Stolperstein Dedicated to Ernst Josef May

Introduction

The Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” are an innovative memorial project that keeps alive the memory of Holocaust victims by embedding brass plaques in city sidewalks. Each stone marks the last freely chosen residence of an individual persecuted by the Nazis. In Mainz, the Stolpersteine offer a tangible, moving connection to the city’s Jewish heritage and its prewar community. This guide provides an in-depth look at the Stolperstein for Ernst Josef May, including its historical context, practical information for visitors, and tips for engaging respectfully with this living monument.

The Stolpersteine Project: History and Significance

The Stolpersteine project was initiated in the mid-1990s by German artist Gunter Demnig. These small, cobblestone-sized brass plaques are inscribed with the names and life details of Holocaust victims and embedded outside their last freely chosen residences (stolpersteine.eu). What began as a grassroots act of remembrance in Cologne has grown to become the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, with over 100,000 stones across more than 21 European countries as of 2023 (mainz.de). The project is a poignant reminder of the personal stories behind the statistics of Nazi persecution, transforming everyday public spaces into sites of reflection and remembrance.

Stolpersteine in Mainz: Local Implementation

Mainz, with its rich Jewish heritage, became part of the Stolpersteine project in 2007. The city had a vibrant Jewish community of around 2,600 residents before World War II, but between 1,300 and 1,400 Mainz Jews were killed during the Holocaust (mainz.de). Since the project began locally, over 350 Stolpersteine and one Stolperschwelle (a larger threshold stone) have been installed in Mainz and Mainz-Kastel. Installations are often driven by families, local historians, and organizations such as the Haus des Erinnerns and the Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e. V. (haus-des-erinnerns-mainz.de; stolpersteine-mainz.de).

The stones’ inscriptions typically include the victim’s name, birth year, date of deportation or arrest, and their fate, offering a deeply personal connection to the past.

Ernst Josef May and Family: Historical Background

Ernst Josef May, born on August 10, 1925, in Mainz, was the only child of Alfred and Sophie May. The family lived at Jahnstraße 21 in the Gonsenheim district from 1928 until 1939, in a house they owned (Stolpersteine Mainz – Familie May). Alfred May managed the local shoe factory Weis & Co. until its closure due to the global economic crisis. The Nazi rise to power in 1933 radically altered their lives: Ernst Josef was forced to leave his local school due to antisemitic laws, and after Kristallnacht in 1938, the family was compelled to sell their home, likely due to financial pressures and forced “Aryanization.”

In 1941, the Mays were relocated to a “Judenhaus” at Adam-Karrillon-Straße 13, reflecting the Nazi regime’s segregation and dispossession policies. On September 30, 1942, Ernst Josef May and his parents were deported from Darmstadt to the Treblinka extermination camp. No further trace of them is known (Stolpersteine Mainz – Familie May).

The Stolperstein for Ernst Josef May at Jahnstraße 21, installed on October 25, 2018, stands as a personal and communal tribute, part of a network of memorials for the May family and other victims in Mainz (stolpersteine-mainz.de; mapcarta.com).

Visiting the Stolperstein for Ernst Josef May: Hours, Location, and Accessibility

• Location: Jahnstraße 21, Mainz-Gonsenheim. The stone is embedded in the public sidewalk outside the May family’s former home (mapcarta.com).
• Visiting Hours: Stolpersteine are accessible 24/7 as they are part of public space; there are no admission fees or tickets required.
• Accessibility: The site is outdoors and generally wheelchair accessible. Some areas of Mainz may have uneven pavement, so visitors with mobility needs should plan accordingly.

Visitor Etiquette and Educational Engagement

• Respectful Conduct: Pause to read the inscription; avoid stepping directly on the plaque. Placing small stones, flowers, or lighting a candle are respectful acts of remembrance (fabriziomusacchio.com).
• Photography: Discreet photography is permitted, but always consider the solemnity of the site.
• Educational Value: Schools and community groups frequently integrate Stolpersteine visits into educational programs, encouraging ongoing dialogue about history and tolerance.

FAQs

What is a Stolperstein?
A small brass plaque set into the pavement, commemorating a victim of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen address.

Where is the Stolperstein for Ernst Josef May?
At Jahnstraße 21, Mainz-Gonsenheim. Use the Stolpersteine Mainz interactive map for directions.

Are there fees or tickets required?
No, Stolpersteine are free and open to the public at all times.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, local organizations offer guided Stolpersteine and Jewish heritage tours—check their websites for schedules.

Is the site accessible?
Generally yes, but some sidewalks may be uneven. Digital resources and guided tours provide additional accessibility support.