Stolperstein Dedicated to Margarethe Selig

Introduction

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Margarethe Selig in Mainz provides a deeply personal and moving connection to the history of Holocaust victims and the once-thriving Jewish community of the city. Stolpersteine—“stumbling stones”—are small, brass-plated memorials set into the sidewalks, commemorating individuals persecuted by the Nazis at the sites of their last freely chosen residences. This unique memorial, initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, has become the world’s largest decentralized memorial project, with over 116,000 stones installed across 31 European countries as of 2024 (stolpersteine.eu).

This comprehensive guide offers everything you need to plan a meaningful visit: the origins and purpose of the Stolpersteine, the story of Margarethe Selig and her family, practical visitor information (including location, accessibility, and etiquette), and suggestions for exploring related historical sites in Mainz.

The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Purpose

The Stolpersteine project was conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992 to memorialize victims of Nazi persecution. Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm brass-plated concrete block, engraved with the victim's name, birth year, fate, and, when known, the date and place of death. The stones are installed flush with the pavement at the victim’s last freely chosen address, making the act of remembrance part of everyday urban life (stolpersteine.eu).

Unlike traditional memorials, Stolpersteine decentralize memory, inviting passersby to “stumble”—physically and emotionally—upon the stories of individuals who once lived in their neighborhoods. The project’s grassroots nature involves families, communities, and organizations in the research, sponsorship, and care of the stones. As of 2024, Stolpersteine can be found in over 1,860 municipalities, with thousands of new stones being installed each year (stolpersteine.eu).

Stolpersteine in Mainz: Local Context

Mainz, one of Germany's oldest cities with a vibrant Jewish heritage, has embraced the Stolpersteine project to honor Jews and other victims of National Socialism. Local organizations—such as Haus des Erinnerns – für Demokratie und Akzeptanz and the Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e.V.—coordinate the research and placement of Stolpersteine, maintain a comprehensive database, and offer educational resources (stolpersteine-mainz.de).

How to Find Stolpersteine in Mainz

Stolpersteine are distributed throughout Mainz, particularly in the Hechtsheim district and city center. The Stolpersteine Mainz website provides an interactive map and database for planning your route. Guided walking tours are also available through local cultural organizations and the Mainz Tourist Information Office.

The Story of Margarethe Selig and Her Family

Margarethe Selig (née Hirsch) was part of a long-established Jewish family in Hechtsheim, Mainz. The Seligs were fruit and grain traders, deeply rooted in the community. With the rise of National Socialism, the family suffered escalating persecution: their home was destroyed during Kristallnacht in 1938, and by January 1939, Margarethe and her husband Berthold were forced to relocate to a designated “Judenhaus” at Adam-Karrillon-Straße 54. These houses were used by the Nazis to concentrate Jewish residents under surveillance and in overcrowded conditions (beer-mainz.de; alemannia-judaica.de).

On March 25, 1942, the Seligs were deported from Mainz to the Piaski ghetto in occupied Poland, along with hundreds of other Jews from the region. Their fate is a tragic example of the systematic destruction of Mainz’s Jewish community.

Visiting Margarethe Selig’s Stolperstein: Practical Information

Location

Margarethe Selig’s Stolperstein is located in the Hechtsheim district of Mainz, at her last freely chosen address. The exact location, along with a map, can be found on the official Stolpersteine Mainz website.

Accessibility

• Public Transport: Mainz is a walkable city with excellent tram and bus connections from the main station (Hauptbahnhof) to Hechtsheim.
• On Foot: The stone is set in a public sidewalk and accessible 24/7. Most stones are accessible to individuals with limited mobility, though some pavements may be uneven.
• Tourist Assistance: For help with directions and accessibility, contact the Mainz Tourist Information Office.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

• Hours: The Stolperstein is part of the public streetscape and can be visited at any time.
• Tickets: There are no entry fees or tickets required.

What to Expect

• Appearance: The memorial is a small, brass-plated stone flush with the pavement, engraved in German: “Hier wohnte…” (“Here lived…”), followed by Margarethe Selig’s details.
• Atmosphere: Located in a residential area, the site is integrated into daily city life, offering a quiet space for reflection.

Etiquette and Cultural Sensitivity

• Respect: Approach the stone in silence, pause to read the inscription, and avoid standing directly on it.
• Commemoration: It is customary to place a small stone or flower on the Stolperstein as a sign of remembrance.
• Photography: Permitted, but use discretion and avoid disturbing local residents.

Maintenance

Local volunteers and family members regularly clean Stolpersteine; visitors may gently polish the brass with a soft cloth as an act of care and remembrance (Haus des Erinnerns).

Enhancing Your Visit: Nearby Attractions

Combine your Stolperstein visit with other significant Mainz sites:

• Mainz Cathedral (Mainzer Dom): A thousand-year-old Romanesque cathedral.
• Gutenberg Museum: Celebrating the inventor of the printing press.
• Jewish Museum Mainz: Chronicling the city’s Jewish heritage.
• St. Stephan’s Church: Renowned for Marc Chagall’s stained-glass windows.
• Old Jewish Cemetery: One of Europe’s oldest Jewish cemeteries.

Guided tours are available for many of these locations. For details, contact the Mainz Tourist Office.

Tips for a Meaningful Visit

• Preparation: Read about Margarethe Selig’s life and Mainz’s Jewish history in advance (Leo Baeck Institute).
• Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets.
• Weather: Dress for the local climate, as the memorial is outdoors.
• Language: The inscription is in German; consider bringing a translation app.
• Guided Tours: Schedule a walking tour for a more in-depth experience.
• Digital Resources: Use the Stolpersteine Mainz digital archive for background information and maps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need a ticket or reservation to visit Margarethe Selig’s Stolperstein?
A: No, the Stolperstein is a public memorial, accessible free of charge at all times.

Q: Are Stolpersteine accessible for people with mobility impairments?
A: Generally, yes—they are set in public sidewalks, though some areas may be uneven. Consult the Mainz Tourist Office for specific accessibility information.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, but please be respectful and discreet.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through local organizations and the tourist office. Booking ahead is recommended, especially in high season.

Further Support and Contact Information

• Haus des Erinnerns – für Demokratie und Akzeptanz: For educational programs, volunteer opportunities, or to report damage to a Stolperstein. Haus des Erinnerns
• Mainz Tourist Information Office: General visitor support, opening hours, and maps. Mainz Tourist Information Office

Discover More

The Stolperstein for Margarethe Selig is not just a marker in the pavement—it is a powerful reminder of the lives lost to intolerance and the enduring resilience of remembrance. By visiting, reflecting, and sharing her story, you honor her memory and contribute to a culture of tolerance and historical awareness. Explore additional resources online, join guided tours, and participate in local remembrance activities. Download the Audiala app for self-guided tours and follow local organizations for updates and new memorials, ensuring that the past is never forgotten.