Two Exhibitions are presented by University Libraries as part of UNM's "Great minds: A Celebration of Charles Darwin's and Abraham Lincoln's 200th Birthday." The exhibits will run from Feb. 11- April 1, 2009
In the West Wing of Zimmerman Library:
“Lincoln and Darwin: The Books that Shaped Their Lives”
In the Centennial Science & Engineering Library:
“On the Origin of Darwin: The Evolution of Charles Darwin's Thoughts.”
Each exhibit features the books that Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin read during their lives and explores how what they read impacted their intellectual development.
Lincoln was particularly interested in books about New Mexico. In 1863 he checked out most of the New Mexico holding in the Library of Congress as he was improving his knowledge about the Western United States. Among the New Mexico books he used was “El Gringo, or, New Mexico and her people” by W.W.W. H. Davis, published in 1856. The abolition of slavery was of particular interest to both Lincoln and Darwin. “Uncle Tom's Cabin” by Harriet Beecher Stowe (1852) is among the books they both owned.
One of the highlights of the exhibit at Centennial Library is a newly painted mural of the “Voyage of the Beagle.” The mural, painted by UNM student David Rogers, will remain on permanent exhibit. Vignettes of the places Darwin visited and other experiences on his voyage are depicted. Examples of Darwin's works and various artifacts associated with Darwin, the places he visited, and other commemoratives are part of the exhibit.
Both exhibits are free and open to the public.