National Darwin Day (February 12)

ByClare Brown Updated on
A statue of Charles Darwin located in the Natural History Museum in London.

National Darwin Day on February 12 celebrates the life and work of Charles Darwin, the scientist whose ideas changed how we understand the natural world.

Best known for his theory of evolution by natural selection, Darwin’s research continues to shape modern biology.

This February holiday encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for science and discovery.

Portrait of Charles Darwin with white beard in dark coat

When is the Holiday?

The holiday is celebrated annually on February 12th, marking Charles Darwin’s birthday.

Who Invented It?

The holiday was started by Dr. Robert Stephens in 1995. What began as a small observance quickly gained popularity, and today Darwin Day is recognized by universities, science groups, and educators around the world

Original edition of On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin

The History of the Holiday

The first official Day celebration took place in 2000. Since then, it has grown into an international event focused on science education and public engagement.

The holiday honors Darwin’s groundbreaking work in evolutionary biology and encourages people to explore scientific ideas with an open mind.

Events often include lectures, museum programs, classroom activities, and community discussions centered on evolution and scientific discovery.

Historic photograph of Charles Darwin later in life

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Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

  1. Darwin Day shares a birthday with Abraham Lincoln.
  2. Darwin developed many of his ideas while studying wildlife in the Galápagos Islands.
  3. His book On the Origin of Species was published in 1859.
  4. Darwin delayed publishing his theory for years due to fear of public backlash.
  5. Celebrations now take place in dozens of countries.

Coloring Page

Grab the free National Darwin Day coloring page below for a fun, educational way to explore science with kids.

National Darwin Day Coloring Page
Darwin Coloring Sheet

Activities to Celebrate

  • Attend a lecture or seminar on evolutionary biology at a local university or museum.
  • Visit a natural history museum to explore exhibits related to Darwin and his discoveries.
  • Read books about Charles Darwin, such as “The Voyage of the Beagle” or biographies highlighting his life and work.
  • Conduct fun evolution-themed science experiments with children to spark their curiosity about natural selection.
  • Host a documentary viewing party featuring films about Darwin’s contributions to science and evolution.

Links to Resources

  • Short, educational films that explain Darwin’s life, natural selection, and species adaptation in an easy-to-follow way.
  • Books including On the Origin of Species and Darwin biographies.
  • Explore online exhibits from natural history museums featuring fossils, wildlife, and evolution.
  • Trusted sources like Smithsonian and National Geographic with articles, videos, and classroom-style activities.
Ecuador postage stamp featuring Charles Darwin and the HMS Beagle

Related Holidays

  • Earth Rotation Day (January 8) – Highlights how our planet moves and functions.
  • Bunsen Burner Day (March 31) – Honors classic scientific discovery tools.
  • Earth Day (April 22) – Focuses on protecting and understanding our environment.
  • International Space Day (1st Friday in May) – Celebrates exploration and scientific curiosity.

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National Darwin Day February 12