About Darwin 2009

The year 2009 marks two significant milestones in scientific history—the bicentennial of Charles Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his seminal Origin of Species.  Since 2003, Duquesne University has honored Darwin’s legacy with an annual lecture (www.duq.edu/darwin2009/). Our expanded, city-wide Darwin Celebration 2009 will further advance science education throughout our the region.

Duquesne University is providing the leadership for a partnership with several of the museums and cultural institutions of Pittsburgh to mark these important dates with special events, activities, displays and teaching resources.  Our aim is to improve the public understanding of Charles Darwin the man and his seminal ideas that form the fundamental principals that are the basis for all of modern biology and medicine. 

Planned activities include:

• A Synthetic Darwin Interview display created by Duquesne University in partnership with the Carnegie Mellon University Entertainment Technology Center to be housed at the Carnegie Science Center;
• Weekly talks presenting the scientific evidence supporting evolution as a scientific fact at Duquesne University and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in the spring of 2009;
• Six additional evening public lectures during the spring of 2009 discussing the broader impacts of the idea of evolution on areas as religion, politics, psychology, and human identity;
• Various displays honoring Darwin and discussing relevant fundamental principals of modern biology are being planned and developed for a number of Pittsburgh Institutions
• A production of the classic play “Inherit the Wind” by the Duquesne University Red Masquers (www.dutheaterarts.com)
• Curriculum development in evolution for elementary and middle schoolers as well as teacher training that will be coordinated with each of the other institutions and activities listed above.