Darwin's Backyard How Small Experiments Led to a Big Theory

Charles Darwin, iconic evolutionary biologist, was a naturalist with a passion for experiments. Sometimes quirky, always illuminating, Darwin's experiments were an ever-present part of his home life, taking over his house, garden, and greenhouse, as well as surrounding meadows and woodlands, while often involving family, friends, and neighbors as research assistants. James Costa will discuss this inventive side of Darwin, detailed in his new book, Darwin's Backyard: How Small Experiments Led to a Big Theory. Following the lecture, visit the museum galleries, where Harvard students and museum educators will demonstrate a selection of Darwin's experiments.

Presented by Harvard Museum of Natural History. Geological Lecture Hall, 24 Oxford Street. Free event parking at 52 Oxford Street Garage.

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