Margret Wittmer Explained

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

Early life

Wittmer was born in Cologne on 12 July 1904.

Career

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

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

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

In popular culture

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

Notes and References

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