TALK – Spies, spas and science: Devon & Cornwall Natural History Society 1838-51

Tuesday, 25 March 2025 (12.30pm)

Counting evolutionary scientist Charles Darwin amongst its members, join us as we reveal the little known story of the Devon & Cornwall Natural History Society 1838-51.

It is a tale of Darwin, dukes and discovery. Find out more about Darwin’s involvement with the Society, the former spy who was its President and its eventual merger with the Plymouth Athenaeum.

The talk will be given by Owen Ryles, Chief Executive of the Plymouth Athenaeum. Owen is a Fellow of the Linnean Society and the Zoological Society.

His previous talks include Education, enlightenment and entertainment: Plymouth Mechanics’ Institute 1825-1899 , Walking through the storm: William Snow Harris v The Admiralty, Bitten by Barnacles: The Life of Charles Spence Bate and Charles Hamilton Smith: Writer, Illustrator, Solider, Spy.

Entry Free.

Register on Eventbrite HERE.

TALK – Recent encounters of a natural kind in Plymouth

Tuesday, 11 March (12.30pm)

Join us for our second spring lunchtime talk at the Plymouth Athenaeum on Tuesday, 11 March (12.30pm) with the wildlife of Plymouth in the spotlight.

Eileen Willey shares her experience of recent encounters of a natural kind in Plymouth.

Athenaeum Vice President, Eileen Willey, is a former group leader of the Plymouth members group of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

Entry Free.

Register on Eventbrite HERE.