Core Academy at the Scopes Trial Centennial

In July, 2025, people from all over the country gathered once again in little Dayton, Tennessee to remember the monumental events of 1925, when substitute science teacher John Scopes stood trial for teaching evolution. With famed politician William Jennings Bryan and equally famous defense attorney Clarence Darrow participating, the trial became less about establishing the facts of a simple misdemeanor case and more about a clash of populism and fundamental religion against Darrow’s minority rights and agnostic evolution. Their memorable two-hour showdown at the end of the trial is the stuff of legend, and the animosity of these two skilled orators boiled over for all to see.

Happily, the Centennial commemoration was decidedly less bombastic. The Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation organized a special symposium for the trial, featuring two days of special presentations on the trial and the issues surrounding it. Speakers included esteemed trial historian Edward Larson, John Scopes biographer Randy Moore, and anthropologist John Hawks. Core Academy’s own Dr. Wood had the privilege of closing out the symposium with his presentation, “A Future for Creationism?” You can read a short essay inspired by that talk in his blog article, “What if we just didn’t fight?”

After the symposium, Rhea Heritage dedicated a centennial tree on the lawn of the courthouse and held a special oral history event featuring reminiscences from family members of trial principals, including several members of the Bryan family.

We greatly appreciated being part of the Scopes Trial Centennial, and we extend our thanks and congratulations to the Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation for an excellent month of unforgettable events!