Stolperstein Dedicated To Hanna Wallach

Stolperstein for Hanna Wallach in Mainz, Germany: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) dedicated to Hanna Wallach in Mainz is much more than a small brass plaque embedded in the city’s pavement—it is a poignant reminder of the individuals who suffered under Nazi persecution. Stolpersteine memorials, initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, form the world’s largest decentralized memorial, with over 100,000 stones in more than 1,800 cities across Europe. Each stone commemorates an individual victim at their last freely chosen place of residence, offering a deeply personal connection to the Holocaust’s human impact (Stolpersteine.eu; mainz.de).

In Mainz—a city with a vibrant Jewish history—the Stolperstein for Hanna Wallach is located in the Old Town at her former home. This memorial, accessible to all at any time and free of charge, invites reflection and remembrance and is part of a wider network of Jewish heritage sites throughout the city. Guided tours, digital resources, and educational programs enrich the visitor experience, ensuring the stories of individuals like Hanna Wallach are never forgotten (stolpersteine-mainz.de).

Introduction
The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Philosophy
Stolpersteine in Mainz: Expansion and Community Involvement
The Life and Fate of Hanna Wallach
Finding and Visiting the Hanna Wallach Stolperstein
Exploring Nearby Jewish Heritage Sites in Mainz
Digital Tools and Further Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
Reliable Sources and Further Reading

The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Philosophy

The Stolpersteine project was begun by Gunter Demnig to transform Holocaust remembrance from abstract numbers into personal stories. Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm concrete cube with a hand-engraved brass plate, inscribed with the words “Here lived…” followed by the victim’s name, birth year, fate, and, when known, date and place of death (jewishpostopinion.com; germany.info).

Stolpersteine are set flush with the pavement, requiring passersby to look down and, symbolically, bow in respect. The project’s decentralized nature allows families, schools, and community groups to sponsor new stones, keeping memory alive at the local level (fabriziomusacchio.com).

Stolpersteine in Mainz: Expansion and Community Involvement

Mainz embraced the Stolpersteine project in 2007, with the first stones commemorating the Cantor family. By May 2025, more than 350 Stolpersteine and one Stolperschwelle (threshold stone) have been installed across Mainz and Mainz-Kastel (mainz.de). The initiative is managed by the Haus des Erinnerns – für Demokratie und Akzeptanz and the Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e. V., who also curate a digital archive containing biographies, photographs, and documents for each memorial (stolpersteine-mainz.de).

Stolpersteine in Mainz honor not only Jewish victims but also Sinti and Roma, people with disabilities, political dissidents, and others persecuted under the Nazi regime. Community involvement is central—installation ceremonies often include relatives, neighbors, and students, ensuring the memory of each individual remains part of the city’s living history (Haus des Erinnerns).

The Life and Fate of Hanna Wallach

Hanna Wallach was a Jewish resident of Mainz whose life—and that of her son Edgar—was irrevocably changed by the rise of the Nazi regime. Like many in the Jewish community, she faced escalating restrictions, violence, and ultimately deportation or worse. While in-depth biographical details may be limited, the Stolperstein for Hanna Wallach, engraved with her name, birth date, and fate, stands as a lasting tribute to her memory and to the broader losses suffered by Mainz’s Jewish population (stolpersteine-mainz.de).

Finding and Visiting the Hanna Wallach Stolperstein

How to Find the Memorial

The Stolperstein for Hanna Wallach is embedded in the pavement outside her last freely chosen residence in Mainz’s Old Town, specifically at Rheinstraße 24 (stolpersteine-mainz.de). Visitors can locate the stone using:

Stolpersteine Mainz directory and map
Digital apps such as the Stolpersteine Deutschland app
Assistance from the Mainz tourism office or local Jewish heritage organizations

Visiting Hours and Admission

Stolpersteine are public memorials—no tickets or appointments are required, and the site is accessible 24/7, free of charge.

Guided Tours and Accessibility

Several organizations offer guided tours focusing on Mainz’s Stolpersteine and Jewish history (WildTrips.net). These tours provide in-depth historical context and personal stories. Most Stolpersteine are located at street level, but do note that some areas, especially in the Old Town, feature cobblestones that may be challenging for those with mobility issues. Many tour providers can accommodate accessibility needs with advance notice.

Visitor Etiquette

When visiting, pause to read the inscription and reflect on the life commemorated. It is customary to leave a small stone or flower on the plaque as a sign of remembrance. Please avoid stepping directly on the brass plate and maintain a respectful demeanor—photography is permitted but should be conducted with sensitivity (fabriziomusacchio.com).

Exploring Nearby Jewish Heritage Sites in Mainz

Mainz’s rich Jewish heritage is reflected in several historical sites close to the Stolperstein for Hanna Wallach:

Jewish Museum Mainz: Exhibits document the city’s Jewish history from medieval times to the present.
Old Jewish Cemetery: One of Europe’s oldest, with gravestones dating back to the Middle Ages.
SchUM Sites: Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these locations represent the core of medieval Ashkenazi Jewish culture (rheinhessen.de).
New Synagogue: A symbol of the community’s resilience and revival.

Visiting these sites, along with the Stolpersteine, offers a comprehensive view of Mainz’s Jewish past and present.

Digital Tools and Further Resources

To enhance your visit:

Use the Stolpersteine Mainz online directory or the Stolpersteine Deutschland app to locate memorials and read biographies.
Explore virtual tours and high-quality images on the project’s website.
The Haus des Erinnerns offers exhibitions, educational resources, and event calendars.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is the Stolperstein for Hanna Wallach located?
It is embedded in the sidewalk at Rheinstraße 24, Mainz, her last freely chosen residence (stolpersteine-mainz.de).

Are guided tours available?
Yes, guided tours are available through local organizations and can be booked via the city’s tourism office or the Haus des Erinnerns.

Is there an admission fee?
No. Stolpersteine are public memorials and can be visited free of charge at any time.

What is the best time to visit?
Mainz is pleasant year-round, but spring and autumn offer ideal weather for walking tours.

How accessible is the site?
The memorial is at street level but located in an area with cobblestone streets. Contact tour providers in advance for accessibility information.

Can I contribute to the Stolpersteine project?
Yes. Sponsorship and participation are possible through local organizations. Costs and procedures are detailed on the Stolpersteine Mainz website.

Conclusion and Call to Action

A visit to the Stolperstein for Hanna Wallach in Mainz is a powerful act of remembrance, connecting visitors to the personal stories behind the tragedy of the Holocaust. By pausing to honor Hanna Wallach’s life, you become part of a community committed to memory, reflection, and education.

Enhance your visit by exploring Mainz’s other Jewish heritage sites and consider joining a guided tour for deeper insight. For ongoing updates, digital guides, and event announcements, download the Audiala app and follow the Haus des Erinnerns and related organizations on social media.

In walking Mainz’s streets, you participate in an ongoing ritual of remembrance that keeps history alive and ensures that the stories of individuals like Hanna Wallach are never forgotten.