2. History and Significance of the Stolpersteine Project
Conceived by Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolpersteine project was established to integrate remembrance into everyday life. Unlike centralized monuments, Stolpersteine are placed in front of the victims’ last homes, inviting passersby to pause and reflect (Stolpersteine.eu; Wikipedia).
The Stolpersteine commemorate not only Jewish victims but also Roma and Sinti, political dissidents, Jehovah’s Witnesses, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other groups targeted by the Nazis. In Mainz, the project began in 2007 and continues to grow, with local communities and families actively involved in research, installation, and maintenance.
3. Alice Therese Stahn: Her Life and Memorialization
Alice Therese Stahn was a nurse, social worker, and respected community leader before her persecution during the Nazi era. Her Stolperstein ensures that her story remains visible within the city’s landscape, fostering public awareness and empathy. By stopping at her memorial, visitors actively participate in keeping her memory alive (Stolpersteine Mainz).
4. How to Visit: Location, Hours, and Admission
Location:
Gutenbergplatz 6, Mainz, Germany. The stone is embedded in the sidewalk in the city’s historic center.
Visiting Hours:
Stolpersteine are public memorials installed in sidewalks and are accessible 24/7. For safety and visibility, visits during daylight hours are recommended.
Admission:
There is no fee or ticket required. The memorial can be visited freely at any time.
Getting There:
Mainz is easily accessible by regional trains, buses, and trams. Gutenbergplatz is within walking distance of the main train station and other central landmarks. The area is pedestrian-friendly, with cobblestone streets and clear signage (Tourist Information Mainz).
Guided Tours:
Local tourist offices and organizations offer guided walking tours focusing on Stolpersteine and Jewish heritage. These tours provide context and stories behind individual memorials. Check with Tourist Information Mainz for schedules and booking information.
5. Accessibility and Visitor Tips
- Physical Accessibility The Stolperstein is flush with the pavement and generally accessible for wheelchair users, although some surrounding sidewalks may be uneven.
- Language Inscriptions are in German, following the format: “Hier wohnte…”, then the name, birthdate, and fate.
- Respectful Engagement Visitors are encouraged to pause, reflect, and, if desired, leave a small stone or flower as a sign of remembrance. Cleaning the brass plaque with a soft cloth is welcomed, especially on commemorative days.
- Photography Allowed, but should be discreet and respectful of the residential setting.
- Preparation Reading about Alice Therese Stahn’s life before visiting can make the experience more meaningful. Biographies and historical documents are available through the Mainz Stolpersteine project (Stolpersteine Mainz).
6. Nearby Attractions in Mainz
While visiting the Stolperstein, you can explore other significant sites in Mainz, including:
- Mainz Cathedral (Mainzer Dom) A stunning Romanesque cathedral in the heart of the city.
- Gutenberg Museum Dedicated to the inventor of the printing press.
- New Jewish Cemetery Where members of Alice Stahn’s family are buried.
- Jewish Museum Mainz Offers deeper insight into local Jewish history.
- Rhine River Promenade Ideal for a reflective walk along the waterfront.
These attractions provide additional context for Mainz’s layered history (Tourist Places Guide).
7. Community, Maintenance, and Rituals
Community engagement is central to the Stolpersteine project. Local groups, schools, and families regularly clean the stones and organize commemorative events, particularly on International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and the anniversary of Kristallnacht (November 9). Such rituals ensure that the memorials remain vibrant and respected (Wikipedia).
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are Stolpersteine?
A: Small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks to commemorate victims of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residences.
Q: Do I need a ticket to visit the Stolperstein?
A: No—visiting is free and open to all.
Q: Are Stolpersteine accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, generally, as they are flush with the pavement, though some areas may be uneven.
Q: Can I participate in commemorative events or tours?
A: Yes, check with the Mainz tourist office and local organizations for events and guided tours.
Q: How can I learn more about Alice Therese Stahn?
A: The Stolpersteine Mainz website offers a biography and related documents.
