Stolperstein Dedicated To Max London

Visiting the Stolperstein for Max London in Mainz, Germany: A Comprehensive Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein for Max London in Mainz, Germany, is a powerful and intimate memorial embedded in the city’s streetscape, commemorating one of the many victims of Nazi persecution. As part of Gunter Demnig’s Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project—the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial—these small brass plaques serve as individualized reminders of the lives lost to the Holocaust. This guide explores the history and significance of the Stolperstein for Max London, practical details for visitors, and the broader cultural impact of these living memorials.

Introduction
Origins and Purpose of the Stolpersteine Project
Design and Installation of Stolpersteine
Stolpersteine in Mainz: Context and Expansion
The Story of Max London and His Family
Cultural and Historical Significance
The Stolpersteine Movement in Germany and Beyond
The Role of Local Communities and Volunteers
Stolpersteine as Living Memorials
Visitor Information: Planning Your Visit to Stolpersteine in Mainz
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Related Resources
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Origins and Purpose of the Stolpersteine Project

Initiated in 1992 by German artist Gunter Demnig, the Stolpersteine project was conceived as a decentralized way to honor victims of Nazi persecution. Rather than a single, centralized monument, Stolpersteine are placed at the last voluntarily chosen residences or workplaces of the victims, integrating remembrance into everyday urban life. The project’s name—“stumbling stones”—is metaphorical, encouraging passersby to pause, reflect, and remember those who were lost (pragueviews.com).

Each Stolperstein is intended to provoke a moment of contemplation, inspired by the Talmudic saying, “A person is only forgotten when his name is forgotten.” By restoring names and stories to the victims, the project fosters active remembrance and personal engagement (pragueviews.com).

Design and Installation of Stolpersteine

A typical Stolperstein measures 10 x 10 cm and features a hand-engraved brass plate inscribed with the victim’s name, date of birth, fate, and, when known, date and place of death. The stones are crafted with meticulous attention to detail to ensure historical accuracy and respect (pragueviews.com).

Installations are often accompanied by ceremonies attended by relatives, local residents, and community leaders. These events are both acts of remembrance and public acknowledgment of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust (pragueviews.com).

Stolpersteine in Mainz: Context and Expansion

Mainz, with its rich Jewish heritage, actively participates in the Stolpersteine project. The city’s Jewish community, which dates back to the Middle Ages, was devastated during the Holocaust. Stolpersteine in Mainz serve as both personal and collective memorials, marking homes and workplaces of victims throughout the city.

The Stolperstein for Max London was installed on February 3, 2015, at Josefsstraße 71 (Stolpersteine Mainz). This is just one of hundreds of stones in Mainz, each restoring dignity and memory to those who perished. By 2025, over 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in more than 1,200 cities and towns across Europe (pragueviews.com).

The Story of Max London and His Family

Max London was a respected religious teacher and cantor at the Neue Synagoge in Mainz, as well as a decorated World War I veteran. Before deportation, he lived with his wife Selma (née Cahn) and their children, Ruth and Walter, at Josefsstraße 71. The Stolpersteine installed there commemorate the family’s lives and their tragic fate at the hands of the Nazis (Stolpersteine Mainz: Familie London).

These stones do more than mark a site—they restore individual identity, inviting visitors to learn about the people behind the names and to reflect on the broader tragedy that befell Mainz’s Jewish community (Stolpersteine Mainz: Familie London).

Cultural and Historical Significance

Stolpersteine are unique in their integration into the urban environment. Unlike distant or abstract monuments, these plaques are part of the daily landscape, making the memory of Holocaust victims a living part of the city (pragueviews.com). Each stone encourages personal connection, reflection, and dialogue about the past and its ongoing relevance.

In Mainz, the Stolpersteine project challenges indifference and fosters a culture of remembrance. Regular cleaning of the stones, especially on Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and Kristallnacht (November 9), is a symbolic act that keeps memories alive (pragueviews.com).

The Stolpersteine Movement in Germany and Beyond

Since the first stone was laid in Cologne in 1992, the Stolpersteine project has expanded across Europe. By 2025, more than 100,000 stones have been installed in over 26 countries (Stolpersteine.eu). The project is now recognized not only as a memorial but also as a tool for education, prompting communities to research and recover the histories of those commemorated (pragueviews.com).

The Role of Local Communities and Volunteers

The Stolpersteine project thrives on grassroots participation. In Mainz, volunteers, historians, and organizations research biographies, organize installations, and maintain the stones (pragueviews.com). This ongoing engagement ensures the memorials remain relevant and respected.

Elsewhere, individuals like Trevor Sage in Prague have taken responsibility for cleaning and cataloging Stolpersteine, a tradition echoed by community members throughout Mainz.

Stolpersteine as Living Memorials

The Stolperstein for Max London exemplifies the project’s commitment to connecting past and present. Each stone is a living memorial, constantly renewed by community engagement and by the simple acts of passersby who pause to read and remember. New stones are added annually as more stories are uncovered, ensuring the project’s dynamic and evolving nature (pragueviews.com).

Visitor Information: Planning Your Visit to Stolpersteine in Mainz

Location and Accessibility

Address: Josefsstraße 71, Mainz (Neustadt district)
Access: Easily walkable from the city center; accessible by public transport (buses, trams, Mainz Hauptbahnhof)
Accessibility: Flush with the pavement; suitable for most visitors, though surrounding cobblestone streets may be challenging for some. Contact Haus des Erinnerns for specific accessibility advice.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours: Accessible 24/7 as part of a public sidewalk
Admission: Free; no tickets or reservations required

Guided Tours

Local organizations and tour companies offer guided Stolpersteine tours, often including Max London’s stone. Booking ahead is recommended (Stolpersteine Mainz).

Special Events

Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27): Cleaning and commemorative ceremonies
Kristallnacht Anniversary (November 9): Additional remembrance events

Nearby Attractions

Kunsthalle Mainz: Contemporary art museum
Katholische Pfarrkirche St. Joseph: Notable parish church
Neue Synagoge and Jewish Cemetery: Sites integral to Mainz’s Jewish history

Photography and Etiquette

Photography: Discreet photos are allowed—avoid obstructing pathways or disturbing residents.
Etiquette: Pause to reflect, read inscriptions quietly, gently clean the stone with a soft cloth, and consider leaving a small stone or flower as a tribute (Mainz City Website).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where is the Stolperstein for Max London located?
A: Josefsstraße 71, Mainz-Neustadt.

Q: Are there fees or tickets required?
A: No, visiting is free and open to all.

Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Generally yes, but consult local resources for detailed accessibility information.

Q: Can I join a guided tour?
A: Yes, tours are available through local organizations and the Haus des Erinnerns – für Demokratie und Akzeptanz.

Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: Daytime is ideal for visibility; commemorative dates (January 27, November 9) offer additional events.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Stolperstein for Max London in Mainz stands as a compelling reminder of the Holocaust’s impact on individuals, families, and communities. By visiting, you participate in an act of remembrance that transcends generations and contributes to a culture of vigilance against intolerance. We encourage you to explore the Stolperstein thoughtfully, join local commemorative events, and deepen your understanding by engaging with related sites and resources.

For a richer experience, download the Audiala app for guided audio tours and detailed maps of Mainz’s historical landmarks. Follow us on social media for updates on new Stolperstein installations, events, and educational content.