S20:The Scopes/ Monkey Trial Unpeeled

The Scopes trial, originally called "the Trial of the Century," took place in a small eastern Tennessee town called Dayton. Located in Rhea County, Dayton had a population of just 1800 people. This unlikely location was the setting for the May 25th 1925 trial of John T. Scopes for violating what was generally known as the anti-evolution statute of that state. The original characters in the trial included Clarence Darrow, William Jennings Bryan and members from the press from around the country. The most known movie version of the trial, Inherit the Wind, was released in 1960 starring Spencer Tracy, Fredrick March, Gene Kelly and Dick York. Although this movie is mostly fictional, participants are strongly encouraged to screen this film before the presentation for the best experience.

Purpose: Learn more about the Scopes/Monkey trial

Facilitator: Tom Lemon