Darwin's Birthday Bash
Thursday, February 12, 2009
6 – 9 pm

Two hundred years after his birth and 150 years after the publication of On the Origin of Species, Charles Darwin remains one of the most influential minds of the modern day. Celebrate Darwin and his evolutionary discoveries at a free Birthday Bash at the Burke Museum!

6:30 pm: "Charles Darwin: The Man and the Myth"
Mott Greene, University of Puget Sound & University of Washington
Who is the real Darwin? Mott Greene offers historical context to thinking about Darwin's life.

7:15 pm: "Wisdom Teeth"
Mark Terry, Northwest School
The science of evolution contributes to practical insights and success in a wide variety of fields that touch us all. But how can evolution be made visible and vital in the life of high school students? This is a question Mark Terry has faced annually for four decades. He goes for their teeth.

8:00 pm: "Darwin Would Love This"
Jon Herron, University of Washington
As Darwin himself was keenly aware, there was much he didn't know. Jon Herron will highlight examples from recent research that would have delighted Darwin, including a snake with legs, rapidly evolving fish, and green fluorescent baby monkeys

Displays from the Burke's collections will feature mammals, birds, plants, fossils, and insects that illuminate Darwin's research.

Darwin's Birthday Bash is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted. This event is co-sponsored by the University of Washington Department of Biology.