Stolperstein Dedicated To Martha Grünewald

Stolperstein Martha Grünewald Mainz: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Complete Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Visiting the Stolperstein (stumbling stone) dedicated to Martha Grünewald in Mainz offers a powerful and personal way to connect with the city’s Jewish heritage and the memory of Holocaust victims. Stolpersteine are small brass plaques set into sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences of individuals persecuted by the Nazis. This guide provides detailed information on the Stolperstein for Martha Grünewald, covering its historical context, cultural significance, precise location, accessibility, visiting tips, tours, and resources for a meaningful visit.

Introduction
The Stolperstein Project: Origins and Meaning
Who Was Martha Grünewald?
Visiting the Stolperstein: Location and Hours
Accessibility and Practical Tips
Guided Tours and Commemorative Events
Engaging with the Memorial
Integrating Your Visit: Jewish Heritage Sites in Mainz
Resources, Maps, and Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

The Stolperstein Project: Origins and Meaning

The Stolperstein project is the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial. Initiated in 1992 by German artist Gunter Demnig, the project commemorates individuals persecuted and murdered by the Nazi regime—Jews, Roma, Sinti, political dissidents, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others—by embedding 10 x 10 cm brass plaques in sidewalks throughout Europe. Each plaque is inscribed with the victim’s name, birth date, fate, and, if known, date and place of death (Wikipedia: Stolperstein).

Unique in scale and approach, Stolpersteine bring memory into daily life. The project’s guiding philosophy is that “a person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten,” a sentiment rooted in the Talmud. As of 2025, more than 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in over 26 countries (pragueviews.com; Germany.info).

In Mainz, more than 280 Stolpersteine have been laid since 2007, marking the city’s commitment to remembrance and education (stolpersteine-mainz.de; Mainz.de).

Who Was Martha Grünewald?

Martha Grünewald, born June 8, 1892, in Gadderbaum near Bielefeld, was the fifth of seven children in a Jewish family. Married to Paul Kokerbeck, she had two children: Herbert and Helga. With the intensification of Nazi persecution, Herbert emigrated to Palestine in 1939, and Helga to Denmark the same year (stolpersteine-bielefeld.de).

The family’s last freely chosen residence was at Henriettenstr. 16 in Mainz’s Altstadt (Old Town). On October 30, 1939, Martha and her husband were forced into a so-called “Judenhaus.” In December 1941, they were deported to Riga with hundreds of other Jews. Martha’s fate after deportation remains unknown; she was officially declared dead as of December 31, 1945.

The Stolperstein for Martha Grünewald, placed at Henriettenstr. 16, stands alongside those for Siegfried and Edith Grünewald, and serves as a testament to the lives lost and the families torn apart by the Holocaust (Waymarking.com).

Visiting the Stolperstein: Location and Hours

Location: Henriettenstr. 16, Altstadt, Mainz, Germany.
The Stolperstein is embedded in the sidewalk at Martha Grünewald’s last residence (stolpersteine-mainz.de).
How to Get There:
The site is easily accessible from Mainz Römisches Theater S-Bahn station and is within walking distance of other city landmarks (Travel Savvy Gal).
Hours & Ticketing:
Stolpersteine are public memorials accessible 24/7, free of charge. No tickets or reservations are required (stolpersteine-guide.de).
Best Time to Visit:
Daylight hours are recommended for better visibility and safety. Spring and autumn offer comfortable weather for walking tours.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

Accessibility:
The memorial is on a public sidewalk, generally wheelchair accessible. However, some areas of Mainz Altstadt have cobblestone streets which may pose challenges for mobility-impaired visitors.
Travel Tips:
- Mainz is well-connected by train and public transport.
- Parking is available in designated city lots.
- The area has nearby cafes and restrooms.
Respectful Engagement:
Pause to read the inscription, reflect on the life commemorated, and consider placing a small stone or flower as a sign of remembrance.
Photography:
Discreet photography is permitted. Respect the solemnity of the site and avoid obstructing pedestrian traffic.

Guided Tours and Commemorative Events

Guided Tours:
Local organizations, such as the Haus des Erinnerns, offer Stolperstein-focused walking tours in German and English. Check their websites or the Mainz tourism office for schedules and booking information.
Self-Guided Visits:
Use the Stolpersteine Guide app for interactive maps, biographies, and suggested walking routes.
Commemorative Events:
Key remembrance days include January 27 (International Holocaust Remembrance Day) and November 9 (Kristallnacht anniversary), when the community gathers to clean Stolpersteine and hold ceremonies (Folklife Magazine).

Engaging with the Memorial

Cleaning Rituals:
It is a tradition to clean Stolpersteine, especially on remembrance days, to keep the brass shining and the names legible—a symbolic gesture of memory and respect (pragueviews.com).
Digital Resources:
Access digital maps, biographies, and photographs through the Stolpersteine database. Many sites include English-language summaries and audio guides.
Support:
The Stolpersteine project is funded by donations and local sponsorships. Each stone costs approximately €120. Consider supporting future installations or participating in community cleaning events.

Integrating Your Visit: Jewish Heritage Sites in Mainz

Jewish Museum Mainz:
Offers deeper context on the city’s Jewish history.
New Synagogue:
Symbolizes the resilience and continuity of Jewish life in Mainz.
Old Synagogue Site:
Marked by a commemorative plaque, representing the city’s lost Jewish community (Travel Savvy Gal).
St. Stephan’s Church:
Renowned for its Marc Chagall stained-glass windows, symbolizing Jewish-Christian reconciliation.

Combining these sites with your visit to the Stolperstein for Martha Grünewald enriches your understanding of Mainz’s Jewish past and present.

Resources, Maps, and Further Reading

High-quality images and virtual tours are available through these resources to enhance your visit and for those unable to travel in person.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where is the Stolperstein for Martha Grünewald located?
A: Henriettenstr. 16, Mainz, at her last freely chosen residence. Interactive maps are available via the Stolpersteine Guide.

Q: Are there tickets or entrance fees?
A: No. Stolpersteine are public memorials, accessible free of charge at any time.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through Haus des Erinnerns and local tourism offices. Tours are offered in German and English.

Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
A: The sidewalk is generally accessible, but some areas have cobblestone streets that may be uneven.

Q: Can I participate in cleaning ceremonies?
A: Yes. Community cleaning events are held on remembrance days; check local event calendars for details.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Stolperstein for Martha Grünewald in Mainz is a profound memorial that transforms a city sidewalk into a site of history, memory, and reflection. By visiting, participating in commemorative rituals, or engaging with digital resources, you contribute to ongoing efforts to remember the victims of the Holocaust and to educate future generations.