Stolperstein Dedicated to Felix Berney

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Felix Berney in Wiesbaden is a powerful and intimate memorial that invites visitors to engage directly with the city’s Holocaust history and its once-vibrant Jewish community. As part of the international Stolpersteine project launched by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, these “stumbling stones” are decentralized memorials embedded into sidewalks at the last freely chosen residences or workplaces of Nazi victims. Each stone, including that for Felix Berney, stands not just as a tribute to an individual, but as a reflection of Wiesbaden’s commitment to remembrance and education.

This guide provides comprehensive historical context, detailed visitor information (including location, accessibility, and hours), and practical tips for making the most of your visit. Whether you are a student, a history enthusiast, or a respectful traveler, this memorial offers a unique opportunity for personal reflection and a deeper understanding of Wiesbaden’s complex past. The Stolperstein for Felix Berney is freely accessible year-round in the public space of Wiesbaden’s old town, specifically at Mauergasse 12 (sometimes referenced as Dernsche Höfe), and is easily reached on foot, by public transport, or by car. Nearby, you can also explore significant sites such as the Wiesbaden City Palace, Altes Rathaus, St. Bonifatius Church, and the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse, all of which enrich the story of Jewish heritage and Holocaust remembrance in the city.

Digital tools and guided tours further enhance the experience, offering biographies, interactive maps, and themed walks. The philosophy underpinning the Stolpersteine project is to bring remembrance to the ground level and foster reflection in daily life. For authoritative information, refer to official sources such as Stolpersteine.eu, the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse, and the Wiesbaden city website.

By visiting the Felix Berney Stolperstein, you take part in a meaningful act of remembrance, honoring the past while building awareness for future generations (Wikipedia: Stolperstein; Stolpersteine Wiesbaden; Traces of War).

The Stolpersteine Project: History and Significance

The Stolpersteine project is the world’s largest decentralized memorial, with over 100,000 stones laid across Europe by 2025 (Stolpersteine.eu). Each stone commemorates an individual victim of Nazi persecution—Jews, Roma, Sinti, political prisoners, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others—by marking their last self-chosen residence or workplace. The project began in 1992, and its grassroots approach has transformed urban landscapes into sites of memory, bringing history into daily life.

In Wiesbaden, the project began in 2008, supported by the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse and the city parliament (Jewiki: Wiesbaden Stolpersteine). Stones are installed in ceremonies involving local communities and descendants, reinforcing the personal and communal dimensions of remembrance.

The Story of Felix Berney

Early Life and Family

Felix Berney, born in 1883, lived with his wife, Rosalie (b. 1878), at Mauergasse 12 in Wiesbaden’s old town. They were members of the city’s Jewish middle class before the Holocaust (Traces of War: Mauergasse 12; Stolpersteinliste Wiesbaden, PDF).

Persecution and Deportation

Under the Nazi regime, the Berneys were subjected to escalating persecution, culminating in their deportation to the Sobibor extermination camp in 1942. Their Stolpersteine serve as enduring reminders of their lives and the broader community lost to the Holocaust.

Visiting the Felix Berney Stolperstein

Location and Accessibility

• Address: Mauergasse 12 / Dernsche Höfe, 65183 Wiesbaden, Germany (Mapcarta: Dernsche Höfe)
• Located in the city center, the site is easily accessible by foot, public transport, or car.
• Nearby parking garages: “Parkhaus Markt” and “Parkhaus Luisenplatz.”
• The area is pedestrian-friendly, but some sidewalks may be uneven due to cobblestones.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

• Hours: Open 24/7; the Stolperstein is embedded in a public sidewalk, accessible year-round.
• Tickets: No ticket or permit required; the site is free of charge.

Guided Tours and Special Events

• Guided Tours: Offered by the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse and local tour operators, these provide historical context and personal stories. Some tours may be available in English—check AMS for details.
• Special Events: Remembrance ceremonies, particularly on Holocaust Memorial Day (January 27), often include cleaning rituals and readings of victims’ names.

Nearby Historical and Cultural Sites

• Wiesbaden City Palace (Stadtschloss): Neoclassical seat of the Hessian State Parliament (Wiesbaden City Palace).
• Altes Rathaus: Oldest preserved building in Wiesbaden’s city center (Altes Rathaus Wiesbaden).
• St. Bonifatius Church: Neo-Gothic landmark on Luisenplatz.
• Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse: Exhibitions on Jewish life and Holocaust remembrance (AMS).
• Gedenkstätte Michelsberg: Holocaust memorial site.
• Kurhaus Wiesbaden: Historic spa house and gardens.
• Neroberg and Nerobergbahn: Panoramic city views and attractions.
• Taunusstraße: Famous for antiques, galleries, and cafes.

Practical Visitor Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Daylight hours (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM) for optimal visibility.
• Accessibility: Step-free access; most sites are wheelchair-friendly, though cobblestones may present minor challenges.
• Respectful Behavior: Pause to read the inscription, leave a small stone or flower, and avoid standing directly on the plaque.
• Photography: Permitted, but please be discreet and respectful.
• Weather Considerations: The site is outdoors—dress appropriately.

Rituals and Acts of Remembrance

• Cleaning the Stones: Polishing the brass is a symbolic act of care done by locals and visitors, especially on memorial dates.
• Placing Stones or Flowers: Reflects Jewish mourning customs and honors the memory of the victims.
• Reading Names Aloud: Performed during ceremonies to restore dignity and individuality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are there entry fees to visit the Felix Berney Stolperstein?
A: No, the Stolperstein is publicly accessible without charge.

Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: Daytime hours are recommended for visibility and safety.

Q: Are guided tours available in English?
A: Some AMS tours are offered in English; check their website or contact them directly.

Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, but some areas may have uneven surfaces—contact AMS for details.

Q: How can I support the Stolpersteine project?
A: Sponsor new stones or volunteer through the AMS website.