The Smithsonian Associates Presents “Bill Nye: Why Evolution Is Undeniable”

November 5, 2014
News Release

The Smithsonian Associates presents an evening with scientist, engineer, comedian and inventor Bill Nye Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. at George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium at 730 21st St. N.W. In a conversation with NPR science correspondent, Joe Palca, Nye will discuss why he decided to join the public debate on evolution and creationism and share favorite memories from his days as the host of Bill Nye the Science Guy.

Nye grabbed headlines in February by participating in a live debate with Ken Ham, curator of the Creation Museum. Sparked by the controversial and widely watched event, Nye set off on an energetic campaign to spread awareness of evolution and the powerful way it shapes people’s lives. In his new book, Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation (St. Martin’s Press), Nye expands on his points, and claims that this issue is not so much about religion versus science as about the nature of science itself. He presents the mechanics of evolutionary theory, explains how it is rooted in the testable and verifiable scientific method and why it is therefore a sound explanation of humans’ beginnings. He argues that to insist that creationism has a place in the science classroom is harmful not only to children, but to the future of the greater world as well.

Ticket prices for the Smithsonian Associates’ presentation are $40 for general admission and $35 for members. The ticket price includes a copy of Undeniable, which Nye will sign; additional copies are available for purchase at the event. For tickets and information, the public may call (202) 633-3030 or visit www.smithsonianassociates.org.

The Smithsonian Associates—the largest museum-based education program in the world—produces vibrant educational and cultural programming inspired by the Smithsonian’s research, collections and exhibitions. Each year more than 750 individual programs are presented to spark creativity and excite learning in people of all ages in the Washington, D.C., area and across the country. The Smithsonian Associates, which marks its 50th anniversary in 2015, brings the Smithsonian to life through seminars, performances, lectures, studio arts classes and local and regional study tours, as well as many engaging programs for children, including performances, museum sleepovers and summer day camps.

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SI-550-2014

Media Only

Lauren Lyons

202-633-8614

lyonsl@si.edu