Core Academy Archives Receives Scopes Donation

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Core Academy Archives Receives Scopes Donation

January 28, 2025 Library and Archives 0

This year 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the Scopes Trial, where John Scopes was tried for teaching human evolution in violation of the Tennessee state law prohibiting such teachings in the public school.  After the trial concluded and Scopes was found guilty, his appeal to the Tennessee State Supreme Court resulted in his conviction being overturned on a technicality.  After all the publicity died down, the Butler Act, the Tennessee law prohibiting the teaching of any theory of human origins that denied the biblical story of creation, remained on the books for another forty years until 1967.

We are thrilled to announce that a generous supporter has donated to our archives a photocopy of the repeal of the Butler Act autographed by none other than John Scopes himself.  The Core Academy archives already contain a number of artifacts from the trial, including a souvenir medallion and rare tourist photographs, as well as an extensive set of original Scopes Trial photography.  This new piece will make an excellent addition to our collection.

If you would like more information on the Core Academy Archives, you can contact us through the contact form or schedule a visit.