies workshop held in Vrisa in 2009.