Barbara Butler

Dr. Barbara Butler grew up in Durham, NH and now lives in Woodstock, VT. A retired professor of anthropology at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, her professional research focused on indigenous Andean peoples. Although archaeology and cultural evolution was not her field of expertise within anthropology, she taught that subject as part of her regular duties as college professor. Barbara has been a Study Leader for Osher at Dartmouth since 2009, with five different courses in rotation.

The Evolution of Religion: Gods, Ghosts, Devils, and Djinns (Fall Term 2022)

Participant Testimonials 

Barbara has so much information to offer about anthropology and culture and what has happened over the passage of time.

Fantastic amount of preparation! Very rarely did she have to answer "I don't know" -- and when she did, she came back with answers.

Caveman to City Slickers in 10,000 Years (Fall Term 2018)

Participant Testimonials:

Barbara organized the presentations around slides, usually with interesting and relevant graphics which must have taken considerable time to find. Barbara's good humor added to my enjoyment of the class.

Barbara Butler's use of powerpoints carefully created to present the topic of ancient civilizations served to guide us as students through lively discussions on topic. What a gift her expertise in adult education brings to whatever Dr. Butler chooses to research and present to us as an instructor at Osher.

8 Million Years of Human Evolution

Participant Testimonials:

Her knowledge, enthusiasm, and personality made it work and is greatly appreciated. A great learning experience.

Barbara Butler is an excellent teacher.

Excellent, well-presented coverage of course material. Enthusiastic, knowledgeable Study Leader.