Stolperstein Dedicated to Selma Hirsch

Introduction

The Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project is the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, bringing remembrance into the heart of European cities. In Mainz, these small brass plaques embedded in the pavement commemorate victims of Nazi persecution by marking their last freely chosen residences. The Stolperstein for Selma Hirsch, located at Lotharstraße 5 in Mainz-Altstadt, stands as a deeply personal memorial—one that connects visitors to the stories of local families impacted by the Holocaust. This comprehensive guide details the historical significance of the Stolpersteine, practical visitor information, and ways to engage with Mainz’s vibrant culture of remembrance.

About the Stolpersteine Project

Founded in the early 1990s by artist Gunter Demnig, the Stolpersteine project is a decentralized memorial initiative that commemorates the victims of Nazi oppression—including Jews, Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, people with disabilities, and others—by embedding small brass plaques in public sidewalks across Europe. As of 2023, more than 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed in over 21 countries (stolpersteine.eu; bbc.com; Wikipedia: Stolperstein).

Each 10x10 cm stone is engraved with the victim’s name, birth date, fate, and, when known, the date and place of deportation or death. The motto, “one victim, one stone,” reflects the project’s Talmudic inspiration: “A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten.” The memorial’s placement at the victim’s last freely chosen residence brings remembrance directly into daily life and fosters a sense of personal connection (stolpersteine.eu; bbc.com).

The act of “stumbling” is metaphorical—passersby might pause, read the inscription, and reflect. The brass plates, which become polished over time by footsteps or intentional cleaning, symbolize the ongoing nature of remembrance (stolpersteine.eu FAQ).

Stolpersteine in Mainz: Local Context

Mainz, once home to a thriving Jewish community of roughly 2,600 members, suffered devastating losses during the Nazi era. Between 1,300 and 1,400 local Jews were killed, and the city’s Jewish life was nearly extinguished (mainz.de). The Stolpersteine project began in Mainz in 2007, and by 2025, more than 350 stones and one Stolperschwelle (a larger commemorative stone) have been installed.

The project is supported by organizations such as the Haus des Erinnerns – Für Demokratie und Akzeptanz and the Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e. V., with active participation from students, historians, and community members (haus-des-erinnerns-mainz.de; stolpersteine-mainz.de). These groups research biographies, maintain the stones, and organize installation ceremonies, ensuring that the memory of each victim is preserved and that the broader community remains engaged in the act of remembrance.

Community Involvement and Research

A defining strength of the Stolpersteine project is its grassroots approach. Local students, historians, and relatives research the biographies of the victims, often working with organizations like the Verein für Sozialgeschichte Mainz e. V. and the Haus des Erinnerns. In the case of Selma Hirsch, students from the Frauenlob-Gymnasium Mainz collaborated with local experts to ensure the accuracy and impact of the memorial (stolpersteine-mainz.de).

This process personalizes history and fosters community ownership. Local volunteers and school groups also organize regular cleaning events, especially on significant dates like Holocaust Remembrance Day, reinforcing the stones’ role as living memorials (folklife.si.edu).

Visiting the Stolpersteine in Mainz

Hours, Accessibility, and Tickets

• Public Access: Stolpersteine are embedded in public sidewalks and can be visited at any time, free of charge. No tickets or appointments are required.
• Accessibility: Most locations are wheelchair accessible, but sidewalk conditions may vary. It is advisable to check specific locations if you have mobility concerns.
• Location Details: Selma Hirsch’s Stolperstein is at Lotharstraße 5 in Mainz-Altstadt. Use the Stolpersteine Mainz database or Stolperstein database to find precise locations and plan your visit.

Guided Tours and Special Events

• Guided Tours: Local organizations and the city tourism office occasionally offer guided Stolpersteine tours, particularly on Holocaust Remembrance Day and other memorial dates. These tours provide historical context and deeper insight into individual stories.
• Events: Cleaning and commemoration events are organized throughout the year. Visitors are welcome to join and participate in these acts of remembrance (haus-des-erinnerns-mainz.de; stolpersteine-mainz.de).

Nearby Historical Sites

Enrich your visit by exploring Mainz’s historical and cultural landmarks, many within walking distance of the Stolpersteine:

• Mainz Cathedral: A Romanesque masterpiece with a millennium of history.
• Gutenberg Museum: Dedicated to the inventor of the printing press.
• Jewish Museum Mainz: Explores the city’s Jewish heritage.
• Mainz Synagogue: An active place of worship and a center for Jewish life.
• Hirsch Family Memorial: A dedicated monument honoring Selma Hirsch and her family.

The Hirsch Family Memorial and Selma Hirsch’s Stolperstein

The Hirsch Family in Mainz

Selma Hirsch, her husband Eduard, and their daughter Maria Anna were among Mainz’s many Jewish families devastated by the Nazi regime. The family lived at Lotharstraße 5 before being forcibly relocated to a “Judenhaus” at Wesselstraße 2. Their lives and fate are documented in detail by local historians and commemorated through both Stolpersteine and the Hirsch Family Memorial (stolpersteine-mainz.de).

Visiting the Hirsch Family Memorial

• Location: Near the former Jewish neighborhood, accessible via public transport and within walking distance of the city center.
• Visiting Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Tickets: Free entry.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with paved paths and ramps.
• Guided Tours: Available by appointment through the Mainz Historical Society. These provide detailed historical context and personal narratives (mainz-historisch.de).

Significance of Selma Hirsch’s Stolperstein

The Stolperstein for Selma Hirsch is not just a marker but a symbol of Mainz’s commitment to personal and collective remembrance. Its presence in the urban landscape personalizes the tragedy of the Holocaust, inviting residents and visitors alike to reflect on the fragility of human rights and the necessity of vigilance against intolerance (Wikipedia: Stolperstein).

FAQs

Q: How do I find Stolpersteine in Mainz?
A: Use the Haus des Erinnerns database or Stolpersteine Mainz map for locations.

Q: Is there an entrance fee or set visiting hours?
A: No. Stolpersteine are public memorials and accessible at all times, free of charge.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, local organizations offer tours on memorial dates or by appointment. Check current schedules online.

Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Most Stolpersteine are located on public sidewalks, but accessibility can vary. The Hirsch Family Memorial is fully accessible.

Q: Can visitors help maintain the Stolpersteine?
A: Yes. Community members and visitors are encouraged to gently clean the stones with a soft cloth or join organized cleaning events.

Q: Are there any etiquette guidelines?
A: Remain respectful—many visitors leave small stones or flowers as a sign of remembrance. Photography is permitted but should be discreet.

Discover More

The Stolpersteine for Selma Hirsch and her family offer a powerful, accessible way to confront the history of the Holocaust in Mainz. By visiting these memorials, joining guided tours, and participating in community remembrance, you help ensure that the names and stories of those who suffered are never forgotten.

Plan your visit using the digital resources provided by local organizations. Download the Audiala app for guided audio tours and up-to-date information on Mainz’s historical sites. Stay connected through social media for news on commemorative events and educational resources.

Every act of remembrance—large or small—contributes to a culture of vigilance, dignity, and empathy. Join the community of Mainz in honoring the past and shaping a more compassionate future.