Stolperstein Dedicated to Jettchen Mayer

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Jettchen Mayer in Mainz, Germany, is a poignant memorial that connects visitors directly with individual stories of Holocaust victims. As part of Gunter Demnig’s Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project—the largest decentralized Holocaust memorial in the world—these small brass plaques are embedded in city sidewalks in front of victims’ last freely chosen residences. Each Stolperstein, including that of Jettchen Mayer, is inscribed with the victim’s name, birth and deportation dates, and fate. This transforms the urban landscape of Mainz into a living site of remembrance and reflection (Stolpersteine.eu; Wikipedia).

Since 2007, Mainz has installed over 350 Stolpersteine, commemorating Jewish residents, Roma and Sinti, political prisoners, and other groups persecuted by the Nazis. The Stolperstein for Jettchen Mayer, situated at Klarastraße 29 in Mainz’s Altstadt, marks the last home of a Jewish woman and her family who faced deportation to Treblinka (Haus des Erinnerns; Tobias Herz).

This guide details how to visit the Jettchen Mayer Stolperstein, including practical information on hours, tickets, accessibility, and nearby sites of historical importance. It also explores the broader significance of the Stolpersteine initiative, offering tips for respectful engagement and deeper understanding.

Origins and Purpose of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine project was initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992 with the intent to commemorate victims of the Nazi regime at their last freely chosen place of residence. Each 10x10 cm brass plaque (“stumbling stone”) is set into the pavement and bears the name, birth date, deportation date, and fate of an individual victim (Stolpersteine.eu; Wikipedia). The name “Stolperstein” refers both to a physical stumbling block and the metaphorical act of “stumbling upon” history in everyday life. The project now spans over 21 countries, with more than 100,000 stones laid as of 2023.

Stolpersteine in Mainz: Local History

Mainz, the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, began installing Stolpersteine in 2007. Over 350 stones commemorate the city’s Jewish citizens, as well as Roma and Sinti, political prisoners, and other targeted groups (Stolpersteine Mainz). The project is supported by city authorities and organizations such as the Haus des Erinnerns – für Demokratie und Akzeptanz, and Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e. V., who maintain databases and biographies for each stone (Haus des Erinnerns).

The Story of Jettchen Mayer and Her Family

Jettchen Mayer, née Rosskamm, was a Jewish resident who, together with her family, endured persecution under the Nazi regime. After being forced to close her grocery store in Essenheim, she moved to Mainz. Following the death of her husband Markus in 1935, Jettchen and her daughters faced escalating threats. Her elder daughter Helina escaped to the Netherlands and later to New York, but Jettchen and her younger daughter Ruth were deported in 1942 to Treblinka and murdered (Mossel.de).

The Stolperstein for Jettchen Mayer was placed at Klarastraße 29, her last freely chosen residence, in a 2014 ceremony attended by her descendants (Tobias Herz).

How to Visit: Location, Hours, and Accessibility

• Location: Klarastraße 29, Mainz Altstadt. The plaque is embedded in the public sidewalk in front of the building.
• Hours: The Stolperstein is accessible 24/7, year-round, with no admission fee or ticket required.
• Accessibility: The area is generally wheelchair accessible, though some cobblestone surfaces in the Altstadt can be uneven. Visitors with mobility concerns should check for the most accessible routes (Mainz-tourismus.com).

How to get there:

• By foot: A 10–15 minute walk from Mainz Cathedral or the Gutenberg Museum.
• By public transport: Easily reachable from the Mainz Hauptbahnhof by local bus or tram.
• By car: Parking is available in nearby public garages, but the Old Town is best explored on foot.

Alt text: Stolperstein for Jettchen Mayer in Mainz embedded in pavement at Klarastraße 29, a memorial brass plaque commemorating Holocaust victim.

Tours, Tickets, and Visitor Experience

• Tickets: No tickets are needed to visit Stolpersteine.
• Guided Tours: Several local organizations offer walking tours focusing on Jewish heritage and the Stolpersteine project. These provide historical context and personal stories, enriching the experience. Advance booking is recommended (Mainz-tourismus.com).
• Remembrance Events: Annual ceremonies, particularly on International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and November 9 (Kristallnacht anniversary), often include Stolpersteine cleaning and educational programs.

Nearby Historical and Jewish Heritage Sites

While visiting the Stolperstein for Jettchen Mayer, consider exploring:

• Mainz Cathedral (Mainzer Dom)
• Gutenberg Museum
• Jewish Museum Mainz
• Historic Synagogues and Jewish Quarters
• Roman-Germanic Central Museum
• Picturesque streets of Mainz Altstadt

These sites provide deeper context to Mainz’s rich Jewish heritage and broader historical landscape (Tourist Places Guide).

Cultural and Memorial Significance

The Stolpersteine project brings Holocaust remembrance into the daily lives of European cities, placing memorials where victims once lived. The act of pausing to read a Stolperstein is an act of respect and remembrance. The project’s motto, inspired by the Talmud—“A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten”—underscores the importance of restoring individual dignity to each victim (Leo Baeck Institute; Folklife Magazine).

In Mainz, Stolpersteine are cared for by volunteers who regularly clean the plaques and organize remembrance events, ensuring that these memories remain present in the city’s collective consciousness (Haus des Erinnerns).

Visitor Tips and Ethical Guidelines

• Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to read the inscription and honor the memory of Jettchen Mayer and others.
• Respectful Conduct: Avoid standing directly on the plaque and maintain quiet reflection. Placing a small stone or flower is a traditional gesture of remembrance.
• Photography: Discreet photography is permitted; respect the privacy of local residents and avoid blocking the sidewalk.
• Cleaning: If you wish, gently polish the Stolperstein with a soft cloth—a symbolic act of remembrance.
• Accessibility: Use digital maps or contact tourism offices for accessible routes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an entrance fee or ticket required to visit the Stolperstein?
A: No, the Stolperstein is in a public space and freely accessible at all times.

Q: Where exactly is the Stolperstein for Jettchen Mayer located?
A: In the pavement in front of Klarastraße 29, Mainz Altstadt (Stolperstein Database).

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, several organizations offer guided remembrance and Jewish heritage tours; booking in advance is advisable.

Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: Generally yes, though some areas may have uneven pavement.

Q: How can I support Holocaust remembrance in Mainz?
A: Join cleaning events, participate in education programs, or support organizations such as the Stolpersteine Foundation.