Celebrate the Scopes100 Centennial

Step back in time to commemorate the 100th anniversary of one of America’s most iconic trials. The Scopes100 Centennial Celebration runs from March to July 2025, offering engaging events that highlight Dayton’s role in shaping national discussions on education, science, and religion.

Kick off the celebration with the Scopes Trial Centennial Weekend filled with inspiration and history.

On Friday, March 21, 2025, at 6:00 PM, join us at Bryan College’s Osborne Hall, in the Stophel Welcome Center, for the Scopes Trial Centennial Kick-Off Dinner. Limited seating—reserve today! The evening will include:

• The evening’s keynote speaker is Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ed Larson, best known for his book Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America’s Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion.
• A special presentation of newly discovered Scopes Trial photographs, curated by the TN State Museum, Bryan College, and the Rhea County Historical Genealogical Society.

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On Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, educators are invited to a complimentary Breakfast and Lecture Discussion at Bryan College, followed by a keynote address at the historic Rhea County Courthouse by Dr. Larson. Free but reservations are required.

Experience history through dramatic reenactments, debates, and more. Highlights include:

• How It Started (and Why?) (March 18-20): A student-focused play and discussion at the courthouse.
• College Debate at the Courthouse (April 17): Bryan College Debate Team and a local celebrity panel tackle School Choice in the historic courtroom.
• Tennessee Strawberry Festival (May 5-10): The Great Berry Debate theme, featuring vendors, food and activities.
• Destiny in Dayton Drama (July 11-12): A live reenactment of the Scopes Trial.
• Evolving Conflict Symposium (July 16-17): Experts discuss science, education, and religion at the courthouse.
• Historic Buttram Cemetery Tours (July 11-12, 18-19): Guided visits to the burial sites of key trial figures.
• Local History Expo (July 18-19): Educational exhibits on Rhea County’s heritage.
• Play and Dinner (July 19): A 1920s-themed dinner on the courthouse lawn, followed by a dramatization of the Scopes Trial.

The Scopes100 Centennial is a collaboration between Bryan College, the Rhea County Historical Society, the Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation, the Rhea County Department of Tourism, and the Rhea Economic and Community Development Office. This event celebrates Dayton’s heritage and invites everyone to honor this history.

Special thanks to Rhea County Executive Jim Vincent, Spring City Mayor Leon Locke, Dayton Mayor Hurley Marsh, and Graysville Mayor Bill Crawley for their leadership. We also extend our gratitude to Laura Travis, Spouse of Representative Ron Travis and long-term Commissioner of the TN State Museum, for her invaluable guidance. Lastly, we sincerely thank Dr. Douglas Mann, President of Bryan College, for assembling the Scopes100 Centennial Celebration Committee.

Don’t miss this historic event—join us in Dayton! Visit scopes100.com for tickets and details.