Stolperstein Dedicated To Anna Strauß Geb. Weis

Stolperstein Anna Strauß Wiesbaden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Visiting the Stolperstein dedicated to Anna Strauß (geb. Weis) in Wiesbaden, Germany, offers a deeply meaningful way to engage with the city’s Jewish heritage and the memory of Holocaust victims. Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,” are small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks across Europe, each commemorating an individual victim of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residence. Initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolpersteine project has become the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, with over 100,000 stones installed as of 2025 (Stolpersteine official site).

This guide provides comprehensive, practical information for visiting the Stolperstein of Anna Strauß, including its location, accessibility, visiting etiquette, and the broader significance of the Stolpersteine project within Wiesbaden’s historical landscape. Whether you are a local, a tourist, or a student of history, this resource will help you engage thoughtfully with the living memory embedded in Wiesbaden’s streets.

The Stolperstein Project: Concept and History
Anna Strauß’s Stolperstein: Historical Background
Visiting the Stolperstein: Location, Hours, and Access
Visitor Etiquette and Community Engagement
Guided Tours and Educational Opportunities
Nearby Historical Sites and Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Further Resources
References

The Stolperstein Project: Concept and History

Stolpersteine are a decentralized memorial initiative created by Gunter Demnig in 1992 to commemorate victims of Nazi oppression: Jews, Sinti and Roma, political dissidents, the disabled, and others targeted by the regime. Each Stolperstein is a 10x10 cm brass plaque bearing the victim’s name, birth date, fate, and, where known, date and place of death. The project’s motto, “A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten,” reflects its mission to restore individual identities lost to the Holocaust (Stolpersteine official site).

In Wiesbaden, the capital of Hesse, over 694 Stolpersteine had been installed by late 2024, integrated into neighborhoods throughout the city (Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse). Local organizations, such as the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse für Deutsch-Jüdische Geschichte, lead research, installation, and community engagement, ensuring that the stories behind each stone are preserved and shared.

Anna Strauß’s Stolperstein: Historical Background

Anna Strauß (née Weis) was a Jewish resident of Wiesbaden whose life was violently disrupted by Nazi persecution. Her Stolperstein marks her last freely chosen residence at Adelheidstraße 90 (TracesOfWar – Adelheidstraße 90). The plaque reads:

“Hier wohnte Anna Strauß, geb. Weis, Jg. 1869, gedemütigt/entrechtet, Flucht in den Tod 24.8.1942”
(“Here lived Anna Strauß, née Weis, born 1869, humiliated/deprived of rights, fled to death 24.8.1942”)

This inscription acknowledges the tragic reality that, like many, Anna Strauß was driven to suicide by Nazi persecution (Jewiki). Her Stolperstein stands not only as a personal memorial but as a representation of the broader suffering and resilience of Wiesbaden’s Jewish community.

Visiting the Stolperstein: Location, Hours, and Access

Location

Address: Adelheidstraße 90, Wiesbaden, Germany
Neighborhood: Rheingauviertel, near the Ringkirche and within walking distance of other Stolpersteine (Mapcarta)

Visiting Hours

Open Access: Stolpersteine are located in public sidewalks and can be visited at any time, year-round. No tickets or reservations are required.
Best Times: Daylight hours—especially mornings or late afternoons—are recommended for optimal visibility and a quieter, more contemplative experience.

Getting There

By Foot or Bicycle: The site is easily accessible within central Wiesbaden.
Public Transportation: Well served by Wiesbaden’s bus and rail network.
Parking: Limited street parking and public garages nearby; check local signage.

Accessibility

The Stolperstein is flush with the pavement and generally accessible to wheelchairs and mobility aids, though some sidewalks may be uneven in places.

Navigational Tools

Use the “Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden” app or Stolpersteine Wiesbaden website for interactive maps and walking routes.
Digital guides provide biographies, historical context, and links to related memorials (Wiesbaden lebt!).

Visitor Etiquette and Community Engagement

How to Engage Respectfully

Pause and Reflect: Stand quietly, read the inscription, and honor the individual’s memory.
Leave a Token: Placing a small stone or flower is a meaningful gesture rooted in Jewish tradition.
Cleaning the Stone: Gently polishing the brass plaque helps keep the memory alive; locals often bring a cloth for this purpose (Prague Views).
Photography: Discreet photography is welcome. When sharing photos, consider including information about Anna Strauß and the Stolpersteine project to raise awareness.
Respect Residents: Stolpersteine are placed in front of private homes—avoid blocking entrances or disturbing daily life.

Community Involvement

Cleaning Events: Regular “Stolpersteine putzen” (cleaning) events are held by local groups (Wiesbaden lebt!).
Ceremonies: Installation ceremonies and annual memorial events are open to the public (Stolpersteine Wiesbaden Events).
Sponsorship: Individuals and organizations may sponsor new Stolpersteine, supporting the continuation of this memorial practice.

Guided Tours and Educational Opportunities

Guided Tours: Local organizations such as Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse offer guided Stolpersteine tours, sharing personal stories and providing historical context (Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse).
Self-Guided Walks: Use interactive apps or printable maps to explore Stolpersteine at your own pace.
Educational Programs: Schools often participate in research, cleaning, and ceremony activities, integrating the Stolpersteine into curricula (Stolpersteine Education).

Nearby Historical Sites and Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring related sites:

Other Stolpersteine: Multiple stones are within walking distance, including those for Siegfried Weis and Sophie Morgenthau (Mapcarta).
Stadtmuseum am Markt (sam): Features exhibitions on Wiesbaden’s Jewish history and the Stolpersteine project (Wiesbaden lebt!).
Ringkirche: A notable neo-Romanesque church nearby.
Jewish Cemetery and Museum: For broader context on local Jewish heritage (Wiesbaden.de).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are Stolpersteine free to visit?
A: Yes, they are public memorials accessible at any time, free of charge.

Q: What are the best times to visit?
A: Weekday mornings or early afternoons, especially from late spring to early autumn, offer comfortable conditions and less foot traffic.

Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible for people with disabilities?
A: The stone is installed flush with the pavement and is generally accessible, though some sidewalks in Wiesbaden may be uneven.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, check with the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse or the Stolpersteine Wiesbaden initiative for schedules and bookings.

Q: How can I find the exact location of Anna Strauß’s Stolperstein?
A: Use the Stolpersteine Wiesbaden website or digital map apps for directions.

Conclusion and Further Resources

The Stolperstein for Anna Strauß in Wiesbaden stands as a powerful reminder of the city’s Jewish history and the enduring need for remembrance. Visiting this memorial is not only a chance to honor one individual’s memory, but also to reflect on the countless stories behind each stone. Make your visit more meaningful by engaging with digital resources, participating in community events, and exploring nearby historical sites.

For further exploration:

Download the “Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden” app for guided tours, biographies, and updates.
Visit the Stolpersteine Wiesbaden and Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse websites for more information and event calendars.
Join remembrance events or volunteer to help maintain these vital memorials.

Image suggestions (for publication):

A photograph of the Stolperstein for Anna Strauß at Adelheidstraße 90 (alt text: “Stolperstein for Anna Strauß in Wiesbaden, Germany”)
Map showing the location of Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden
Images of nearby landmarks such as the Ringkirche or Stadtmuseum am Markt