Stolperstein Dedicated To Emma Weiss

Stolperstein Emma Weiss Mainz: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Emma Weiss in Mainz, Germany, is a powerful opportunity to connect with the city’s past and honor the victims of Nazi persecution. Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” are small brass memorial plaques embedded in sidewalks, marking the last freely chosen residences of Holocaust victims and others persecuted by the Nazi regime. The Stolperstein for Emma Weiss, located at Heuerstraße 7 in Mainz-Hechtsheim, stands as a personal testimony to the broader history of the city’s Jewish community and serves as an invitation to remember, reflect, and engage with history. This guide provides historical context, visitor information, travel tips, and suggestions for a meaningful visit, ensuring you can honor Emma Weiss’s memory and understand the significance of the Stolpersteine project.

For more information, visit the Stolpersteine Mainz website and the city remembrance portal.

Introduction
History of the Stolpersteine Project
Stolpersteine in Mainz: Local Context
The Stolperstein for Emma Weiss: Biography and Memorial
Visiting Information
Cultural and Educational Impact
Controversies and Debates
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visual and Digital Resources
Summary of Key Points
References

History of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine project was initiated in the early 1990s by German artist Gunter Demnig. Its aim is to memorialize those persecuted or murdered by the Nazis—including Jews, Roma and Sinti, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and political opponents—by placing commemorative stones at locations tied to their lives (Germany.info). The first Stolperstein was installed in Cologne in 1992. As of 2025, more than 100,000 stones have been placed across 21 European countries, making Stolpersteine the world’s largest decentralized memorial (mainz.de, DW.com).

Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm concrete block with a brass plate inscribed with “Hier wohnte” (“Here lived”), the person’s name, birth date, fate, and, if known, date and place of death (pragueviews.com). These memorials are typically installed at the victim’s last freely chosen residence or workplace.

Stolpersteine in Mainz: Local Context

Before 1933, Mainz had a thriving Jewish community of around 2,600 people. The Holocaust resulted in the murder of approximately 1,300 to 1,400 Mainz Jews, with the last deportation taking place on February 10, 1943 (mainz.de). Since 2007, Mainz has actively participated in the Stolpersteine project, with 351 Stolpersteine and one Stolperschwelle (a larger commemorative marker) installed across the city by May 2025.

The project in Mainz is coordinated by the Haus des Erinnerns – für Demokratie und Akzeptanz and the Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e. V., with support from private initiatives and educational institutions. These organizations maintain an extensive archive of biographies and promote community engagement (stolpersteine-mainz.de).

The Stolperstein for Emma Weiss: Biography and Memorial

Emma Weiss, née Sußmann, was born on November 20, 1887, in Alsbach, Hessen. She lived in several cities, including Alsbach, Darmstadt, and Wiesbaden, before settling in Mainz-Hechtsheim. On September 30, 1942, she was deported from Darmstadt, with Treblinka as her presumed destination (beer-mainz.de). Like many Jewish residents of Mainz, she was a victim of Nazi persecution.

Her Stolperstein, installed on June 24, 2013, at Heuerstraße 7 in Mainz-Hechtsheim, marks her last voluntary address. The inscription preserves her name and story, ensuring she is not forgotten (stolpersteine-mainz.de). The act of pausing at her Stolperstein is a deeply personal gesture of remembrance and respect.

Visiting Information

Location and Accessibility

Address: Heuerstraße 7, Mainz-Hechtsheim, 55129 Mainz, Germany.
District: Hechtsheim, a historic neighborhood with a significant Jewish history and the former site of a synagogue (1844–1938) (beer-mainz.de).
Accessibility: The Stolperstein is embedded in the public sidewalk and can be reached by tram or bus from Mainz Hauptbahnhof (lines 50 and 51 to “Hechtsheim Bürgerhaus”). The site is wheelchair accessible, though some pavements may be uneven.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours: Open to the public 24/7, year-round.
Tickets: No entrance fee; access is free at all times.

Travel Tips

Visit during daylight hours for optimal visibility and safety.
Wear comfortable shoes for walking; Stolpersteine are spread throughout Mainz.
Consider including the Stolperstein for Emma Weiss in a broader tour of Mainz’s Jewish heritage sites.

Guided Tours and Suggestions

Guided Stolpersteine tours are occasionally available through the Haus des Erinnerns and local organizations (stolpersteine-guide.de). These provide historical context and help visitors connect multiple memorial sites.
Digital resources such as the Stolpersteine Mainz website and the Stolpersteine Guide app offer biographies, maps, and audio guides.

Visitor Etiquette

Treat Stolpersteine as places of remembrance: avoid stepping directly on them, keep noise to a minimum, and be respectful of the residential setting.
It is customary to clean the brass plates or leave a small stone or flower as a tribute, in accordance with Jewish traditions.
Discreet photography is permitted; always respect the privacy of residents.

Cultural and Educational Impact

Stolpersteine are not only memorials but also educational tools that encourage reflection on history, foster community engagement, and prompt younger generations to learn about the Holocaust. In Mainz, schools and historical societies organize walks, research projects, and commemorative events that keep memory alive and promote tolerance.

Controversies and Debates

The Stolpersteine project has sparked discussion, primarily about the placement of names on the ground. Some critics, including certain Jewish organizations, have expressed concern over the potential disrespect of stepping on these names (mainz1933-1945.de). However, many supporters believe that integrating memory into daily life restores dignity and ensures victims are not forgotten (DW.com).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there an entrance fee or ticket required to visit the Stolperstein for Emma Weiss?
No, the Stolperstein is a public memorial and freely accessible at any time.

What are the best visiting hours?
You can visit year-round, but daylight hours are recommended for visibility and safety.

Is the Stolperstein accessible for visitors with mobility challenges?
Yes, it is at street level, but some pavements may be narrow or uneven.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, local organizations and the Haus des Erinnerns offer occasional guided tours. Check stolpersteine-guide.de for offerings.

Can I participate in commemorative activities?
Yes. Cleaning the Stolperstein or leaving a stone or flower is encouraged and honors the memory of victims.

Where can I learn more about Emma Weiss and other Stolperstein sites in Mainz?
The Stolpersteine Mainz website and the Stolpersteine Guide app provide detailed biographies and interactive maps.