215-5 The Poozeum: A Coprolite Museum Making a Big Splash

Session: Coprolite Happens: Insights into Geobiology

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What began as a personal passion for collecting coprolites, or fossilized feces, has evolved into the Poozeum, an internationally recognized museum in Williams, Arizona, and home to the world’s largest and most diverse privately owned coprolite collection. Despite occupying less than 1,400 square feet, the Poozeum welcomes over 70,000 visitors annually and consistently operates with a strong financial surplus, achieving sustainability without reliance on grants, loans, or public funding. Its success has redefined expectations for what is possible in science communication and small-scale museum operations.

The Poozeum has captured global attention through strategic media outreach, networking, creative merchandising, and a mission rooted in accessibility. By offering free admission and combining humor, curiosity, and scientific storytelling, the museum attracts a wide and often underserved audience. Many visitors have never been to a natural history museum and have little or no prior knowledge of fossils or the prehistoric past. Yet the universal theme of poop creates an immediate and relatable connection that draws people in, regardless of background or scientific literacy.

Beyond public engagement, the Poozeum contributes to the wider scientific community through specimen donations, collaborative research, and outreach that advances understanding of coprolite science and their role in history. The Poozeum’s ongoing success demonstrates that when science is presented in a non-traditional and compelling way, it not only resonates but thrives. The museum is now exploring future growth through institutional partnerships, digital expansion, and potential acquisition, cementing its role as a surprising yet significant force in science education.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Program. Vol. 57, No. 6, 2025

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-6258

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