Charles Darwin Archive recognised by UNESCO
The Charles Darwin Archive has been recognised on the UNESCO International Memory of the World Register.
The programme is the documentary heritage equivalent of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and protects invaluable records that tell the story of human civilisation.
A collaboration between Cambridge University Library, the Natural History Museum, the Linnean Society of London, English Heritage’s Down House, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and the National Library of Scotland, the archive provides a unique window into the life and work of one of the world’s most influential natural scientists.
At Cambridge University Library, the archive includes a significant collection of Darwin’s books, experimental notes, correspondence, and photographs, representing his scientific and personal activities throughout his life.
It includes Darwin’s pocket notebooks recording early statements of key ideas contributing to his theory of evolution, notably that species are not stable.
These provide important insights into the development of his thought and feature the iconic ‘Tree of Life’ diagram which he drew on his return from the voyage of the HMS Beagle.
Dr Jessica Gardner, university librarian and director of library services at Cambridge University Libraries, said: “For all Charles Darwin gave the world, we are delighted by the UNESCO recognition in the Memory of the World of the
exceptional scientific and heritage significance of his remarkable archive held within eminent UK institutions.
“We could not be prouder of UNESCO’s recognition of this remarkable documentary heritage at the University of Cambridge, where Darwin was a student at Christ’s College and where his family connections run deep across the city, and are reflected in his namesake, Darwin College.”
The complete archive, comprising over 20,000 items across the six major institutions, includes Darwin’s records illustrating the development of his ground-breaking theory of evolution and extensive global travels.
At the Natural History Museum, a letter written to his wife Emma in 1844 provides insight into Darwin’s perceived significance of his species theory research and holds instructions on what she should do in the case of his sudden death.
In line with the ideals of the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme, much of the Darwin archive can be viewed by the public at the partner institutions and locations.
The UNESCO International Memory of the World Register includes some of the UK’s most treasured documentary heritage, such as the Domesday Book and the Shakespeare documents, alongside more contemporary materials, including the personal archive of Sir Winston Churchill. The Charles Darwin archive now joins this esteemed list, underscoring its historical, scientific, and cultural significance.
The inscription of the Charles Darwin archive comes as part of UNESCO’s latest recognition of 75 archives worldwide onto the International Memory of the World Register.
Baroness Chapman of Darlington, Minister of State for International Development, Latin America and Caribbean, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), added: “The recognition of the Charles Darwin archive on UNESCO’s International Memory of the World Register is a proud moment for British science and heritage.
“Darwin’s work fundamentally changed our understanding of the natural world and continues to inspire scientific exploration to this day. By bringing together extraordinary material from our world-class British institutions, this archive ensures that Darwin’s groundbreaking work remains accessible to researchers, students, and curious minds across the globe.”
Dr Doug Gurr, director of the Natural History Museum, London, described it as “an important acknowledgement of the past, present and future significance of library and archive materials”.
