Library Exhibit Highlights Historic Scopes Trial

IDSM 361: Museum Practice and Planning course will showcase the historical exhibition “The Classroom on Trial: Tennessee v. Scopes” in the Pickler Memorial Library Atrium.

The exhibit opened April 14 and a reception will take place from 3-4 p.m. April 17 in the Pickler Memorial Library Atrium, as part of the Student Research Conference.

In the summer of 1925, Tennessee v. Scopes, nicknamed the “Scopes Monkey Trial,” captivated the nation through its debate of the divine and the scientific. Teacher John Scopes was prosecuted for violating the Butler Act, which prohibited the teaching of evolution in schools. Although the Scopes Trial can be viewed as a debate between science and religion, it is more accurately a clash between traditional and changing world views. This exhibition will introduce visitors to the history of the trial and basic information about evolution.