Ticket sales open for centennial Scopes Play


It’s a celebration that has been 100 years in the making, and we hope you’ll join us!

In July 2025, the Scopes Trial Players will present “Destiny in Dayton,” a dramatization of the Scopes Trial, in the courtroom where the trial took place, and tickets are on sale now.

Pick a date—Friday, July 11, Saturday, July 12, Friday, July 18, or Saturday, July 19—to see a historically accurate account of the trial that captured the attention of the world.

William Jennings Bryan said that “the question” would one day be settled right. He probably was talking about creation and evolution, the heart of the law John Scopes was accused of violating. But we still are debating ideas such as parents’ rights concerning their children’s education, majority and minority rights, the role of government in everyday life, and the place of religion in public affairs. Come listen to the arguments and see if you’ve heard anything similar in today’s news.

Tickets for the Centennial celebration performances of “Destiny in Dayton” are $45, except for the Saturday, July 19 show at $90, which includes a 1920s-themed dinner with the cast following the play.

“Destiny in Dayton” is part of the Scopes Centennial presented by Bryan College, the Rhea County Historical Society, Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation, Rhea Economic Development Council, and Rhea County Office of Tourism. For more information about the Centennial celebration, which kicks off in March 2025, visit rheaheritage.com or scopes100.com. For tickets visit rheaheritage.com/scopes-trial-play


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