Originally published December 18 2005
Darwin exhibit debuts at natural history museum as evolution debate rages in schools
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Recently, an exhibit covering the life of Charles Darwin opened at the American Museum of Natural History and runs through May 29 of next year, and the exhibit could not have come at a more pertinent time in American history, as state and federal courts hear the latest legal debate regarding the teaching of evolution in schools.
Charles Darwin figured he would end up in the clergy, his love of nature and the sciences just a hobby.
Then came the invitation --- one of his mentors had been asked to go on a voyage but was too busy.
Perhaps Darwin would be interested in the post of naturalist on the HMS Beagle, setting sail for South America in 1831?
It was on that trip that Darwin collected the specimens and took the notes that were the underpinnings of his theory of evolution by natural selection, the foundation of modern biology.
Darwin, a landmark exhibit put together by some of the world's leading science institutions, opens Saturday at the American Museum of Natural History and runs until May 29.
The exhibit includes some of Darwin's own papers, samples he collected, his magnifying glass, as well as fossils, live animals including two Galapagos tortoises, and a recreation of Darwin's study at his English countryside home.
Futter said the show is meant not only to present Darwin, but to explain evolutionary theory and highlight the process by which scientific theory and research are done.
"We're humanizing the scientific enterprise, we're reminding people that this is about individuals who were curious, individuals who had to know," Futter said.
Earlier this month in Kansas, the state Board of Education voted to adopt standards for schools that say the theory is flawed.
On the other side, voters in Pennsylvania ousted every member of a local school board who supported including the concept of intelligent design in the curriculum, replacing them with members who opposed the mandate.
After its run in New York, the show will travel to the other museums, ending in London in time to coincide with the 200th anniversary of Darwin's birth.
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