Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Josef Hausmann in Karlsruhe, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Josef Hausmann

Stolperstein Josef Hausmann Karlsruhe: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Josef Hausmann in Karlsruhe, Germany, is a moving and personal memorial, part of the world’s largest decentralized remembrance project for victims of the Nazi regime. Initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolpersteine project places small brass plaques in pavements throughout Europe to commemorate individuals who suffered persecution under National Socialism. Each Stolperstein marks the last freely chosen residence or workplace of a victim, transforming ordinary city streets into sites of reflection and remembrance. Josef Hausmann’s Stolperstein, located in Karlsruhe’s Durlach district, brings his story—and those of countless others—into the public consciousness, inviting passersby to engage with history on a human scale.

Visiting Stolpersteine requires no ticket or restricted hours; these memorials are accessible 24/7, free of charge, and open to everyone. The site is easily accessible by public transport or on foot, and most locations are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. This guide provides historical context, practical visiting information, etiquette, and recommendations for enhancing your visit with nearby cultural attractions.

By engaging with the Stolperstein for Josef Hausmann, visitors participate in a living act of remembrance. This micro-monument bridges past and present, fostering empathy, education, and ongoing dialogue about the importance of confronting history and promoting tolerance. For further details and the most current information, consult resources such as the Stolpersteine database, the Karlsruhe city website, and the Jewish Museum of Baden.

Introduction
Historical Background of the Stolperstein Project
Josef Hausmann: Life and Persecution
Location and Accessibility
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Guided Tours and Educational Programs
Visiting Etiquette and Best Practices
Significance of the Stolperstein for Josef Hausmann
Educational and Cultural Context
Nearby Attractions
Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
Sources and Further Reading

Historical Background of the Stolperstein Project

The Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) project is a decentralized memorial initiative started by Gunter Demnig in 1992. Its goal is to commemorate the victims of the Nazi regime—including Jews, Roma, Sinti, political prisoners, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others—by laying small, engraved brass plaques into the pavement in front of their last self-chosen homes or workplaces. As of 2025, over 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed across Europe, making it the largest decentralized memorial worldwide (Stolpersteine.eu).

Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm concrete cube with a brass plate inscribed with the victim’s name, birthdate, fate, and, if known, date and place of death. The project’s central aim is to “bring back the names” of those erased from public memory, fostering local and personal engagement with history.

Josef Hausmann: Life and Persecution

Josef Hausmann was a Jewish educator and community leader, born in 1879 in Flehingen. He served as a dedicated teacher and held a prominent role in Karlsruhe’s Jewish community. Like many under National Socialism, his life and work were tragically disrupted by persecution. Although specific details about his fate may be limited, the Stolperstein at his last known address is the result of thorough local research and stands as a testament to his life and the broader story of Karlsruhe’s Jewish population during the Holocaust. The Stolperstein serves as a tangible reminder of the resilience and humanity of individuals targeted by the Nazi regime.

Location and Accessibility

The Stolperstein for Josef Hausmann is embedded in the pavement at his last known address in Karlsruhe, specifically in the Durlach district. The exact location can be found via the Stolperstein database or by contacting local coordination offices.

Getting There:
- Public Transport: Accessible via tram lines and buses, with stops near the Durlach district.
- On Foot/Bike: Many Stolpersteine are located in central or residential areas, suitable for walking or cycling tours.
- Accessibility: The stones are flush with the sidewalk, allowing wheelchair access, though some older streets may have uneven paving.

Alt text: Stolperstein brass plaque embedded in pavement commemorating Josef Hausmann in Karlsruhe.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Opening Hours: Stolpersteine are accessible at all times, every day of the year.
Admission: There is no cost or ticket requirement to visit a Stolperstein.

For a quieter, more reflective experience, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when foot traffic is lighter and the light enhances the brass inscription.

Guided Tours and Educational Programs

Guided Stolperstein tours are offered periodically by the city of Karlsruhe and local historical societies. These tours provide more in-depth insights into the lives of those commemorated and the context of the Holocaust in Karlsruhe. Schools and groups can arrange educational sessions by contacting the Karlsruhe City Museum (Karlsruhe City Museum). Self-guided walking tours are also possible using interactive maps or mobile apps (Mapcarta).

Visiting Etiquette and Best Practices

Pause and Reflect: Take time to read the inscription and reflect on the individual’s life and fate.
Cleaning the Stone: It is customary to gently polish the brass plate with a soft cloth, symbolizing remembrance. Local groups occasionally organize cleaning events.
Laying Flowers or Stones: Placing a small flower or pebble is a traditional gesture of respect, echoing Jewish mourning customs.
Photography: Discreet photography is allowed; be mindful not to block the sidewalk or disturb residents.
Silence and Respect: Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor—especially as most Stolpersteine are in residential areas.

Significance of the Stolperstein for Josef Hausmann

The Stolperstein for Josef Hausmann is more than a memorial; it is a micro-monument that personalizes the vast history of the Holocaust. By placing the stone at his last residence, the Stolpersteine project returns individual dignity to victims, connecting their stories with the fabric of daily life. In Karlsruhe, the project has sparked community engagement, educational initiatives, and intergenerational dialogue, ensuring that the memory of Josef Hausmann and others endures (Stadt Karlsruhe).

Educational and Cultural Context

The Stolperstein project is a cornerstone of Karlsruhe’s efforts to reckon with its past and promote tolerance. Schools frequently integrate Stolperstein research into history lessons, and public ceremonies—such as installation events and annual memorial days—offer opportunities for collective reflection. The modest design of Stolpersteine, blending into everyday surroundings, emphasizes the personal dimension of remembrance and encourages spontaneous engagement (Germany.info).

Nearby Attractions

While visiting the Stolperstein for Josef Hausmann, consider exploring these nearby sites:

Karlsruhe Palace: A Baroque palace with museums and gardens.
Jewish Museum of Baden: Showcasing the history of Jewish life in the region (Jewish Museum of Baden).
Markgrafen-Realgymnasium Site: Includes a commemorative plaque marking Josef Hausmann’s teaching career.
State Museum of Natural History Karlsruhe: Features exhibitions on local Jewish history.

These attractions offer additional context and enrich your understanding of Karlsruhe’s cultural and historical landscape.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Accessibility: Most Stolpersteine are accessible, but check for uneven sidewalks.
Visitor Amenities: Cafés and restaurants nearby provide places to rest and reflect.
Language: Inscriptions are in German; translation apps or guidebooks are helpful. Many guided tours offer English-language support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Stolperstein?
A: Stolpersteine are accessible 24/7, with no restrictions.

Q: Is there an admission fee?
A: No, visiting Stolpersteine is free of charge.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours are sometimes offered by local historical societies and museums. Check the Karlsruhe city website for current schedules.

Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible for people with disabilities?
A: The stone is installed at ground level and generally accessible, but some pavements may be uneven.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, but please do so respectfully.

Q: How can I support the Stolperstein project?
A: Donations and volunteer work are welcome. Visit the official Stolperstein website for details.

Conclusion

The Stolperstein for Josef Hausmann is a powerful entry point into Karlsruhe’s history and the legacy of the Holocaust. Its accessible location, perpetual availability, and personal story invite visitors to connect with the past in a direct and meaningful way. By observing respectful visiting practices, participating in community remembrance events, and sharing these experiences, we help keep these vital memories alive. For further information, resources, and guided experiences, consult the official Stolperstein and city websites, or download the Audiala app for interactive historical tours.