Stolperstein Dedicated to André Hoevel

Introduction

The Stolperstein ("stumbling stone") dedicated to André Hoevel in Wiesbaden serves as a powerful tribute to an individual who courageously resisted the Nazi regime, alongside his wife, Anneliese. As part of the world’s largest decentralized memorial project, this Stolperstein invites reflection and remembrance directly within the city’s everyday landscape. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of the memorial’s historical context, practical visiting information, and ways to enrich your experience through local resources and community engagement.

The Stolperstein Project: Origins and Impact

Initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolperstein project was conceived to honor individuals persecuted by National Socialism by embedding personalized brass plaques in public sidewalks outside their last freely chosen residences (stolpersteine.eu; germany.info). By 2025, over 116,000 Stolpersteine have been installed across 31 European countries, making remembrance an integrated part of urban life and fostering direct, personal connections to history.

The project’s decentralized nature democratizes memory: stones commemorate a diverse range of victims—including Jews, Roma, Sinti, political dissidents, LGBTQ+ individuals, and the disabled—ensuring that remembrance remains inclusive and relevant today (IamExpat).

André Hoevel: Life and Legacy

André Hoevel was born on February 24, 1900, in Pallien, now part of Trier. After serving in World War I, he studied agriculture and social economics at the University of Bonn, and spent several years in the United States, experiences that shaped his worldview and opposition to the Nazi regime. Upon returning to Germany, Hoevel and his wife Anneliese became active in resistance activities. The couple was arrested on November 30, 1941, in Koblenz, and subsequently sentenced to death for their anti-Nazi efforts. They were executed by guillotine at Frankfurt-Preungesheim prison on August 28, 1942 (TracesOfWar; Aktive Museum Spiegelgasse; mahnmal-koblenz.de).

Their story is emblematic of the broader scope of Nazi persecution, which extended beyond Jewish victims to those who resisted or were deemed "enemies of the state." André Hoevel’s courage also inspired literature, serving as a model for a character in Bruno Apitz’s novel "Nackt unter Wölfen" (museumspiegelgasse.de).

Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden: Community and Remembrance

Wiesbaden has actively participated in the Stolperstein project since 2008, with hundreds of stones installed citywide (Wiesbaden City Official Site). The initiative is supported by local museums, volunteers, and the Committee for Citizen Participation, International Understanding, and Integration. Each Stolperstein is meticulously researched and installed with community involvement, and the city regularly organizes educational programs, guided tours, and commemorative events (Aktive Museum Spiegelgasse).

Visiting the Stolperstein for André Hoevel

Location

• Address: Herderstraße 10, 65185 Wiesbaden, Germany
• GPS Coordinates: 50.073337, 8.235916
• View Map Location

The memorial is embedded in the pavement directly in front of this residence.

Visiting Hours and Admission

• Hours: Accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Admission: Free; no ticket required

As a public memorial, the Stolperstein can be visited at any time. Daylight hours are recommended for optimal visibility and safety.

How to Get There

• Public Transport: Herderstraße is served by local buses from Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof and the city center.
• On Foot: A 10–15 minute walk from the train station or city center.
• By Car: Street parking is limited; public parking garages are available nearby.

Accessibility

The Stolperstein is installed flush with the sidewalk, making it generally accessible to wheelchair users. However, sidewalk and street conditions may vary—check ahead if you have specific accessibility needs.

Enhancing Your Visit

• Guided Tours: Wiesbaden’s tourist office and local organizations offer walking tours that include Stolpersteine and other sites related to the city’s Jewish and resistance history. Advance booking is recommended for group tours (Tourismus Wiesbaden).
• Digital Resources: Download the Audiala app for guided audio tours and augmented reality experiences at Stolperstein locations (Audiala).
• Educational Materials: The Aktive Museum Spiegelgasse offers exhibitions, workshops, and brochures on Wiesbaden’s Jewish and resistance history (Aktive Museum Spiegelgasse).

Cultural Etiquette and Commemoration

• Respectful Conduct: Take time to pause and reflect. Photography is permitted but should be discreet.
• Cleaning Ritual: It is traditional to gently polish Stolpersteine with a soft cloth as a sign of respect.
• Remembrance Practices: Placing small stones or flowers on the Stolperstein is a meaningful gesture of remembrance.

Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with other Wiesbaden landmarks:

• Museum Wiesbaden
• Hessian State Theatre
• Wilhelmstraße boulevard
  See TouristPlaces.Guide for additional recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for the Stolperstein André Hoevel?
A: The memorial is accessible at all times; there are no set hours.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No, it is free to visit.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, walking tours covering Stolpersteine and Wiesbaden’s historical sites are available through the tourist office and partner organizations.

Q: Is the Stolperstein wheelchair accessible?
A: Generally yes, as it is installed in the sidewalk, but check for local conditions.

Q: How can I support remembrance initiatives?
A: You can donate to or sponsor Stolpersteine through the Aktive Museum Spiegelgasse and city partners (Wiesbaden City Official Site).

Supporting and Exploring Further

• Stolperstein App: Use digital apps for maps and background information (Aktive Museum Spiegelgasse).
• Community Events: Wiesbaden holds ceremonies for new Stolperstein installations and commemorative dates—check local calendars for opportunities to participate.