Who Was Betty Rosenfeld?
Betty Rosenfeld (1907–1942) was born into a Jewish middle-class family in Stuttgart. Trained as a nurse, she was committed to social justice, volunteering for the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War—a rare and courageous move, particularly for a woman from Stuttgart. After her return, she continued her resistance against National Socialism until her deportation and murder at Auschwitz in 1942. Her story reflects the resilience and moral courage of individuals who opposed fascism, and her Stolperstein brings this history into the everyday landscape of Stuttgart (Betty Rosenfeld Memorial).
The Stolpersteine Project: Significance and Scope
The Stolperstein Project, created by Gunter Demnig in 1992, is now the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial. Each Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) is a 10 x 10 cm brass plaque embedded in the sidewalk, engraved with the victim’s name, birth year, date of deportation, and fate. These memorials transform public spaces into sites of personal memory, encouraging passersby to reflect on the individuals who once lived there (stolpersteine.eu; pragueviews.com).
With over 116,000 stones installed across 31 European countries (as of 2025), including more than 1,000 in Stuttgart, the project commemorates Jews, Roma and Sinti, political dissidents, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and others persecuted by the Nazis (Smithsonian Folklife Magazine; pebblegalaxy.blog). Each stone is handcrafted, ensuring a personal connection to each victim.
Location and Access
Exact Location
The Stolperstein for Betty Rosenfeld is set outside her former family home:
Address:
Breitscheidstraße 35, 70176 Stuttgart, Germany
(Formerly known as Militärstraße 35)
(Stolpersteine Stuttgart – Biografien)
The site is close to Bismarckplatz, a central square in Stuttgart-West, and near the Orthopädie Dieringer shop—a local landmark.
Visiting Hours and Admission
- Open 24/7 The Stolperstein is embedded in a public sidewalk and accessible at all times.
- Admission Free; no tickets are required.
Getting There
- Public Transport
- Tram lines 3 and 4 stop at Breitscheidstraße.
- The Bismarckplatz stop is a short walk away.
- By Foot
- The area is pedestrian-friendly and ideal for walking tours.
- By Car
- Limited street parking is available nearby, but public transport is recommended.
Accessibility
- The Stolperstein is at street level, making it generally accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments.
- Some sidewalk segments may be uneven; visitors needing assistance should plan accordingly.
Cultural and Community Context
Memorial Groupings
Betty Rosenfeld’s Stolperstein is grouped with stones for her mother Theresia and sister Charlotte, who were also victims of Nazi persecution. The memorial is both a personal and communal site of remembrance (Stolpersteine Stuttgart – Biografien).
Community Participation
The Stolpersteine Project thrives on local engagement. Community members, families, historians, and civic groups often research biographies, sponsor stones, and organize installation ceremonies. In Stuttgart, initiatives like “Gegen das Vergessen: Stolpersteine für Stuttgart” offer tours, educational programs, and digital resources (stolpersteine-stuttgart.de; stolperkunst.de).
Preservation and Challenges
While widely embraced, Stolpersteine sometimes face vandalism. Community responses include regular cleaning events and public outreach, reinforcing the living nature of these memorials (stolpersteine-stuttgart.de).
Visiting Etiquette and Practical Tips
- Pause and Reflect
Take a moment to read the inscription and reflect on the individual’s life. - Signs of Respect
Placing a small stone or flower is a traditional gesture of remembrance. - Photography
Discreet photography is permitted; please respect the residential setting. - Events
Annual commemorations, such as Holocaust Remembrance Day (27 January), may include guided tours and ceremonies (Stolpersteine Stuttgart – Veranstaltungen). - Comfort
Wear comfortable shoes; the area features cobblestones and uneven pavement.
FAQ
Q: What is a Stolperstein?
A: A Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) is a small brass plaque set in city sidewalks to commemorate a victim of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen address.
Q: Where is Betty Rosenfeld’s Stolperstein?
A: Breitscheidstraße 35, Stuttgart-West, near Bismarckplatz.
Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Yes. Local groups and initiatives regularly offer walking tours; check Stolpersteine Stuttgart and Hotel Silber for schedules.
Q: Is the site wheelchair accessible?
A: The stone is at street level, generally accessible, but check for possible uneven pavement.
Q: Are there other memorials nearby?
A: Yes. Stuttgart-West features numerous Stolpersteine and other sites of Jewish heritage and resistance.
