Stolperstein Dedicated To Sophie May

Visiting the Stolperstein Dedicated to Sophie May in Mainz, Germany: A Comprehensive Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Sophie May in Mainz, Germany, offers visitors a powerful, personal way to engage with the city’s Jewish heritage and the wider narrative of Holocaust remembrance. Stolpersteine—German for “stumbling stones”—are small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences of victims of Nazi persecution. Initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, the project is now the world’s largest decentralized memorial, with over 100,000 stones installed across more than 30 countries (stolpersteine.eu).

Sophie May’s Stolperstein, located at Große Bleiche 23 in Mainz, commemorates her life and tragic fate. Born in 1879, she was deported to Auschwitz in 1943, where she was murdered. This stone stands as a tangible reminder of her story and the collective trauma endured by the Jewish community of Mainz. Accessible at all times and free of charge, the Stolperstein invites visitors to pause, reflect, and participate in active remembrance. Mainz fully embraces the Stolpersteine project, incorporating it into local education, community events, and guided tours (mainz1933-1945.de; stolpersteine-mainz.de).

This guide provides comprehensive information about Sophie May’s Stolperstein—its historical context, location, practical visiting details, and tips to enrich your experience. You’ll also find recommendations for nearby historical landmarks and resources for deeper engagement with Mainz’s living history.

Introduction
The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Significance
Sophie May: Her Story and Historical Context
Sophie May’s Stolperstein: Location and Inscription
Visiting Information: Hours, Accessibility, and Directions
Related Historical Sites and Guided Tours
Cultural and Educational Significance
Practical Visitor Tips and Etiquette
FAQ
Conclusion and Call to Action
Additional Resources

The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Significance

The Stolpersteine project, launched by Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, is a decentralized memorial dedicated to victims of National Socialism. Each Stolperstein is a small, brass-plated cobblestone (10 x 10 cm) set into the pavement in front of the last freely chosen residence of a victim. The stones commemorate Jews, Sinti and Roma, LGBTQ+ people, political detainees, Jehovah’s Witnesses, people with disabilities, and others persecuted by the Nazis (stolpersteine.eu).

The guiding principle, drawn from the Talmud—“A person is only forgotten when their name is forgotten”—shapes the project’s emphasis on restoring personal identity to victims. By embedding these stones within everyday urban spaces, Stolpersteine bring remembrance into daily life, prompting passersby to pause and reflect (stolpersteine.eu).

In Mainz, the project began in the early 2000s, and now, more than 280 Stolpersteine are found across the city, marking the locations and stories of former residents (stolpersteine-mainz.de; mainz1933-1945.de).

Sophie May: Her Story and Historical Context

Personal Details

Name: Sophie May
Year of Birth: 1879
Last Known Address: Große Bleiche 23, Mainz
Fate: Deported to Auschwitz in 1943; murdered in the concentration camp

Sophie May was a Jewish resident of Mainz during the Nazi era. She, like many in her community, fell victim to systematic persecution and genocide. Her Stolperstein restores her individuality and dignity, transforming the abstract horror of the Holocaust into a deeply personal narrative.

Historical Context

The Jewish community in Mainz has ancient roots but was decimated during the 1930s and 1940s through anti-Semitic laws, forced relocations, and deportations. Sophie May’s story reflects those of thousands who were driven from their homes and murdered. Today, her Stolperstein ensures her memory endures in the fabric of Mainz’s urban life (mainz1933-1945.de).

Sophie May’s Stolperstein: Location and Inscription

Location

The Stolperstein is embedded in the pavement outside Große Bleiche 23, Mainz. This address is easily accessible from the city center and lies within a neighborhood rich in historical significance. Use the Stolpersteine Mainz Directory to locate Sophie May’s stone and other memorials nearby.

Inscription

The stone bears the following inscription:

“Hier wohnte Sophie May”
“Geb. 1879”
“Deportiert 1943”
“Ermordet in Auschwitz”

This concise text encapsulates her life and fate, inviting all who pass to remember.

Alt text: Stolperstein brass plaque for Sophie May embedded in the sidewalk at Große Bleiche 23, Mainz.

Visiting Information: Hours, Accessibility, and Directions

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Open Access: The Stolperstein is located in a public sidewalk, accessible 24/7, year-round.
Admission: There are no tickets or fees required.

Accessibility

The site is generally accessible, with the stone set flush into the sidewalk. Some uneven surfaces may exist due to the historic nature of the area.
The location is suitable for visitors with mobility aids, but caution is advised for those with difficulties navigating older pavements.

Directions

By Foot: The memorial is a short walk from Mainz city center.
Public Transport: Several bus and tram lines stop near Große Bleiche.
Parking: Limited on-street parking is available.

To deepen your understanding of Mainz’s Jewish heritage and the Holocaust, consider visiting:

The New Synagogue Mainz
The Jewish Cemetery
The Jewish Museum Mainz

Local organizations and the Mainz Tourist Information Center offer guided tours focusing on Stolpersteine and Jewish history. Tour schedules can be found on the Mainz Tourism website.

Cultural and Educational Significance

Stolpersteine are unique in remembering individuals where they once lived, integrating memory into the urban landscape. In Mainz, these stones are central to remembrance culture and are supported by community groups, schools, and the city government (stolpersteine-mainz.de).

Commemorative ceremonies often accompany new installations, involving residents, students, and descendants. Educational resources and digital archives help visitors learn more about the lives behind each stone.

Practical Visitor Tips and Etiquette

Planning: Use the Stolpersteine Mainz Directory to map out your visit.
Respectful Conduct: Pause and reflect at the stone. Placing a small stone or flower is a traditional sign of respect.
Photography: Permitted, but please do not obstruct the sidewalk or disturb residents.
Participate: Locals sometimes clean the stones as an act of remembrance; visitors are welcome to do the same.

FAQ

Q: Where is Sophie May’s Stolperstein located?
A: Große Bleiche 23, Mainz, embedded in the sidewalk.

Q: Can I visit at any time?
A: Yes, the memorial is accessible 24/7 with no restrictions.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, through local organizations and the Mainz Tourist Information Center.

Q: How can I pay tribute?
A: Pause in silence, place a stone or flower, or gently clean the plaque.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Sophie May in Mainz is a meaningful way to connect with the city’s living history and participate in the vital act of remembrance. By pausing at this simple brass plaque, you honor not just Sophie May, but all victims of Nazi persecution.

For a richer experience, explore nearby memorials, join a guided tour, and use digital resources like the Stolpersteine Mainz Directory and the Audiala app for audio tours. Stay engaged with local remembrance events and share your experience, ensuring these stories remain a part of our shared consciousness.

Additional Resources

By embracing respectful remembrance at the Stolperstein of Sophie May, you honor her story and help keep the memory of all victims alive within the streets of Mainz.