Stolperstein Dedicated To Arthur Nathaniel Lichten

Stolperstein Arthur Nathaniel Lichten, Mainz: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Honoring Memory on Mainz’s Streets

The Stolperstein (stumbling stone) dedicated to Arthur Nathaniel Lichten in Mainz stands as a poignant testament to the city’s commitment to remembering its Jewish residents persecuted during the Nazi era. Conceived by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolpersteine project is the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, with over 100,000 brass plaques embedded in sidewalks across Europe. Each stone, placed at a victim’s last freely chosen residence, transforms everyday public spaces into sites of personal remembrance and historical reflection (worldheritageusa.org, stolpersteine.eu).

Arthur Nathaniel Lichten’s Stolperstein, situated at Friedrichsstraße 14 in Mainz-Gonsenheim, affirms both his individual story and the collective memory of the Jewish community that once flourished in the city. This guide offers essential information about the historical context, practical visiting advice, and ways to engage respectfully with this and other Stolpersteine in Mainz. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a student, or a visitor, understanding the Stolperstein for Arthur Nathaniel Lichten deepens your appreciation for Mainz’s layered past and the ongoing culture of remembrance (rheinhessen.de, igl.uni-mainz.de).

Historical Overview of the Stolpersteine Project
Arthur Nathaniel Lichten: Biography and Commemoration
Cultural and Memorial Significance in Mainz
Visiting Information: Location, Access, and Etiquette
Nearby Sites and Educational Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Recommendations
Sources

Historical Overview: The Stolpersteine Memorial Project

Initiated by Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolpersteine project aims to bring Holocaust remembrance into daily life. Each Stolperstein is a brass-plated cobblestone set into the sidewalk in front of the victim’s last chosen address, inscribed with their name, date of birth, fate, and, if known, place and date of death (pragueviews.com). The philosophy is rooted in the Talmudic maxim: “A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten” (igl.uni-mainz.de PDF).

Today, more than 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in over 1,200 cities throughout Europe and beyond, each researched and often funded by local communities and descendants (worldheritageusa.org). In Mainz, the project is coordinated by the Haus des Erinnerns – für Demokratie und Akzeptanz and supported by local schools and historical societies.

Arthur Nathaniel Lichten: Biography and Commemoration

Arthur Nathaniel Lichten, born in 1900, lived at Friedrichsstraße 14 in Mainz-Gonsenheim. As with many Jewish residents of Mainz, his life was tragically cut short by Nazi persecution. He was deported on September 30, 1942, from Darmstadt to the Treblinka extermination camp, where he perished. His Stolperstein was installed at his last residence on October 25, 2018, during a ceremony attended by city officials, students, and community members (beer-mainz.de, igl.uni-mainz.de PDF).

The laying of Stolpersteine is often accompanied by community research and educational projects. For Lichten, students from the Otto-Schott-Gymnasium participated in the ceremony, prepared readings, and contributed to a temporary exhibition about Jewish neighbors in Gonsenheim (igl.uni-mainz.de PDF).

Cultural and Memorial Significance in Mainz

Stolpersteine in Mainz play a crucial role in Germany’s remembrance culture (“Erinnerungskultur”). Unlike centralized monuments, these decentralized markers integrate memory into the city’s everyday life. Each stone restores individuality to victims, making their stories visible and tangible to passersby (folklife.si.edu).

Mainz’s Jewish heritage stretches back to the Middle Ages. The city is part of the UNESCO-recognized SchUM cities (Mainz, Worms, Speyer), which were pillars of Jewish culture and learning in Europe (rheinhessen.de). The Stolpersteine project, supported by local organizations and residents, helps to keep this history alive and relevant.

Visiting Information: Location, Access, and Etiquette

Location and Directions

Address: Friedrichsstraße 14, Mainz-Gonsenheim, 55124 Mainz, Germany (mapcarta.com)
Getting There: Gonsenheim is accessible from Mainz city center via tram or bus. The district is walkable, and the Stolperstein is located on the sidewalk outside the building.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Access: Stolpersteine are public memorials embedded in sidewalks; they are accessible 24/7 with no entrance fees or tickets required.
Best Time to Visit: Daylight hours are recommended for visibility and safety.

Accessibility

The Stolperstein is at street level and accessible to all visitors, though standard sidewalk conditions apply.

Visitor Etiquette

Approach the stone with respect; avoid standing directly on it.
Take a moment to read the inscription and reflect.
Placing a small stone or flower is a traditional sign of remembrance.
Discreet photography is permitted but should be mindful of residents (TripSavvy).

Nearby Sites and Educational Resources

Mainz Cathedral: A landmark Romanesque cathedral with 1,000 years of history.
Jewish Museum of Mainz: Offers insights into the city’s Jewish life.
Gutenberg Museum: Dedicated to the history of printing.
Old Jewish Cemetery “Judensand”: A UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient tombstones (rheinhessen.de).
Guided Tours: Local organizations and the Mainz tourist office offer Holocaust remembrance walks and Jewish heritage tours.
Stolpersteine Mainz Database: Consult stolpersteine-mainz.de for biographies and exact locations.

For a self-guided experience, the SchUM storytelling app provides interactive maps and historical context.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Stolpersteine?
Small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks to commemorate victims of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residences.

Where is Arthur Nathaniel Lichten’s Stolperstein located?
At Friedrichsstraße 14, Mainz-Gonsenheim.

Are there visiting hours or entrance fees?
No. The memorial is accessible at all times and free to visit.

Are guided tours available?
Yes. Local organizations and the tourism office offer guided walks covering Stolpersteine and other heritage sites.

How can I find more information?
Check stolpersteine-mainz.de and igl.uni-mainz.de PDF for biographies and locations.

Summary and Recommendations

Visiting the Stolperstein for Arthur Nathaniel Lichten offers a unique, deeply moving way to connect with Mainz’s Holocaust history and the city’s culture of remembrance. The stone is accessible 24/7 and requires no ticket, inviting spontaneous moments of reflection. For a richer understanding, combine your visit with other Jewish heritage sites or join a guided tour. Engaging with Stolpersteine not only honors individual victims but also supports ongoing efforts to foster respect, tolerance, and historical awareness in Mainz and beyond.