Stolperstein Dedicated To Josef Feiner

Stolperstein Josef Feiner Mainz: Visiting Hours, Location, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project is a powerful, decentralized memorial initiative honoring victims of Nazi persecution by embedding small, brass-plated plaques in public sidewalks across Europe. Each Stolperstein marks the last freely chosen residence of an individual who was deported or murdered under the Nazi regime. In Mainz, Germany, the Stolperstein dedicated to Josef Feiner stands as a poignant reminder of a life and family destroyed during the Holocaust. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the memorial’s history, cultural importance, practical visiting information, and resources for further exploration.

The Stolperstein Project: Origins and Philosophy
The Expansion of Stolpersteine in Mainz
Biography of Josef Feiner
Location, Accessibility, and Visiting Information
Nearby Sites and Contextual Experiences
Cultural and Social Significance
Etiquette and Responsible Visitation
Guided Tours and Digital Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References

The Stolperstein Project: Origins and Philosophy

The Stolperstein project was initiated in 1992 by German artist Gunter Demnig as a way to commemorate individuals persecuted and killed by the Nazi regime. The first stone was laid in Cologne, referencing the 1942 Auschwitz Decree that ordered the deportation of Sinti and Roma people from Germany (IamExpat). The project’s guiding principle comes from the Talmud: “A person is only forgotten when their name is forgotten.” By restoring names and personal stories to the victims, the Stolpersteine concept transforms anonymous statistics into individual remembrance. Today, over 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed across more than 26 European countries (Official Stolpersteine Project Website).

The Expansion of Stolpersteine in Mainz

Mainz, with its deep Jewish heritage and tragic wartime losses, has embraced the Stolpersteine project as a vital part of its remembrance culture. Since 2007, over 350 Stolpersteine have been laid throughout the city, with local initiatives and city authorities working together to research, install, and maintain these memorials (Mainz City History Website). The stones commemorate not only Jewish victims but also others persecuted for political, religious, or social reasons.

Biography of Josef Feiner

Josef Feiner was born on November 20, 1886, in Nackenheim, near Mainz, and established himself as a businessman and master tailor. He married Amalie Meyer in 1924, and together they had a daughter, Ruth. The Feiner family lived at Colmarstraße 14 in Mainz. Like many Jewish families, they suffered the expropriation of their business and home under Nazi policies. In March 1942, Josef, Amalie, and Ruth were deported to Piaski, Poland, where they were murdered (Nackenheim Stolperstein Flyer). Their Stolpersteine at Colmarstraße 14 form a family memorial, restoring their dignity and presence within the community (Stolpersteine Mainz Project).

Location, Accessibility, and Visiting Information

Address: Colmarstraße 14, Mainz-Altstadt, Germany

Accessibility: The Stolperstein is embedded in a public sidewalk in the city’s historic Old Town. The site is wheelchair accessible, though the surrounding cobblestone streets may be uneven.
Opening Hours: Open 24/7, as the memorial is part of the public street.
Admission: Free of charge; no tickets or reservations required.
Getting There: Mainz is accessible by train, tram, bus, or car. Colmarstraße is a short walk from Mainz Hauptbahnhof (main station). Street parking is limited; public transit or walking is recommended (Mainz Tourism Office).

Finding the Stolperstein:

Look for a 10x10 cm brass plaque inscribed with “Hier wohnte” (Here lived), Josef Feiner’s name, birth date, fate, and, if known, date and place of death.
Digital maps and the Stolpersteine Guide app (available for iOS and Android) help visitors locate specific stones and access biographical information.

Nearby Sites and Contextual Experiences

To deepen your visit:

Mainz Jewish Museum and Synagogue: Explore the history of Mainz’s Jewish community and postwar revival.
Haus des Erinnerns – für Demokratie und Akzeptanz Mainz: Educational center with exhibitions and resources about local Holocaust history (Haus des Erinnerns).
Other Stolpersteine: Over 350 stones in Mainz-Altstadt and additional stones in Nackenheim at Mainzer Straße 6.
Gutenberg Museum and historical Old Town for broader cultural context.

Guided walking tours are available through the Mainz Tourist Office and local organizations (Mainz Tourism Office).

Stolpersteine are designed to weave Holocaust remembrance into the fabric of daily life. Their placement at ground level is intentional—passersby “stumble” upon them, interrupting routine and prompting reflection. The act of bowing to read the inscription is a symbolic gesture of respect and remembrance (Folklife Magazine).

While the project has been widely embraced, some communities have raised concerns about the appropriateness of ground-level memorials. Nonetheless, many find their subtlety and ubiquity to be a profound means of keeping memory alive.

Etiquette and Responsible Visitation

Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to read the inscription and honor the memory of the victims.
Respect the Site: Avoid standing directly on the stones. Locals often clean them, especially on remembrance days—visitors may respectfully join in.
Photography: Discreet, non-intrusive photography is permitted.
Consider Timing: Early mornings, late afternoons, and Holocaust Remembrance dates (January 27, November 9) offer quieter or more communal experiences.

Guided Tours and Digital Resources

Guided Walks: Offered by Haus des Erinnerns and the Mainz Tourist Office, providing historical context and personal stories.
Digital Maps & Apps: The Stolpersteine Guide app and Stolpersteine Mainz digital map allow self-guided exploration.
Educational Materials: Available through Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e. V. and Nackenheim im Nationalsozialismus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need tickets to visit the Stolperstein?
No, the Stolpersteine are public memorials embedded in sidewalks and are free to visit.

When are the best times to visit?
The stones are accessible year-round and at all hours. Early mornings, late afternoons, or remembrance dates can be particularly meaningful.

Is the Stolperstein wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the stone is at ground level, though cobblestone streets can be uneven.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, local organizations offer guided Stolperstein walks; advanced booking is recommended.

Can I take photographs?
Discreet photography is permitted; avoid flash and respect the solemnity of the site.

Conclusion

Visiting the Stolperstein for Josef Feiner in Mainz is a deeply personal way to connect with the history of the Holocaust and honor its victims. The memorial’s accessibility and simplicity allow for reflection at any time, while guided tours and digital resources enrich the experience. By pausing to remember Josef Feiner and his family—whose lives were stolen but whose names endure—visitors become active participants in the ongoing work of remembrance.

To further your understanding, consider exploring related sites, joining local commemorative events, supporting remembrance initiatives, and sharing your experience thoughtfully. Downloading the Stolpersteine Guide app or visiting local institutions like the Haus des Erinnerns can provide additional context and educational value.