Stolperstein memorial dedicated to Alice Wilhelmine Suwalski embedded in a sidewalk in Mainz, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Alice Wilhelmine

Stolperstein Alice Wilhelmine Mainz: Visiting Hours, Guide, and Practical Information

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project is the world’s largest decentralized memorial initiative, honoring victims of the Nazi regime by embedding small brass plaques into the pavement in front of their last freely chosen residences. In Mainz, a city with a profound Jewish heritage, the Stolperstein dedicated to Alice Wilhelmine Suwalski is a poignant reminder of the personal stories interwoven with the city’s history. This comprehensive guide provides detailed visitor information—including location, accessibility, visiting hours, and practical tips—while exploring the cultural significance of Stolpersteine and how to engage respectfully with these powerful memorials (Wikipedia - Stolperstein; Germany.info).

Origins of the Stolpersteine Project

Conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolpersteine project began with the aim of restoring the names and stories of individuals persecuted by the Nazis between 1933 and 1945. Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm concrete cube topped with a hand-engraved brass plate, embedded in the sidewalk outside the victim’s last freely chosen home or workplace. These stones serve as decentralized, personal memorials, integrating remembrance into everyday urban life and echoing the Talmudic dictum: “A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten” (Wikipedia - Stolperstein; Germany.info).

The project has expanded across 21 European countries, with over 100,000 stones installed as of 2023, commemorating Jewish victims as well as Roma, Sinti, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled persons, political prisoners, and others persecuted by the Nazi regime (Mainz.de; IamExpat).

Stolpersteine in Mainz: Local Context

Mainz, once home to a flourishing Jewish community of around 2,600 before 1933, suffered devastating losses during the Holocaust. Between 1,300 and 1,400 Mainz Jews were murdered during this period (Mainz.de). The installation of Stolpersteine in Mainz, led by the Haus des Erinnerns – für Demokratie und Akzeptanz and local historical associations, aims to reclaim the memory of these lost citizens and foster public engagement with the city’s history (Haus des Erinnerns).

Stolpersteine are placed through private initiatives and often at the request of descendants, local residents, or civic groups. Today, over 280 Stolpersteine can be found throughout Mainz’s Altstadt (Old Town) and surrounding neighborhoods.

The Story of Alice Wilhelmine Suwalski

Alice Wilhelmine Suwalski (née Fridberg), born in Mainz in 1884, was part of a longstanding Jewish family. After running the Korsetthaus Fridberg with her husband Eduard Suwalski, Alice was forced from business ownership following the Nazi rise to power. Anti-Jewish laws left her only as an authorized signatory, and her business was “Aryanized.” In 1941, she and her second husband, Paul Sochaczewer, were deported to Riga, Latvia, and murdered shortly after arrival (Stolpersteine Mainz - Alice Suwalski).

Her Stolperstein, inscribed “Hier wohnte Alice Wilhelmine Suwalski,” is embedded outside her last residence in Mainz, restoring her individuality and dignity to the very space where she lived.

Visiting the Stolperstein for Alice Wilhelmine: Practical Information

Location and How to Find It

The Stolperstein for Alice Wilhelmine is located in Mainz’s Altstadt. To find the exact address, consult the official Stolpersteine Mainz directory, which lists all stones by name and location. Narrow, winding streets and historic architecture characterize this area, so using a digital map or GPS is recommended.

Visual suggestion: Alt text: Close-up image of the Alice Wilhelmine Stolperstein brass plaque embedded in Mainz pavement.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Accessibility: Stolpersteine are located in public sidewalks and accessible year-round, 24/7.
Ticketing: No tickets or reservations are required; visiting is always free.
Best Times: Daylight hours are optimal for reading inscriptions and reflection. Spring and autumn offer pleasant walking weather.

Guided Tours and Special Events

Guided Tours: Local organizations such as Haus des Erinnerns offer guided walking tours focusing on Stolpersteine and Jewish history. Advance booking may be required.
Commemorative Events: Special ceremonies take place on Holocaust Remembrance Day (27 January) and installation anniversaries. During these times, volunteers may gather to clean Stolpersteine and share stories (Stolpersteine official site).

Accessibility

Sidewalks: Stolpersteine are flush with the pavement; most are accessible to wheelchair users, though some streets in the Altstadt have uneven cobblestones.
Navigation: Consider checking the specific address for curb cuts and accessibility if you have mobility concerns.

Visitor Etiquette and Engagement

Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to read the inscription and remember Alice Wilhelmine.
Respectful Behavior: Avoid standing directly on the Stolperstein; treat it as a site of remembrance.
Photography: Discreet photography is allowed; do not obstruct foot traffic or disturb residents.
Cleaning Tradition: Gently polish the brass plaque with a soft cloth if you wish—an act of remembrance supported by local tradition.
Commemoration: Feel free to leave a flower or small stone as a sign of respect.

Expanding Your Visit: Nearby Historical Sites

Complement your visit by exploring other significant sites in Mainz:

Jewish Museum Mainz: Exhibits on Jewish life and the Holocaust.
Mainz Cathedral (Mainzer Dom): A Romanesque architectural landmark.
Gutenberg Museum: Dedicated to the inventor of movable-type printing.
The New Synagogue Mainz: An active and architecturally noteworthy place of worship.
Haus des Erinnerns: Offers exhibitions and educational programs on remembrance and democracy (Haus des Erinnerns website).

Practical Travel Tips

Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes suitable for cobblestones.
Weather: Mainz has a temperate climate; check the forecast and dress appropriately.
Language: Inscriptions are in German; English translations are available online.
Amenities: The Altstadt has many cafés and restrooms. Mainz Hauptbahnhof (central station) is within walking distance.

Digital Resources and Further Learning

Stolpersteine Mainz Digital Archive: Access biographies and multimedia content online (Stolpersteine Mainz).
Virtual Tours: Some websites offer virtual tours and interactive maps.
Social Media: Follow Stolpersteine Mainz and related organizations for event updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is the Alice Wilhelmine Stolperstein located?
Refer to the official directory for the exact address in Mainz’s Altstadt.

Is there an entrance fee or ticket required?
No, Stolpersteine are always free to visit.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, book through the Stolpersteine Mainz website.

What are the best times to visit?
Daylight hours in spring and autumn provide the best experience.

How can I participate in the memorial tradition?
Gently polish the plaque with a soft cloth or leave a flower or stone.

Making Your Visit Meaningful

To deepen your experience:

Research Alice Wilhelmine’s story before your visit (Stolpersteine Mainz - Alice Suwalski).
Participate in commemorative events or cleaning days.
Reflect on the broader context of the Holocaust and Mainz’s Jewish community.
Share your experience with others to keep memory alive.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Stolperstein dedicated to Alice Wilhelmine in Mainz stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance, inviting visitors to engage thoughtfully with the city’s history. Accessible year-round and free to the public, it offers an opportunity for quiet reflection and education, especially when combined with other Mainz historical sites. For enhanced guidance, consider downloading the Audiala app for audio tours and up-to-date historical information. By visiting, sharing, and remembering, you help ensure that stories like Alice Wilhelmine’s are never forgotten.