Biography of Selma London
Selma London was a Jewish resident of Mainz, born in the late 19th or early 20th century, who lived through the city’s vibrant pre-war years before the rise of National Socialism. Like thousands of others, she faced escalating anti-Semitic persecution following the Nazis’ ascent to power in 1933. Deportations of Mainz’s Jewish population began in 1942, and Selma London was among those sent to concentration camps from which few returned. Her fate is documented in local memorial books and international archives, serving as a testament to the tragic loss suffered by Mainz’s Jewish community (Memorialization in Germany since 1945).
The Stolperstein Project and Selma London’s Memorial
Origins and Purpose
Gunter Demnig’s Stolpersteine project, begun in 1992, seeks to humanize the memory of the Holocaust by commemorating victims individually at the sites of their last self-chosen residences. Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm brass plaque inscribed with the victim’s name, year of birth, date of deportation, and, if known, place and date of death. This decentralized approach integrates remembrance into the urban landscape, confronting passersby with the stories of those who once lived among them (Stolpersteine.eu).
Location and Setting
Selma London’s Stolperstein is embedded at Josefsstraße 71, 55118 Mainz, in the Neustadt district. Installed on February 3, 2015, the plaque is flush with the sidewalk, joining a silent network of Stolpersteine throughout the city. The GPS coordinates are 49.9992° N, 8.2595° E, easily located via digital maps or navigation apps (Stolpersteine Mainz).
Installation and Community Involvement
Each Stolperstein is the result of extensive research and community effort. Local historians, schools, Jewish organizations, and relatives collaborate to verify biographical data, fund the stone, and often organize small ceremonies for its installation. In Mainz, over 300 Stolpersteine have been laid, with residents, students, and community groups participating in ongoing remembrance (Memorialization in Germany since 1945).
Visiting Information
Hours, Admission, and Directions
- Visiting Hours Accessible 24/7; Stolpersteine are in public spaces with no restricted hours.
- Admission Free; no tickets required.
- Directions
- By Foot About 15–20 minutes from Mainz Hauptbahnhof (Central Station) via Kaiserstraße to Josefsstraße.
- By Public Transport Tram and bus stops at “Josefsstraße” and “Lessingstraße” are close by (Mainz Public Transport Website).
- By Car Paid street parking and parking garages (e.g., Parkhaus Bonifaziustürme) nearby.
- By Bicycle Mainz is bicycle-friendly; bike racks available on Josefsstraße.
Accessibility
- The Stolperstein is installed flush with the pavement, on a wide, even sidewalk with curb cuts, making it accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids.
Guided and Self-Guided Tours
- Guided Tours Local organizations and the Mainz tourist office offer Stolpersteine walks. Advance booking is recommended (Mainz Stolpersteine Initiative).
- Self-Guided Download maps and audio guides from the Stolpersteine Mainz website or use the “Stolpersteine Guide” app.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Selma London’s Stolperstein is part of an innovative approach to memorialization that places memory within the city’s everyday fabric. The project’s motto—"Ein Mensch ist erst vergessen, wenn sein Name vergessen ist" ("A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten")—underlines the importance of naming and personalizing victims. The stones prompt ongoing reflection, engagement, and education, with local volunteers and schools often organizing cleaning days and remembrance events (Stolpersteine.eu).
Recommendations for a Meaningful Visit
- Prepare Learn about Mainz’s Jewish history and the Stolpersteine project before your visit.
- On-site Pause to read Selma London’s inscription. It is customary to read the name aloud and, in Jewish tradition, leave a small stone or flower.
- Photography Daylight hours are best for visibility and photography. Please be discreet and respectful.
- Nearby Sites Visit other Stolpersteine in Neustadt, the Haus des Erinnerns (House of Remembrance), the modern Mainz Synagogue, and the Gutenberg Museum.
- Events Check for guided tours or ceremonies, especially around Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are tickets required to visit the Stolperstein?
A: No, it’s free and accessible at all times.
Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes; sidewalks are wide and level.
Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Yes, local organizations offer both regular and special event tours; booking ahead is advised.
Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, but please be mindful of neighbors and other visitors.
Q: Is there information available in English?
A: Many resources, especially in tourist areas, are available in English. Translation apps can help with inscriptions.
Discover More
Honor Selma London’s memory by visiting her Stolperstein in Mainz. Download the “Stolpersteine Guide” app or access resources online for a self-guided experience. Participate in remembrance by joining local events or supporting community initiatives. Every name matters—your visit helps keep the memory alive.
