Marcela Camargo

Marcela Camargo is a Panamanian historian and anthropologist known for her pivotal role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Panama. She was encouraged by her mentor, Reina Torres de Araúz, to take on significant leadership roles in the country's museums, including serving as the first director of the Museo Antropológico Reina Torres de Araúz (MARTA). Her work has focused on reconstructing the national identity of Panama, particularly in the face of historical colonial influences. Camargo's advocacy for the museum's legacy has been shaped by her experiences during periods of political turmoil, including the U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989 and the subsequent decline of the museum due to theft and neglect. Now at 84, she continues to call for the restoration and recognition of Panama's unique identity and cultural history.