What’s Right With Our Schools: Scopes Museum
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Scopes Trials was one of the most famous trials of all time, and it was in Dayton, Tennessee. Next year will mark the 100th anniversary of the Scopes Trial.
Today, a museum stands where the trial once took place. It is dedicated to educating students about what happened. This reenactment is an example of what’s right with our schools.
“Over the years, we’ve had an opportunity many times to go on the road with portions of the full production. Especially the examination of Brian by Darrow,” said Rick Dye, president of the Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation.
“After many years of doing a full production, coming out of COVID, we knew we had to do a mini production, minimize cast. So, we were able to hire a writer who wrote the production. We’re showing today how it started. And it is a 1-hour version. It is a narration story,” Dye explained.
“A very enthusiastic grandfather is bringing his grandson to the courtroom where the greatest… The trial of the century occurred. Where William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrell battled for eight days,” Dye said. “The county did build a new justice center. They moved three almost four years ago now. So, this has enabled us. Now much of the building is a county administration building. But the courtroom, it’s given us longer hours for the museum. So, it’s enabled us to develop programs like this and do things other than just that one weekend in July. You are getting to sit in the actual room that this took place in in 1925.”
Dye continued to say, “the audience today will be sitting in the original chairs that the audience sat in in 1925. The furniture, the judge’s bench, the lawyer’s tables, the jury’s chairs. They’ve all been preserved. So, you have the unique opportunity of sitting in the very room where Darryl and Brian exchanged words. And hearing it come alive.”
“You get a much more personal experience. You know what I mean? You feel connected to it a lot more,” said Tommy Mendez, Knoxville student.
Another student said, “I think it’s pretty cool. I like how they’re arguing and being sarcastic.”
“Today’s performance is focused on students,” Dye said. “This is our first year doing it to invite students from the southeast Tennessee area. We have people coming as far as from Murfreesboro and Knoxville.”
“I think it’s pretty cool. I’ve read a little bit about it. I’m writing a research paper on creation evolution debate, and it’s really cool to watch this,” said Knoxville student Caleb Hill.
Dye added, “We do have a museum with artifacts and photographs and so forth. From the trial we take them down to the museum and give them a tour. We’re very excited. This is the 99th year. Next year is the 100th anniversary of the trial. So being able to build up to this and build up for that centennial series of events is very exciting.”
