[Annals N. Y. Acad. Sci., Vol. XIX, No. 1, Part I, pp. 1-40. 31 July, 1909.] 
DARWIN MEMORIAL CELEBRATION. 
By Edmund Otis Hovey, 
Recording Secretary. 
By invitation of the New York Academy of Sciences, the friends of 
science in New York City and vicinity gathered at the American Museum 
of Natural History on Friday, 12 February, 1909, to celebrate the centenary 
of the birth of the great English naturalist, Charles Robert Darwin, and the 
semi-centennial anniversary of the publication of his epoch making book 
“The Origin of Species.” In preparation for the celebration, the following 
circular was sent out, under date of 31 October, 190S, to the members of the 
Academy and its affiliated societies and other selected addresses: 
The investigations and publications of Charles Darwin have had a profound 
influence upon the progress of science in America as well as in all other parts of the 
world, but no important memorial of this great naturalist exists in this country. 
The one hundredth anniversary of Darwin's birth and the fiftieth anniversary of the 
publication of the “Origin of Species” fall within the year 1909, and the Council of 
the New York Academy of Sciences proposes that these events be suitably celebrated 
on Darwin’s birthday, 12 February, 1909, when addresses are to be delivered by 
members of the Academy setting forth Darwin’s achievements in different depart¬ 
ments of science, and a bronze bust of Darwin is to be unveiled and presented to the 
American Museum of Natural History by the president of the Academy and accepted 
by the president of the Museum. It is also proposed to hold in connection with the 
celebration an exhibition at the Museum of Darwiniana and objects illustrating 
Darwin’s theory of evolution through natural selection and his work in botanical, 
zoological and geological research. 
A Darwin Memorial Committee to make all arrangements has been appointed 
as follows: 
E. O. Hovey, Chairman 
J. A. Allen 
C. W. Beebe 
C. L. Bristol 
N. L. Britton 
H. C. Bumpus 
G. N. Calkins 
J. McK. Cattell 
F. M. Chapman 
C. F. Cox 
H. E. Crampton 
C. B. Davenport 
Bashford Dean 
A. W. Grabau 
W. T. Hornaday 
M. A. Howe 
J. F. Kemp 
F. A. Lucas 
W. D. Matthew 
T. H. Morgan 
H. F. Osborn 
H. H. Rusby 
W. B. Scott 
J. J. Stevenson 
C. W. Townsend . 
W. M. Wheeler 
E. B. Wilson 
l 
