Stolperstein Dedicated to Wilhelm Michaelis

Introduction

The Stolpersteine project, with its network of small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks across Europe, offers a deeply personal way to engage with the memory of those persecuted under National Socialism. In Baden-Baden, these memorials commemorate the city’s Jewish citizens and others who fell victim to Nazi oppression. The Stolperstein dedicated to Wilhelm Michaelis stands as a testament to resilience and remembrance, inviting visitors to reflect, remember, and participate in a living history.

This guide provides comprehensive information for visiting the Wilhelm Michaelis Stolperstein in Baden-Baden, including its historical context, location, accessibility, visiting hours, and practical tips. Whether you plan to visit independently or join a guided tour, this article will help you experience and understand the significance of these decentralized memorials.

Origins and Purpose of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project, initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, is now the world’s largest decentralized memorial. Over 116,000 Stolpersteine have been installed across more than 1,860 municipalities in 31 European countries (stolpersteine.eu). Each stone commemorates an individual victim of Nazi persecution—Jewish citizens, political dissidents, Sinti and Roma, homosexuals, the disabled, and others—at their last freely chosen residence.

The project’s guiding principle is succinctly reflected in the phrase: “A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten.” Each Stolperstein is a 10x10 cm brass-plated concrete cube, engraved with the victim’s name, birth year, and fate. By placing these stones in public view, memory becomes part of everyday life and urban space.

Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden: Local Context

Baden-Baden’s involvement with the Stolpersteine project began in 2008, with historian Angelika Schindler and a dedicated group of local volunteers leading research and commemoration efforts (gedenkbuch.baden-baden.de). The city’s project is characterized by strong collaboration between historians, schools, museums, and the local community.

Community Involvement and Diversity

The Stolpersteine in Baden-Baden commemorate a broad spectrum of Nazi victims. As of March 2023, 213 stones had been installed throughout the city (goodnews4.de), honoring Jews, resistance fighters, political dissidents, homosexuals, and victims of the “euthanasia” crimes. The inclusive approach underlines the diversity of persecution and the city’s commitment to remembering all who suffered.

Education and Civic Engagement

Schools and students play a vital role in the Stolpersteine project in Baden-Baden. Students research biographies, present stories during installation ceremonies, and participate in educational programs, ensuring that remembrance is passed on to future generations (goodnews4.de). Funding for the project comes from donations and sponsorships, allowing residents, organizations, and visitors to take part in memorialization (gedenkbuch.baden-baden.de).

Wilhelm Michaelis: Biography and Memorial

Wilhelm Michaelis was born on May 8, 1861, in Danzig (now Gdańsk, Poland). Despite converting to Protestantism and marrying a non-Jewish Australian, he was targeted under Nazi racial laws. In 1936, he was subjected to a Berufsverbot (professional ban) and, in 1939, fled to England, where he survived the Holocaust (Gedenkbuch Baden-Baden). His Stolperstein, installed on January 27, 2009 (International Holocaust Remembrance Day), is inscribed:

Hier wohnte
WILHELM MICHAELIS
JG. 1861
FLUCHT 1939 ENGLAND ÜBERLEBT

(Translation: Here lived Wilhelm Michaelis, born 1861, fled 1939 to England, survived.)

The Stolperstein for Wilhelm Michaelis serves as a tangible connection to his personal story, reflecting the broader history of Baden-Baden’s Jewish community.

Visiting the Wilhelm Michaelis Stolperstein

Location and Accessibility

• Address: Ludwig-Wilhelm-Straße 6, Baden-Baden city center (Mapcarta)
• Accessibility: The stone is embedded in a public sidewalk, accessible to pedestrians and wheelchair users. The city center is pedestrian-friendly, with public transit and parking nearby.

Visiting Hours and Ticketing

• Hours: The Stolperstein is accessible 24/7, year-round.
• Tickets: No admission fee or advance booking is required. The memorial is freely accessible at all times.

Travel Tips

• Getting There: Baden-Baden is well-connected by train, bus, and car. From the main train station, take a bus or taxi to the city center.
• Best Time to Visit: Daylight hours are recommended to best view inscriptions. Visiting around January 27 (Holocaust Remembrance Day) may coincide with commemorative events.
• Nearby Memorials: Several other Stolpersteine are located nearby, offering a broader perspective on the local impact of Nazi persecution.

Etiquette and Reflection

• Quiet Reflection: Maintain a respectful demeanor; this is a site of remembrance.
• Rituals: It is customary to gently clean the brass plate or place a small stone or flower on the memorial.
• Photography: Discreet photography is allowed; avoid obstructing the sidewalk or taking disrespectful images.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the visiting hours for the Wilhelm Michaelis Stolperstein?
The memorial is accessible 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Is there an entrance fee?
No, visiting the Stolperstein is completely free.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, periodic guided tours focusing on Stolpersteine and Jewish history are offered; check with local tourism offices (baden-baden.com).

Is the location accessible for people with disabilities?
Most Stolpersteine, including this one, are on accessible sidewalks, but some areas may have uneven surfaces.

How can I support the Stolpersteine project?
You can sponsor a stone or make a donation via the official page.

Discover More

The Stolpersteine project in Baden-Baden transforms public spaces into sites of personal and collective memory. By visiting the Wilhelm Michaelis Stolperstein, you honor an individual story within the larger narrative of the Holocaust and contribute to the vital work of remembrance. Use digital resources such as the Stolpersteine Guide app for self-guided tours, participate in guided walks, and support ongoing educational efforts to ensure these stories continue to inspire and educate.

Consider combining your visit with other historical sites in Baden-Baden, and approach each Stolperstein as an opportunity for quiet reflection and a reaffirmation of human dignity.

For the latest updates on commemorative events and new installations, follow local cultural organizations and Baden-Baden’s official tourism site.