Stolperstein commemorating Jenny Scherer geb. Horwitz in Wiesbaden, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Jenny Scherer Geb. Horwitz

Stolperstein Jenny Scherer Wiesbaden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) dedicated to Jenny Scherer (née Horwitz) in Wiesbaden stands as a deeply meaningful, personal reminder of the lives lost during the Holocaust. Part of the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial project, Stolpersteine are brass plaques embedded in city sidewalks that mark the last freely chosen residences of victims of Nazi persecution. The Stolperstein for Jenny Scherer, situated at Adelheidstraße 82 in central Wiesbaden, offers visitors a unique opportunity to connect directly with this history and reflect on the human stories behind the statistics (AMS Wiesbaden; Folklife Magazine).

This guide provides comprehensive information about the Stolperstein for Jenny Scherer: its historical context, cultural significance, practical details for visiting, and ways to engage with ongoing remembrance and educational efforts in Wiesbaden.

The Stolpersteine Project in Wiesbaden: Historical Context and Significance

Initiated by the German artist Gunter Demnig in the 1990s, the Stolpersteine project is now the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial. Each Stolperstein is a 10 x 10 cm brass-plated cobblestone, engraved with the name, birth year, and fate of an individual victim, and installed in front of their last freely chosen residence (Stolpersteine Project).

Wiesbaden has participated in this project since 2008, led by the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse für Deutsch-Jüdische Geschichte in Wiesbaden e.V. (AMS), in collaboration with Gunter Demnig. By April 2021, more than 700 Stolpersteine had been installed throughout Wiesbaden, commemorating over 1,500 Jewish victims and other persecuted groups. These stones transform the city’s sidewalks into a living memorial landscape, inviting spontaneous acts of remembrance and reflection (AMS Wiesbaden; Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden).

Biography of Jenny Scherer (née Horwitz)

Jenny Scherer, born Jenny Horwitz, was a Jewish woman residing in Wiesbaden before falling victim to Nazi persecution. While detailed biographical records are limited, her Stolperstein at Adelheidstraße 82 bears witness to her presence in the city and the tragic fate she shared with so many during the Holocaust. Archival sources confirm her connection to the Horwitz family, many of whom also perished in the Holocaust (Deutsche Digitale Bibliothek).

Memorialization Process and Community Involvement

The installation of Jenny Scherer’s Stolperstein was part of a city-wide initiative involving researchers, local historians, descendants, and community members. Each Stolperstein is funded by sponsorships—individuals or groups can contribute €120 for the materials, engraving, and installation (AMS Wiesbaden). Public ceremonies are held to mark installations, frequently involving school groups, local residents, and relatives, fostering a personal and community connection to the act of remembrance (Folklife Magazine).

Controversies and Ongoing Dialogue

While the Stolpersteine project is widely embraced, it has not been without controversy. Some have expressed concern about the placement of memorials in sidewalks, where they may be stepped on. In Wiesbaden, there was a temporary pause in new installations due to debates over the use of certain language on the stones. After public dialogue and adjustments, installations resumed, illustrating the evolving nature of public memory and commemoration (Wikipedia: Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden).

Visiting the Jenny Scherer Stolperstein: Practical Information

Location and Accessibility

Address: Adelheidstraße 82, 65185 Wiesbaden, Germany (Wikimedia Commons Image)
Neighborhood: Central Wiesbaden, near the main train station (Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof).
Accessibility: The stone is embedded flush with the sidewalk, making it accessible for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. Street conditions are typical of European cities and may vary.

Visiting Hours

Open Access: The Stolperstein is in a public sidewalk and accessible 24/7.
Best Time: Daytime (especially mornings or late afternoons) offers the most reflective experience.

Admission and Tickets

Free Admission: No tickets or reservations are required.

Guided Tours and Digital Resources

Guided Tours: Local organizations and the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse offer guided walking tours focusing on Jewish history and Stolpersteine. Check their websites or the Wiesbaden Tourist Information for schedules.
Stolpersteine App: The Stolpersteine Guide app provides interactive maps, biographies, and suggested walking routes.

Etiquette and Commemoration

Quiet Reflection: Pause to read and reflect. This is a site of remembrance.
Leave a Token: Placing a small stone or flower on or near the Stolperstein is appropriate and follows Jewish tradition (Jewish Mourning Customs).
Photography: Discreet photos are allowed, but avoid blocking the sidewalk or disturbing residents.
Cleaning: Gently polishing the Stolperstein with a soft cloth is a meaningful act of remembrance, especially on commemorative dates (Stolpersteine Cleaning).

Enhancing Your Visit

Research: Learn about Jenny Scherer and the broader context of Wiesbaden’s Jewish community before your visit (Stolpersteine Wiesbaden).
Visit Related Sites: Consider also visiting the Jewish Cemetery Wiesbaden (Jüdischer Friedhof Wiesbaden), the Holocaust Memorial at Michelsberg, and the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse for a deeper understanding of local history.
Participate in Community Events: Join public cleaning days or commemorative ceremonies to engage more fully with the Stolpersteine project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where exactly is Jenny Scherer’s Stolperstein located?
A: Adelheidstraße 82, 65185 Wiesbaden, Germany.

Q: Is the Stolperstein accessible for all visitors?
A: Yes, it is installed in a public sidewalk and is generally accessible, though surfaces may be uneven.

Q: Are tickets or reservations required?
A: No, visiting the Stolperstein is free and does not require tickets.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, check with Wiesbaden Tourist Information or the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse for tour schedules.

Q: Is there a digital resource for Stolpersteine?
A: Yes, the Stolpersteine Guide app offers biographies and walking tours.

Community Engagement and Preservation

Community involvement sustains the Stolpersteine project in Wiesbaden. Individuals and groups can sponsor new stones and participate in their installation. Volunteers regularly clean the stones, especially on Holocaust Remembrance Day and other anniversaries, ensuring the memorials remain visible and respected (AMS Wiesbaden; Folklife Magazine).

Further Resources

Conclusion

The Stolperstein dedicated to Jenny Scherer in Wiesbaden is more than a memorial plaque—it is a living point of connection between past and present, personal and collective memory. By visiting, reflecting, and engaging with this and other Stolpersteine, you honor those who suffered and help preserve the lessons of history for future generations. Download the Stolpersteine Guide app, participate in community events, and explore related sites to deepen your understanding and commitment to remembrance.