Charles Darwin is long remembered for his remarkable and controversial Origin of the Species.  Published in 1859, Darwin’s theory of evolution has been widely discussed ever since.  This exhibit honors Darwin’s birthday and the anniversary of his most famous work.  The items in this exhibit show observations from his “Red Notebook,” and illustrations from his time as naturalist aboard the HMS Beagle.  Other materials in the display show Darwin’s wide-ranging and continuing work.  Many of Darwin’s publications were donated to Berea’s library by the American publisher, D. Appleton & Company.

Also in the display are items related to one of the most famous evolution cases in the United States, the Scopes “Monkey Trial” of 1925.  Prosecuted for teaching evolution contrary to the accepted biology textbooks of Rhea County, Tennessee, John Scopes’ trial brought wide-spread attention and the presence of two famous attorneys, Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan.    The case even prompted Berea’s own William Goodell Frost, president from 1892-1920, to preach a sermon examining the relationship between science and faith.  It is this ongoing tension that informs our own lives even now.