Margret Wittmer (12 July 1904–21 March 2000) was one of the original settlers of Floreana Island.

Early life

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Wittmer was born in Cologne on 12 July 1904.

Career

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She wrote about her experiences of being an early settler in the book Postlagernd Floreana. Erlebnisbericht deutscher Siedler (1959) (English title: Floreana: A Woman's Pilgrimage to the Galapagos). She returned to Germany in 1960 to present her book.[1]

Margret's book attracted more German tourists to Floreana Island. She built several bungalows to host different tourists and scientists that visited Floreana.[2]

Personal life

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Wittmer, her husband Heinz, and her stepson Harry moved to Floreana Island in 1932, following the arrival of German doctor Friedrich Ritter and his wife, Dore Strauch. Wittmer was in the fourth month of her first pregnancy, and she gave birth to a son and a daughter while living on the island.[3]

Death

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Margret died on 21 March 2000, 95 years old. She was buried on Floreana Island.

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Actress Diane Kruger portrayed Wittmer in the 2013 documentary The Galapagos Affair.[4] Sydney Sweeney portrays Wittmer in the 2024 film Eden.

References

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  1. ^ Wittmer, Margret (1989). Floreana: a woman's pilgrimage to the Galapagos. ISBN 9781559210010. Retrieved April 5, 2017.
  2. ^ Woram, John (June 1, 2005). Charles Darwin Slept Here: Tales of Human History at World's End. Rockville Press, Inc. p. 271. ISBN 9780976933601.
  3. ^ Wittmer, Margret (1989). Floreana: a woman's pilgrimage to the Galapagos. ISBN 9781559210010. Retrieved April 5, 2017.
  4. ^ Stein, Sophia (April 10, 2014). "Uncovering 'The Galapagos Affair: Satan Came to Eden'". Cultural Weekly. Retrieved April 5, 2017.