Margaret Winslow Libri

A pioneering female geologist navigates the rugged terrains of South America while confronting the evolving role of women in the sciences during the 1970s. The narrative intertwines her exploration of the diverse landscapes with a critical examination of the sexual politics of the era, offering a compelling look at both the physical and societal shifts occurring in this unique historical context.

Set in December 1974, the story follows Margaret Winslow as she embarks on her doctoral thesis project in Punta Arenas, the sole city on the Strait of Magellan. Eager yet apprehensive, she anticipates studying familiar geological formations in a vibrant area while also exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Tierra del Fuego and Patagonia. Her journey begins with a challenging trek across the rugged southern Andes, setting the stage for both adventure and discovery.

How do you resolve a midlife crisis? Margaret Winslow, an overworked college professor in New York City, answered a for-sale ad for a "Large White Saddle Donkey." Hilarity ensued, along with life-threatening injuries and spirit-enriching insight. Walk with Winslow and Caleb the donkey through training traumas, expert-baffling antics, and humiliating races, and share in Winslow's gradual understanding of Caleb's true, undeniable gifts: a willingness to be true to himself no matter the circumstances, to trust, and to forgive. As she and Caleb learn to thrive, you'll learn the importance of being true to your own pure and powerful self.

The exhibition catalogue highlights Wilmington's vibrant creative community from the 1970s and 1980s, featuring contributions from notable artists, historians, and writers such as Joyce Brabner, Dr. James E. Newton, and Rick Rothrock. It serves as a vital documentation of the artistic landscape and cultural significance of that era in Wilmington.