Darwin200
Darwin200
He is one of the greatest Britons of all time, and in 2009, we celebrate 200 years of Charles Darwin, and 150 years since the publication of Origin of the Species. Darwin200 is a national programme of events celebrating Charles Darwin’s ideas, impact and influence. Here are a few of the Darwin200 highlights you can look forward to:
Shrewsbury Darwin Festival
When: 1 – 29 February 2009
Where:
Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury Darwin Festival is an annual celebration of Charles Darwin’s life and scientific legacy, in the town where he was born and grew up. The programme includes events and activities to encourage wider awareness of Darwin’s contribution to science, including talks from Professor Lord May, Leonard Susskind, Dr Michael Shermer, David Stoddart, Michael Benton and Professor Mark Chase. The Darwin memorial and geo garden will open on Darwin’s birthday, 12 February 2009.
Web:
Shrewsbury Darwin Festival (www.darwinshrewsbury.org/)
Darwin Day
When: 12 February 2009
Where: Nationwide
Take part in a range of events all around Britain celebrating Darwin’s 200th birthday, including a birthday toast, guided walk and unveiling of the Darwin memorial and geo garden in Darwin’s home town of
Shrewsbury, a Darwin trail at
Edinburgh Zoo, and a Darwin Day lecture at University College London.
Mr Darwin’s Fish
When: From 12 February 2009
Where:
Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution (www.brlsi.org/),
Bath
‘Mr Darwin’s Fish’ tells the story of the HMS Beagle fish specimens being described for science for the first time. Darwin’s lifelong friend, eminent naturalist and Bath resident, Leonard Jenyns, worked on the fish Darwin brought back from South America, having suggested Darwin go on the Beagle voyage in his place. Using original material from the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution collections, the exhibition will reveal new insights into Darwin's approach to research and how he worked with his contemporaries.
Web:
Bath Royal Literary & Scientific Institution - Darwin (www.brlsi.org/darwin2009/)
Evolution Rocks! Uncoiling the Past – Lyme Regis Fossil Festival
When: 22 – 24 May 2009
Where:
Lyme Regis,
Dorset
Discover remarkable remains and learn more about evolution in the rocks with Natural History Museum experts at Evolution Rocks! Throughout the 2-day festival, children, adults, students and amateur palaeontologists can join in a range of events to discover the secrets held by fossils.
Web:
Lyme Regis Fossil Festival (www.risingseas.co.uk/)
Darwin 2009
When: 5 – 10 July 2009
Where:
Cambridge
Darwin 2009 is a week-long festival in the town where Darwin studied theology. The programme includes over 100 big names, big issue talks, debates, workshops, performances, exhibitions and film exploring Darwin’s impact on science, society, literature, history, philosophy, theology, art and music.
Web:
Darwin 2009 (www.darwin2009.cam.ac.uk/)
Darwin and Scotland
When: October 2009
Where: Talbot Rice Gallery, Edinburgh
Darwin lived and studied as a young medical student in Edinburgh from 1825 until 1827. Through historic material and contemporary art inspired by Darwin, this exhibition investigates his influence on Scotland as well as the impact of Darwinism on Scottish intellectual thought. The exhibition will be produced in partnership with the University of Edinburgh, National Museums of Scotland, and National Library of Scotland.
Web: Talbot Rice Gallery (www.trg.ed.ac.uk/index.htm)
For further programme and event information, visit Darwin200 (www.darwin200.org/).