Stolperstein Dedicated To Adolf Itzinger

Visiting the Stolperstein for Adolf Itzinger in Wiesbaden, Germany: A Comprehensive Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction to the Stolperstein Memorial and Its Significance

The Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” represent the world’s largest decentralized memorial to victims of Nazi persecution. Conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, this project embeds small brass plaques into the pavements outside the last freely chosen residences of individual victims. As of 2024, over 100,000 Stolpersteine have been placed in nearly 1,900 municipalities across Europe, including more than 784 in Wiesbaden, the capital of Hesse (Wiesbaden Stolpersteine Wikipedia, Fabrizio Musacchio, 2024). Wiesbaden actively supports this initiative, weaving memory into the urban environment and fostering civic engagement and education.

Among these memorials is the Stolperstein for Adolf Itzinger, located at Moritzstraße 15. This stone, part of a cluster dedicated to the Itzinger family, personalizes the Holocaust’s tragedy by honoring those who were deported and murdered. The Stolpersteine’s focus on individual lives transforms overwhelming historical events into relatable stories, inviting reflection and remembrance in daily life (TracesOfWar, Folklife Magazine).

This guide provides historical context, practical information on visiting the Stolperstein for Adolf Itzinger, and respectful visitor etiquette. It aims to deepen visitors’ understanding of the Holocaust’s impact in Wiesbaden and to honor the memory of its victims (Jewiki).

Origins and Concept of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine project began in 1992 with Gunter Demnig’s efforts to commemorate individuals persecuted by the Nazis. Originally marking the deportation of Sinti and Roma from Cologne, it soon expanded to honor all victims of National Socialism. Each brass plaque, set flush into the sidewalk, is engraved with the words “Here lived,” the victim’s name, birth date, fate, and—if known—date and place of death. The aim is not merely to recall statistics, but to restore names and identities, inviting passersby to “stumble” with their eyes and thoughts.

Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden

Wiesbaden has been an active participant in the Stolpersteine project since 2008. The city currently hosts more than 784 stones, placed in front of 427 buildings as of December 2024 (Wikipedia: Liste der Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden). The project is coordinated locally by the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse, with support from city authorities, schools, and community groups. Many installations are marked by ceremonies involving survivors, descendants, and local residents, ensuring the memory of Wiesbaden’s lost citizens remains alive.

The Stolperstein for Adolf Itzinger: Location and Family Context

Location

Address: Moritzstraße 15, 65185 Wiesbaden, Germany
Coordinates: 50.075819, 8.23844 (TracesOfWar: Moritzstraße 15)

Moritzstraße is centrally located, within walking distance of Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof (main station) and other attractions. The Stolperstein is embedded in the pavement directly in front of the building’s entrance.

Family Context

The Stolperstein for Adolf Itzinger is part of a group at Moritzstraße 15, commemorating multiple members of the Itzinger family, including Emanuel, Isaac Schaja, Manfred, Milka, Paul Moses, Israel, and Henny Itzinger. All were deported and murdered in Biecz, Poland, as reflected on their stones (TracesOfWar: Moritzstraße 15). The presence of several family members’ stones highlights the systematic targeting and destruction of entire families during the Holocaust.

Historical Context: Wiesbaden’s Jewish Community and Nazi Persecution

Before 1933, Wiesbaden’s Jewish community numbered over 3,000. The systematic persecution of Jews began soon after the Nazis’ rise to power, culminating in mass deportations in 1942. The Stolpersteine project locally began in 2008, and today these stones serve as powerful reminders of the individuals and families who once called Wiesbaden home (Jewiki: Liste der Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden).

Visiting the Stolperstein for Adolf Itzinger: Practical Information

Accessibility and Hours

Access: Stolpersteine are public memorials embedded in sidewalks and can be visited at any time, free of charge.
Wheelchair Users: Most sites are accessible, but some pavements may be uneven. Plan accordingly.
How to Find: Use the Wiesbaden Stolpersteine app or online maps for exact locations and biographical details.

Etiquette and Respect

Pause quietly to read the inscription.
Avoid standing directly on the stones.
Placing small stones or flowers beside the plaque is a traditional gesture of remembrance.
Maintain respectful behavior and avoid disturbing residents.

Photography

Discreet photography is allowed. Be mindful of the solemn nature of the site and respect nearby residents.

Additional Visitor Tips

Best Times to Visit: Daylight hours for ease of reading inscriptions; particularly meaningful on International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) or the Kristallnacht anniversary (November 9).
Guided Tours: The Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse offers guided tours and educational programs. Check their website for schedules.
Nearby Attractions: Visit the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse, Jewish cemetery, and other memorials for broader context.

Cultural and Educational Impact

The Stolpersteine project in Wiesbaden exemplifies how remembrance can be integrated into the everyday urban environment. Through public engagement, school projects, and ceremonies, these stones ensure the memory of Adolf Itzinger and other victims is preserved and passed on (Wikipedia: Stolpersteinpatenschaft).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is there an admission fee or specific visiting hours?
A: No. Stolpersteine are public memorials accessible at any time, free of charge.

Q: How do I find the Stolperstein for Adolf Itzinger?
A: Use the Wiesbaden Stolpersteine app or consult the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse for the exact address.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, guided tours can be booked through local museums and educational organizations.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Discreet photography is permitted; always be respectful of the memorial and local residents.

Summary and Recommendations

Visiting the Stolperstein for Adolf Itzinger is a powerful act of remembrance, connecting the visitor to the personal histories overshadowed by the Holocaust. The decentralized Stolpersteine project, with strong support in Wiesbaden, ensures that these stories are not forgotten. By exploring these memorials, participating in tours, and engaging with local educational initiatives, visitors help keep the memory of Adolf Itzinger and countless others alive (Fabrizio Musacchio, 2024, Wiesbaden Stolpersteine Wikipedia, Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse).

For further insight, consider downloading the Wiesbaden Stolpersteine app and visiting related sites such as the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse. Share your experience to promote awareness and foster a culture of remembrance in Wiesbaden and beyond (Folklife Magazine).