Darwin Day

In 2009, Charles Darwin, the discoverer of natural selection, celebrated his 200th birthday. Taking a cue from the International Darwin Day Foundation (which first celebrated Darwin Day in 1995), it seemed like a good time to throw a party. It was such a success that we have made it an annual event. While most Darwin Day events around the country are targeted to adult audiences only, our event is intergenerational with a range of interesting activities for people of all ages.

Held on a Sunday in February from 11 to 2, we celebrate the contributions of science in understanding our natural world. Children are fascinated by science and how our natural world works. After a science-themed platform, children participate in science activities in a “science fair” atmosphere, while adults have a discussion group.

Why do we celebrate science in an Ethical Society? We are awed by the mysteries of the natural world and support the use of science to reveal those mysteries. We believe in our individual responsibility to preserve the earth’s beauty and resources for future generations, and that science and technology can help us achieve this goal. Ethics guide us to use science in a way that advances the human condition while protecting people and the Earth.

See photos of past events in our photo gallery.

This year, Jeffrey Laitman, Ph.D., Professor and Director of Anatomy and Functional Morphology, Professor of Medical Education, Professor of Otolaryngology, Director of Gross Anatomy, Mount Sinai School of Medicine and self-described “Darwinophile” enthralled members with his talk on “our inner primate.” And, he brought along some friends!

Check out the photos below and listen to his fascinating talk here.

(all photos ©Lyn Dobrin. all rights reserved.)