Darwin Day celebration set at UUSD Feb. 19
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware will hold their second Darwin Day celebration from 3 to 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 19. The celebration will commemorate the birth of Charles Darwin, a naturalist born Feb. 12, 1809, for his development of the theory of evolution.
The celebration will feature a film and two speakers. The film is "The Genius of Charles Darwin" featuring Richard Dawkins, who explains why Darwin's theory of evolution was, indeed, a revolution. Dawkins is a well-known evolutionary biologist and author, as well as a vocal atheist. Featured speakers will include professors Jennifer Biddle and Ronald Martin from the University of Delaware. The event is free and open to the public.
Biddle is an assistant professor of marine biosciences at the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment at the University of Delaware. Her research focuses on microorganisms in the environment, and understanding what they do and where they are. She will speak on "Maybe We Are Archaea: Finding Our Start Point on the Tree Of Life."
Martin is a professor of geological sciences in the Geological Sciences Department at the University of Delaware. He is the author or co-author of over 60 papers, in addition to "Earth's Evolving System," which was just published in its second edition. His topic will be “Scales of Change: The Transfiguration of Experience by Historical Consciousness.”
Betty Kirk, coordinator of adult education at UUSD, says, "Unitarian Universalists feel a strong link to Charles Darwin. His five-year voyage on the HMS Beagle led him to develop his theory of evolution and descent of man theories that were quite controversial in scientific and religious circles. UUSD's Darwin Day Celebration is a wonderful opportunity for UUSD and the public to explore Darwin's many important scientific contributions."
The Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware is at 30486 Lewes-Georgetown Highway (Route 9), 2 miles west of Lewes. It is a vibrant and welcoming, progressive spiritual community with a faith rooted in love and justice. For more information, contact AdultEducation@uussd.org or go to www.uussd.org.
