England Celebrates 200 Years of Charles Darwin

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Darwin!  Several cities around the world are celebrating the great man who revolutionized our way of thinking of the human species.  Although his actual birthday was Feb, 12, 1809, celebrations are taking place all year long. Indeed, 2009 marks the 200th anniversary of the author of “On the Origin of Species,” as well as the 150th anniversary of the book itself.

Naturally London, the English capital, is hosting a number of special events to honor its most famous son’s legacy.  Furthermore, Cambridge – both the university and the town, are organizing a week long festival that promises to challenge anyone with a curious mind.  The festival will also feature a street fair with a dazzling array of activities that will delight both adults and children. Here is a roundup of some great things to do between the months of May and December.

London

Some of the capital’s most prestigious venues are holding events.

Charles Darwin and the Origin of Species
A photographic display of Darwin portraits celebrates various stages of his life. You will get to meet inviduals who were instrumental in the publication of his controversial theory.
National Portrait Gallery
St. Martin Place

Darwin Diary
Each page of the weekly diary shows an illustration and entries reflecting on important dates and landmarks in Darwin’s life.
The Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road

The Darwin Trail, London Zoo
Walk into Darwin’s footsteps at the London zoo. The researcher spent much time observing animals and taking notes. You will learn about the man and his theories through exhibits including the new Blackburn Pavilion walk-through birdhouse and the Gorilla Kingdom.  Additionally, the zoo has launched a fully interactive trail.  You will be able to follow an actor impersonating Darwin on a tour of zoo.

West London Floating Classroom – Darwin’s Voyage
Adventure boat trips are available to students from primary to university levels.  Like Darwin, they’ll embark on a journey and learn about the species that he discovered, how he recorded information and how his idea about evolution came to him. For venues, contact West London Floating Association

Cambridge

Cambridge University Festival (July 5th through 10th)

Lectures and Discussions.
Some of the world’s most eminent geneticists, biologists and sociologists will lead lectures, panel-led discussions, debates and focus-sessions.  Geared toward examining the impact of Dawin’s theory on medicine, social sciences, philosopy and religion, these gatherings are open to anyone above 16 interested in innovation and progress. 

Afternoon and Evening’s Activities
Additionally, a broad variety of activities inspired by Darwing’s writings, life and times will be available for adults and children.

Explorer Sessions
Guided tours, hands-on workshops and talks will be held throughout the campus. .

• The Botanic Garden.  Darwin’s teacher and mentor founded the garden.  Reenactments of classes that the former student attended will take place in the exquisite setting.
• The Fitziwilliam Museum.  Endless Forms: Charles Darwin, Natural Science and the Visual Arts. This exhibit will reveal an unexplored aspect of Charles Darwin’s legacy – the impact of his theories upon artists of the late Nineteenth Century and vice-versa.
• The Museum of Zoology.  You will view Darwin’s famous Galapagos Finch collection, and forty examples of fish that he collected when he was traveling around South America.  The exhibit will also feature slides from his studies on barnacles and samples of the beetles that he collected when he was studying at Christ’s College.

Darwin’s tours of Cambridge
Special tours will take you back in time to sites linked to Darwin’s time.  You will visit Christ’s College where his rooms, the library, dining hall and Memorial Garden will be open to the public.

The Fringe Festival
A host of attractions will be offered within the town of Cambridge and the towns around.  Plays, films, concerts, art festivals, carnival performers, walkabout magicians, parades, street entertainers will keep everybody entertained.

How to get to Cambridge. The family-friendly town is only 50 miles away from central London and 20m from London Stansted airport.  It is easily accessible by rail, car or air.

For further information about the Darwin’s celebrations, visit Darwin 200