Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Cäcilie Goldstein Geb. Keins in Wiesbaden, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Cäcilie Goldstein Geb. Keins

Stolperstein Cäcilie Goldstein Wiesbaden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Cäcilie Goldstein (geb. Keins) in Wiesbaden, Germany, offers a profound and personal encounter with the history of the Holocaust. As part of a Europe-wide decentralized memorial project, this small brass plaque embedded in the city’s sidewalk marks the last freely chosen residence of a victim of Nazi persecution. This guide explores the origins and philosophy of the Stolpersteine, the historical context of Cäcilie Goldstein and Wiesbaden’s Jewish community, practical information for visitors, and ways to meaningfully engage with this site of memory.

The Stolpersteine Project: Origins and Philosophy

Conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) project is the world’s largest decentralized memorial for victims of Nazi persecution. Each 10 cm brass-plated stone is inscribed with the name, date of birth, fate, and—when known—the date and place of death of an individual victim (pragueviews.com; stolpersteine.eu). The stones are installed flush with sidewalks in front of the victims’ last freely chosen residences or workplaces, ensuring that remembrance is integrated into everyday life.

The project’s philosophy is rooted in the Talmudic teaching: “A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten.” Unlike large, centralized monuments, Stolpersteine personalize memory and foster reflection through physical encounters in ordinary places (BBC Travel; Smithsonian Folklife).

Wiesbaden and the Stolpersteine: Local Implementation and Community Engagement

Wiesbaden, the capital of Hesse, began participating in the Stolpersteine project in 2008, coordinated by the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse für Deutsch-Jüdische Geschichte in Wiesbaden e.V., in cooperation with Gunter Demnig (am-spiegelgasse.de). As of December 2024, the city is home to 784 Stolpersteine in front of 427 houses, commemorating former Jewish residents and others persecuted by the Nazis (de.wikipedia.org).

Community Involvement and Sponsorship

Wiesbaden’s Stolpersteine program is marked by robust community participation. Residents, schools, and organizations can sponsor a stone for €120, often researching and presenting the victim’s biography during installation ceremonies. Educational initiatives, such as the “Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden” app, provide digital walking tours and biographical information (stolpersteine-guide.de). Ongoing care, including cleaning and commemorative rituals on Holocaust Remembrance Day, reinforces the city’s commitment to remembrance (pragueviews.com).

Challenges and Dialogue

Wiesbaden’s experience mirrors the Stolpersteine project’s broader debates. In 2017–2018, a pause in installations occurred due to disagreements over inscription language—balancing historical accuracy against the sensitivities of Nazi-era terminology (de.wikipedia.org). The project’s continuity in Wiesbaden reflects ongoing dialogue about memory and representation.

Spotlight: Stolperstein for Cäcilie Goldstein (geb. Keins)

Biography and Historical Context

Cäcilie Goldstein, née Keins, was a Jewish resident of Wiesbaden. Like thousands of others, her life was shattered by Nazi persecution. While detailed personal records about Cäcilie are scarce, her Stolperstein serves as a representative memorial for Wiesbaden’s once-vibrant Jewish community, which numbered around 2,700 in 1933 and was decimated by deportation and murder during the Holocaust (wie.de). Cäcilie’s memorial is located at her last freely chosen residence, restoring her name to the living streets of the city.

Location and Accessibility

The Stolperstein for Cäcilie Goldstein is part of a network of memorial stones across Wiesbaden. The precise address is available via Stolpersteine maps and guides (mapcarta.com). Wiesbaden’s city center and public transport make the site easily accessible; sidewalks are generally wheelchair-friendly.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Stolpersteine are public memorials, accessible 24/7 without fee or reservation. No tickets are required, and there are no formal visiting hours.

Guided Tours and Digital Resources

Guided tours focusing on Wiesbaden’s Stolpersteine and Jewish heritage are offered periodically by the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse and local organizations. Self-guided walking tours are facilitated by the free “Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden” app, which includes maps, biographies, and suggested routes (stolpersteine-guide.de). For up-to-date tour information, consult the Wiesbaden city tourism site.

Enhancing Your Visit

Best Practices and Respectful Remembrance

Pause and reflect when visiting the Stolperstein.
Avoid stepping directly on the stone out of respect.
Consider leaving a flower or pebble, following Jewish custom.
Clean or polish the stone gently if it appears tarnished.
Photography is permitted, but be considerate of local residents.

Language and Signage

Inscriptions are in German, typically stating the name, maiden name (geb. Keins), date of birth, and fate. Translation apps or printed guides can assist non-German speakers.

Nearby Historical Sites and Attractions

Combine your visit with other significant sites:

Jewish Museum Wiesbaden (Jewish Museum Wiesbaden)
Wiesbaden Synagogue
Kurhaus Wiesbaden
Schlossplatz and Wiesbaden City Palace
Schloss Biebrich and the Nerobergbahn funicular (Komoot guide)

Accessibility and Amenities

Wiesbaden provides good barrier-free access, public restrooms, benches, and is generally safe for tourists. Public transport connects efficiently to major sites.

The Power and Impact of the Stolpersteine Project

Stolpersteine foster community dialogue and education. Schools and local groups research biographies and participate in installations, deepening historical understanding and empathy (BBC Travel; Smithsonian Folklife).

Controversies and Community Dialogue

Some cities have debated the appropriateness of Stolpersteine in public sidewalks, but supporters argue that their presence in daily life ensures ongoing remembrance. The project’s decentralized, participatory model remains a powerful tool for reconciliation and education (Smithsonian Folklife).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is the Stolperstein for Cäcilie Goldstein located?
The stone is embedded at her last voluntary residence in Wiesbaden. Maps are available via local guides and the Wiesbaden city website.

Are tickets or reservations required?
No. Stolpersteine are public memorials, accessible free of charge at all times.

Are guided tours available?
Yes. Tours can be booked through the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse or the city’s tourism office. The “Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden” app also provides self-guided tour options.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Most Stolpersteine are accessible via Wiesbaden’s sidewalks, but check specific routes for any barriers.

What else can I visit nearby?
The Jewish Museum Wiesbaden, Kurhaus, Schlossplatz, and Nerobergbahn are all within easy reach.

Visuals and Media

Images and maps can be included on the hosting site to illustrate Stolpersteine locations, installation ceremonies, and the app interface. Use descriptive alt text such as “Stolperstein for Cäcilie Goldstein embedded in Wiesbaden sidewalk” or “Map of Stolpersteine locations in Wiesbaden city center.”

Conclusion and Call to Action

Visiting the Stolperstein for Cäcilie Goldstein in Wiesbaden is a powerful act of remembrance. These understated memorials transform the city’s streets into sites of memory, education, and reflection. Whether you pause for a moment or join a guided tour, your engagement helps preserve the stories and dignity of those who suffered under Nazi persecution.

For an enriched experience, download the “Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden” app or the Audiala app for audio guides and historical context. Share your visit and help promote ongoing remembrance using hashtags like #Stolpersteine and #Wiesbaden.