Stolperstein Dedicated to Dr. Robert Mainzer

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Dr. Robert Mainzer in Stuttgart is a powerful symbol of remembrance, embedded in the city’s public space to honor a distinguished Jewish lawyer and his wife, both victims of Nazi persecution. This comprehensive guide offers visitors detailed historical context, practical information on visiting the memorial, and insights into its cultural and educational significance. Whether you are a local resident, a traveler, or a student of history, this article will help you engage meaningfully with one of Stuttgart’s most poignant Holocaust memorials.

Historical Background: Dr. Robert Mainzer and Family

Early Life and Family Origins

Dr. Robert Mainzer’s family traces its roots to the historic city of Mainz, Germany. The surname “Mainzer” denotes origin from Mainz, reflecting a tradition among Jewish families of adopting toponymic surnames that indicate geographic heritage (MyHeritage). The Mainzer family, like many others, migrated within Germany and became part of Stuttgart’s vibrant Jewish community.

Professional Life and Social Standing

Dr. Mainzer was born on November 4, 1864, in Weinsberg. He established himself as a respected lawyer and notary, serving as a member and later chairman of the Württemberg Bar Association from 1912 to 1933. Jewish professionals like Dr. Mainzer contributed significantly to Stuttgart’s civic and intellectual life in the early 20th century, before the Nazi regime stripped them of their positions and rights (Stolpersteine Stuttgart).

Persecution under the Nazi Regime

With the rise of the Nazis, Dr. Mainzer was forced out of his notary position in 1933 due to his Jewish background, and subsequently lost his law license by November 1938. He and his wife Helene lived at Wannenstraße 16 until their deportation. On August 22, 1942, both were sent to Theresienstadt concentration camp, where Dr. Mainzer died on February 18, 1943, and Helene on July 15, 1943. Their sons survived by escaping to England; the parents became victims of the Holocaust (Stolpersteine Stuttgart).

The Stolperstein Project: A Decentralized Memorial

The Stolperstein project, initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, has grown into the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, with over 100,000 stones across more than 1,200 cities (pebblegalaxy.blog; Stuttgarter Zeitung). Each Stolperstein is a brass plaque inscribed with a victim’s name, birth date, fate, and, if known, date and place of death. By placing them at victims’ last freely chosen residences, Stolpersteine bring personal histories into the fabric of everyday urban life.

Stuttgart hosts over 1,000 Stolpersteine, including many in the Stuttgart-Süd district—an area deeply affected by Nazi persecution and rich in Jewish heritage (Stolpersteine Stuttgart).

Visiting the Dr. Robert Mainzer Stolperstein

Location and Directions

• Address: Wannenstraße 16, 70199 Stuttgart, Germany (Traces of War)
• Coordinates: 48.766189, 9.159465

The Stolperstein is embedded in the sidewalk at the entrance of Dr. Mainzer’s former residence. The area is quiet, tree-lined, and easily reached by public transit. Tram and bus stops are within a 5–10 minute walk.

Accessibility and Visiting Hours

• Open Access: 24/7; no tickets or reservations required
• Cost: Free of charge
• Accessibility: Sidewalk is wheelchair accessible; some nearby streets may have cobblestones

Practical Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Daylight hours for better visibility and safety
• Footwear: Comfortable shoes recommended for exploring multiple Stolpersteine
• Transport: Use Stuttgart’s VVS public transit for convenient access; parking is limited

Physical Description of the Stolperstein

The Stolperstein for Dr. Mainzer is a 10 x 10 cm brass plaque set flush with the pavement. The inscription reads (translated):

HIER WOHNTE
DR. ROBERT MAINZER
JG. 1864
DEPORTIERT 1942
THERESIENSTADT
ERMORDET 18.2.1943

A neighboring Stolperstein commemorates his wife, Helene Mainzer. These paired plaques symbolize their shared fate and serve as a focal point for remembrance (Stolpersteine Stuttgart).

Educational Value and Community Involvement

Humanizing History

Stolpersteine provide a direct, personal link to the lives lost during the Holocaust. By reading Dr. Mainzer’s name and story at his former home, visitors engage with history on an individual level, promoting empathy and reflection (pebblegalaxy.blog).

School and Public Education

Stuttgart’s Stolpersteine are integrated into local school curricula and public tours. Educational programs, podcasts, and guided walks deepen community engagement and ensure ongoing remembrance (Stolpersteine Stuttgart).

Community Maintenance

Local initiatives and volunteers clean and care for the stones, particularly before Holocaust Remembrance Day and other memorial events (Stuttgarter Zeitung). Visitors are welcome to participate by gently cleaning the plaques with a soft cloth.

Nearby Historical Sites and Further Exploration

• Other Stolpersteine: Numerous stones are located throughout Stuttgart-Süd; consider a self-guided walking tour (Wikipedia: Liste der Stolpersteine in Stuttgart-Süd).
• Hotel Silber Memorial: Former Gestapo headquarters, now a museum and educational center (Hotel Silber Memorial)
• Memorial to the Victims of National Socialism: Commemorative wall at Nordbahnhof, listing over 2,600 deported and murdered individuals (Alpenverein Schwaben)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is a Stolperstein?
A: A small brass plaque embedded in a sidewalk to commemorate a victim of Nazi persecution at their last chosen residence.

Q: Is there an entrance fee or ticket required?
A: No; Stolpersteine are public memorials and free to visit at any time.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes; local initiatives offer regular guided tours focusing on Jewish heritage and Stolpersteine. Check the Stolpersteine Stuttgart website for details.

Q: Can I photograph the Stolperstein?
A: Yes. Photography is encouraged for remembrance, provided you respect the privacy of residents and the solemn nature of the site.

Q: How can I support the project?
A: Volunteer with cleaning initiatives, participate in memorial events, or donate through local remembrance organizations.

Summary Table: Key Facts

Recommendations for a Meaningful Visit

• Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to read and contemplate Dr. Mainzer’s Stolperstein.
• Join a Tour: Guided tours provide deeper context and connect multiple memorials.
• Participate in Maintenance: Volunteer to help clean Stolpersteine in your community.
• Explore Nearby Sites: Visit other Holocaust memorials and museums in Stuttgart for a broader understanding.
• Share and Discuss: Use photographs and stories to foster dialogue about remembrance and tolerance.

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