Stolperstein Dedicated to Anna Oppenheimer

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Anna Oppenheimer in Mainz stands as a deeply personal and moving memorial, offering an opportunity for visitors to connect with the city’s layered history and the broader narrative of Holocaust remembrance. Stolpersteine—“stumbling stones”—are small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks, marking the last freely chosen residences of individuals persecuted by the Nazis. The project, initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, has become the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust commemoration, with over 100,000 stones across Europe as of 2025 (Wikipedia: Stolperstein).

In Mainz, a city with centuries-old Jewish heritage, these memorials serve as poignant reminders of the lives disrupted and destroyed during the Nazi era. The Stolperstein for Anna Oppenheimer, set at Schillerplatz 5—her last freely chosen home—personalizes this tragedy, embedding memory into the very streets of Mainz. This guide provides historical context, practical visitor information, and cultural insights to help ensure your visit is both respectful and meaningful.

History and Development of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine project was launched by Gunter Demnig in 1992 to commemorate victims of Nazi persecution by placing small memorials at their last freely chosen residences (Wikipedia: Stolperstein). Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm concrete cube topped with a hand-engraved brass plate bearing the victim’s name and fate. The stones are intended to make passersby “stumble” upon the memory of those lost, restoring individuality and dignity to each victim (Stolpersteine.eu FAQ).

The project’s guiding principle, derived from the Talmud—“A person is only forgotten when their name is no longer remembered”—underscores its mission to keep memories alive. Today, Stolpersteine commemorate Jews, Roma and Sinti, LGBTQ+ individuals, and political dissidents persecuted by the Nazis, with installations in more than 26 countries (pragueviews.com).

Stolpersteine in Mainz: Local Context

Mainz has a vibrant and tragic Jewish history, with its community dating back to the 10th century (Rheinhessen Tourism). The city actively participates in the Stolpersteine project, with over 350 stones installed as of 2025 (mainz.de). Local organizations such as the Haus des Erinnerns and the Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e. V. research victim biographies, coordinate installations, and foster community engagement.

Anna Oppenheimer: Life and Memorialization

Anna Oppenheimer, née Metzger, was born in 1896 and lived at Schillerplatz 5 with her husband Wilhelm Gabriel and daughter Rosemarie. In 1939, fleeing Nazi persecution, the family escaped to Belgium but were later interned and deported from Mechelen in 1942. Anna was murdered in Auschwitz (waymarking.com).

The Stolpersteine for Anna, her husband, and daughter were installed on March 13, 2013, at their former home. This initiative was led by the Frauenlobgymnasium school in collaboration with the Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e. V., highlighting the importance of local research and remembrance (waymarking.com).

Installation and Community Involvement

The process of installing a Stolperstein involves thorough research, collaboration with historians and family members, and the engraving of a personalized inscription beginning with “Hier wohnte…” (“Here lived…”). Community involvement is central: local residents often sponsor and care for the stones, and installation ceremonies include descendants, students, and city officials (Folklife Magazine). In Mainz, the cost is generally covered by sponsorships, and public cleaning ceremonies are held on Holocaust Remembrance Day and other significant dates.

Visiting the Stolperstein: Practical Information

Location

• Address: Schillerplatz 5, Mainz, Germany (mapcarta.com)
• Setting: In the heart of Mainz’s Altstadt (Old Town), near prominent landmarks such as Mainz Cathedral and the Gutenberg Museum.

Accessibility

• Public Transport: Mainz Hauptbahnhof is a 10-minute walk away; local trams and buses stop at Schillerplatz.
• Physical Access: The Stolperstein is flush with the pavement, generally accessible but reading the inscription closely may require bending.
• Mobility: The city center is pedestrian-friendly, though some sidewalks may be uneven.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

• Hours: 24/7 access; no admission fees or tickets required.
• Best Times: Daylight hours are recommended for best visibility and quiet reflection.

How to Visit Respectfully

• Pause to read the inscription and reflect.
• Gently clean the plaque if you wish, especially on remembrance days.
• Taking photographs is allowed; please do so discreetly.
• Avoid standing directly on the stone; consider leaving a small stone as a tribute.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Stolpersteine represent a shift toward decentralized, individualized remembrance, integrating the memory of Holocaust victims directly into daily urban life. In Mainz, these memorials help foster ongoing dialogue about the Holocaust, democracy, and the dangers of intolerance. Community involvement—from research to cleaning—ensures these stones remain active sites of memory (Haus des Erinnerns – Stolpersteine).

Visitor Etiquette and FAQs

Q: Are there any visiting hours or ticket requirements?
A: No. The Stolperstein is accessible at all times, free of charge.

Q: Is it wheelchair accessible?
A: The stone is flush with the pavement, but some sidewalks may be uneven.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes. Check with local organizations or the tourism office for schedules.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, but please be discreet and respectful.

Q: How can I find more Stolpersteine in Mainz?
A: Use online maps, the Stolpersteine Guide app, or the Stolpersteine Mainz registry.

Related Sites in Mainz

Enhance your visit by exploring Mainz’s rich Jewish heritage:

• Judensand Cemetery: One of Europe’s oldest Jewish cemeteries.
• New Synagogue and Judengasse: Landmarks of Jewish life in the city.
• Gutenberg Museum: World-famous museum dedicated to printing history.
• Mainz Cathedral and Augustinerkirche: Historic churches in the city center.

All these sites are within walking distance of Schillerplatz and provide broader historical context (The Crazy Tourist).

Visuals

• Include images of the Stolperstein for Anna Oppenheimer with alt text: “Stolperstein for Anna Oppenheimer in Mainz embedded in sidewalk.”
• Supplement with photos of nearby Jewish heritage sites, such as the Judensand cemetery and New Synagogue.