Stolperstein Dedicated To Ellen Frohwein

Stolperstein Ellen Frohwein Mainz: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Visitor Information

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Ellen Frohwein in Mainz is a deeply moving memorial that invites visitors to engage personally with the city’s Jewish history and the memory of Holocaust victims. Part of the wider Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project, these small brass plaques, embedded in the sidewalk at the last freely chosen residences of victims, serve as decentralized sites of remembrance throughout Europe. The Ellen Frohwein Stolperstein stands not only as a tribute to her individual story but also as a testament to Mainz’s enduring commitment to Holocaust remembrance and education.

This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the Stolperstein for Ellen Frohwein, including its historical context, practical visiting information, and suggestions for integrating your visit into a broader exploration of Mainz’s Jewish heritage. It also provides links to further resources and answers to frequently asked questions, ensuring a respectful and enriching experience.

For more information, visit the Holocaust Educational Trust, Stolpersteine Mainz, and Mainz Tourism.

Historical Background

The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Purpose

Initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in the 1990s, the Stolpersteine project is the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial. More than 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed across 21 European countries as of 2023, each commemorating an individual victim of Nazi persecution—Jews, Roma, Sinti, political prisoners, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others—by marking their last freely chosen place of residence (Holocaust Educational Trust; Folklife Magazine). Each plaque bears the person’s name, birth year, fate, and, if known, date and place of deportation or death.

The philosophy behind Stolpersteine is to embed remembrance directly into the urban environment, encouraging passersby to pause, bend down, and reflect on the lives lost (Mainz.de). This approach humanizes the victims and transforms everyday streets into sites of memory.

Ellen Frohwein: Her Story

Ellen Frohwein was born in Mainz to Siegfried Frohwein and Erna Guggenheim. Facing Nazi persecution, the family fled to Belgium, but Ellen, along with her mother and grandmother, was deported from Mechelen (Malines) to Auschwitz on October 10, 1942, where she was murdered (Arolsen Archives; findagrave.com). The Stolperstein for Ellen Frohwein, set in Mainz-Altstadt, honors her memory and the fate of many Mainz residents who suffered under the Nazi regime.

The Stolpersteine Project in Mainz

Mainz, one of the historic SchUM cities and a center of Jewish life for centuries, has commemorated its lost residents with Stolpersteine since 2007. As of June 2025, over 280 Stolpersteine have been installed throughout Mainz and Mainz-Kastel (Stolpersteine Mainz; Mainz.de). The project is a collaborative effort involving private citizens, local organizations, and city authorities, with installation ceremonies often attended by relatives and community members.

Visiting the Stolperstein for Ellen Frohwein: Practical Information

Location and How to Find It

The Stolperstein for Ellen Frohwein is installed in Mainz-Altstadt, near her last freely chosen address. Exact locations of Stolpersteine in Mainz can be confirmed via the Stolpersteine Mainz digital archive or Mapcarta. The Altstadt is pedestrian-friendly and well-connected by public transportation.

Visiting Hours and Accessibility

Hours: The Stolperstein is an outdoor memorial, accessible 24/7 year-round.
Tickets: No admission fee or ticket is required.
Accessibility: The site is accessible on foot and generally wheelchair-friendly, though some cobblestone streets in the Altstadt may present minor challenges.

Best Times to Visit

For a reflective experience, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and other memorial dates often see local commemorative activities, such as cleaning and decorating the stones.

Guided Tours and Educational Events

Mainz offers a range of guided walking tours focused on Jewish heritage, often including Stolpersteine and other historical sites (rheinhessen.de). The Stolpersteine Guide app provides interactive maps and background information for self-guided tours. Local organizations like Haus des Erinnerns and Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e.V. sometimes organize educational events and installations (Haus des Erinnerns).

Nearby Jewish Heritage and Historical Sites

Enhance your visit by exploring Mainz’s other Jewish and historical landmarks:

Mainz Cathedral (Dom St. Martin)
New Synagogue
Judaica collection at the Mainz State Museum
Medieval Jewish Cemetery
Gutenberg Museum (Mainz Tourism)

For suggested walking routes and further context, see Magenza Jewish Mainz Tour and Mainz Itinerary.

Cultural and Memorial Significance

The Stolpersteine project’s decentralized approach ensures that remembrance is integrated into daily urban life. Each stone restores individuality and dignity to Holocaust victims, countering the anonymity of mass murder. The act of reading a Stolperstein’s inscription requires a person to bow, symbolizing respect and remembrance (pragueviews.com). Community participation in installation and maintenance ceremonies further reinforces the living, organic nature of the memorials.

Local organizations maintain digital archives and biographies, ensuring that the stories behind each stone remain accessible and relevant (Stolpersteine Mainz). Regular cleaning, especially on memorial days, is a vital tradition that keeps the memory of the victims alive.

Visitor Tips and Recommendations

Respectful Conduct: Pause to read the inscription, leave a small stone or flower, and consider cleaning the brass plaque as a sign of respect.
Photography: Discreet photography is allowed, but please be mindful of the residential context.
Travel Tips: Wear comfortable shoes; many Stolpersteine are dispersed across Mainz’s Old Town. Consider starting at the mainz STORE / Tourist Information at Markt 17 (Domplatz) for maps and guidance (Mainz Tourism).
Community Involvement: Participate in cleaning events or donate to support new Stolperstein installations (Stolpersteine Mainz).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Stolperstein?
A: Stolpersteine are accessible at all times, year-round, as they are located in public sidewalks.

Q: Do I need tickets?
A: No tickets or reservations are needed; the memorial is free to visit.

Q: Where exactly is the Stolperstein for Ellen Frohwein?
A: The stone is in Mainz-Altstadt, near her last freely chosen residence. Exact addresses are available on the Stolpersteine Mainz digital archive.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided and self-guided tours focusing on Jewish Mainz and Stolpersteine are available (rheinhessen.de; Stolpersteine Guide app).

Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible for wheelchair users?
A: Most sites are accessible, but some cobblestone streets may be challenging.

Further Resources and Contacts

Visual and Media Suggestions

Include high-quality images of the Ellen Frohwein Stolperstein, with alt text such as “Stolperstein for Ellen Frohwein in Mainz”.
Embed interactive maps of Mainz showing Stolperstein locations.
Offer links to virtual tours and photo galleries (Stolpersteine Mainz).

Summary and Recommendations

Visiting the Stolperstein for Ellen Frohwein in Mainz offers a profoundly personal connection to the city’s Jewish history and the broader narrative of the Holocaust. As a decentralized, living memorial, this project fosters daily reflection, education, and community engagement. The stone is accessible at all times, requires no ticket, and is located in the heart of Mainz’s historic district, making it easy to incorporate into a wider exploration of the city’s rich heritage.

To make the most of your visit, utilize digital resources for historical background, consider joining a guided tour, and approach the memorial with respect. Your participation helps sustain remembrance and reinforces the collective commitment to never forget.