Stolperstein Dedicated to Else Blättner

Introduction: The Stolperstein Project and Its Meaning in Mainz

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Else Blättner in Mainz, Germany, offers a deeply personal encounter with the memory of Holocaust victims and the broader narrative of Nazi persecution. Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) are small, hand-engraved brass plaques set into city sidewalks, marking the last freely chosen residences of those persecuted or murdered by the Nazis. This decentralized memorial, initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, is now the world’s largest Holocaust remembrance project, with over 100,000 stones installed across 27 European countries (Fabrizio Musacchio, 2024; Times of Israel).

Mainz, with its significant Jewish history and active remembrance culture, has embraced the Stolpersteine project. Here, these memorials not only commemorate individuals such as Else Blättner and her family—who were deported and murdered during the Holocaust—but also serve as accessible, living reminders embedded in the urban landscape (Stolpersteine Mainz; Haus des Erinnerns Mainz).

Unlike traditional museums or monuments, Stolpersteine are encountered as part of daily life. Visitors can explore them freely at any time, with no entrance fees or restricted hours, using resources such as interactive maps, databases, and mobile guides like Audiala (Haus des Erinnerns Mainz; mainz.de).

This guide summarizes the historical background of the Stolpersteine, provides practical information for visiting these memorials in Mainz, and offers guidance on respectful and meaningful engagement with these sites.

Historical Background of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine project began in the early 1990s as a grassroots initiative to commemorate individuals targeted by the Nazis. Artist Gunter Demnig installed the first Stolperstein in 1996, and the concept quickly expanded, shifting from anonymous edicts to personalized tributes inscribed with each victim’s name, birth date, fate, and, where known, date and place of death (Fabrizio Musacchio, 2024; Leo Baeck Institute).

The project’s philosophy is rooted in the idea that “a person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten.” By placing these stones in public view, the Stolpersteine ensure that passersby literally “stumble” upon history, promoting reflection and remembrance in everyday spaces (Leo Baeck Institute).

As of 2025, Stolpersteine commemorate Jews, Sinti and Roma, people with disabilities, political dissidents, LGBTQ+ persons, and others persecuted by the Nazis. Over 100,000 stones exist in 27 countries, testifying to the scale and impact of this decentralized memorial (Times of Israel; Stolpersteine Official).

Stolpersteine in Mainz: Local Context and Community Involvement

Mainz’s Stolpersteine are the product of collaboration between local historians, schools, and remembrance organizations, including the Haus des Erinnerns – Für Demokratie und Akzeptanz and the Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e. V. (Stolpersteine Mainz). By 2017, at least 168 Stolpersteine had been installed, with the number growing to over 350 by 2025 (Bistum Mainz PDF; mainz.de).

Community members actively participate in research, installation ceremonies, and ongoing care of the stones. Educational programs involve students in uncovering biographies and fostering intergenerational dialogue about the Holocaust (Stolpersteine Official).

The Memorial for Else Blättner: Biography and Commemoration

The Blättner Family’s Story

Else Blättner, her husband Ludwig, and their daughter Channa were Jewish residents of Mainz, living at Eisgrubweg 19, where they also managed a wine wholesale business. In March 1942, the family was among 470 Jews rounded up and deported from Mainz to the Piaski ghetto in Nazi-occupied Poland. All three were murdered; their fates are memorialized by Stolpersteine at their last freely chosen home (Bistum Mainz PDF; Stolpersteine Mainz).

Installation Location

The Stolpersteine for Else, Ludwig, and Channa Blättner were installed on September 5, 2016, at Eisgrubweg 19, serving as a lasting reminder of their lives and the tragedy inflicted upon them (Stolpersteine Mainz).

Visiting the Stolpersteine in Mainz: Practical Information

Location and Accessibility

Stolpersteine are located throughout Mainz, with a concentration in the Innenstadt (city center) and neighborhoods such as Altstadt. The Blättner family’s stones can be found at Eisgrubweg 19. The city is easily accessible by train, car, and public transit, and walking is the best way to encounter the Stolpersteine (mainz.de; Mapcarta).

To plan your route, use online directories and downloadable maps provided by the Haus des Erinnerns and Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e. V..

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Stolpersteine are part of public sidewalks and can be visited at any time, with no entrance fees or ticketing required. Daytime visits are recommended for readability and safety.

Guided Tours and Educational Programs

Guided tours focusing on Stolpersteine and Mainz’s Jewish history are occasionally available through local organizations and the tourism office. For self-guided tours, download maps or use mobile apps like Audiala, which provide interactive guidance and historical context (Haus des Erinnerns Mainz).

Ethical Guidelines and Respectful Behavior

• Do not intentionally step on the stones; pause to read and reflect.
• Photography is allowed but should be respectful. Avoid photographing residents or private property without permission.
• Maintain a contemplative atmosphere; avoid loud or disruptive behavior.
• Participate in remembrance by cleaning or leaving a small stone or flower, particularly during remembrance days (Folklife Magazine).

Accessibility and Safety

• Most Stolpersteine are accessible at street level, though some old sidewalks may be uneven.
• Information and maps are available online and, in some cases, via QR codes at the sites (stolpersteine-mainz.de).
• Wear comfortable shoes and be cautious of traffic when pausing at stones.

Nearby Historical Sites

Enhance your visit by exploring:

• The Mainz Jewish Museum
• St. Stephan’s Church (with Chagall windows)
• The Gonsenheim Synagogue

These sites offer further insight into Mainz’s Jewish and cultural heritage.

Travel and Visitor Tips

• Use maps or mobile apps for efficient route planning.
• Guided tours may require advance booking—check with local organizations.
• Special events and remembrance ceremonies are held on significant dates, such as January 27 (International Holocaust Remembrance Day) and November 9 (Kristallnacht anniversary).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Stolpersteine?
Small, hand-engraved brass plaques embedded in sidewalks, commemorating victims of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residence.

Where can I find Stolpersteine in Mainz?
Throughout the city, especially in the Innenstadt and residential neighborhoods. Use the Stolpersteine Mainz directory or city maps.

Do I need a ticket to visit?
No. Stolpersteine are public memorials, accessible 24/7, free of charge.

Are guided tours available?
Yes; check with the Haus des Erinnerns or the tourism office for current offerings.

How can I participate in remembrance?
Join cleaning or commemorative events, sponsor a stone, or research victim biographies through local organizations.

Discover More

The Stolpersteine memorials in Mainz, including the plaque for Else Blättner and her family, are a powerful testament to individual lives lost under Nazi persecution. These small but significant markers transform city streets into spaces of memory, reflection, and education. By visiting, pausing to read, and participating in remembrance, you help ensure that these stories are not forgotten.

To plan your visit, use digital resources, join a guided tour, or download the Audiala app for self-guided exploration. Support local remembrance initiatives and share your experience to promote education and understanding.

For more information, visit the official websites of Haus des Erinnerns Mainz and Stolpersteine Mainz.