Why does this stone resonate so profoundly here? This is the Pomnik Stanisława Wawrzyńca Staszica Stone. It stands within the campus of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences.
This monument honors Stanisław Staszic a man of vision. He was a great patriot and a man of state. He was also a naturalist plus an educational and social activist. Staszic was a precursor in geology, mining, metallurgy and cooperation. He was a patron of agricultural and forestry sciences.
The pomnik Stanisława Wawrzyńca Staszica Stone wasn’t always here. It was originally erected in 1976. This commemorated the 150th anniversary of Staszic’s death. The Society of Friends of Warsaw initiated the monument. The Association of SGGW Alumni were among the founders.
Due to limited funds they decided to fund a stone with a commemorative inscription. The plan included a future statue of Stanisław Staszic leaning against the stone. The boulder was obtained from the capital’s Museum of the Earth.
A niche was carved into the stone’s upper part. This formed Staszic’s face. The low pedestal was made of Strzegom granite. The monument was not placed on the palace axis. It was positioned to the side between side pavilions.
The stone bears an inscription. It reads: “Stanisław Staszic 1755–1826. Great patriot, statesman, naturalist, educational and social activist. Precursor of geology, mining, metallurgy and cooperativism. Protector of agricultural and forestry sciences. In 1976 on the 150th anniversary of his death pays tribute – the Nation.”
The pomnik Stanisława Wawrzyńca Staszica Stone faced relocation after the Primatial Palace was sold. The monument ended up on private land. Relocation options were considered but the monument’s author didn’t approve them.
In 2007 the monument was dismantled during courtyard renovations. It was stored in a warehouse. After interventions by SGGW authorities it was moved to the university. It now stands before the Faculty of Forestry. It also stands before the Faculty of Wood Technology and the Faculty of Applied Informatics and Mathematics.
The pomnik Stanisława Wawrzyńca Staszica Stone has undergone changes. It started as a simple stone with an inscription. It has now become a symbol of Staszic’s enduring legacy within these academic walls. It reminds us of his contributions to Polish society and science. His spirit is very much alive here.