Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Josef Steinberg in Wiesbaden, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Josef Steinberg

Stolperstein Josef Steinberg Wiesbaden: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and History

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Wiesbaden, the capital of Hesse, Germany, is deeply committed to preserving the memory of Holocaust victims through the Stolpersteine (stumbling stones) project. Among the many Stolpersteine in the city is the stone dedicated to Josef Steinberg—a Jewish tobacco merchant whose life and fate epitomize the tragedies experienced by countless victims of Nazi persecution. Initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, the Stolpersteine project embeds small brass plaques in the pavements outside the last freely chosen residences of those persecuted by the Nazis (Stolpersteine.eu). These decentralized memorials transform everyday cityscapes into sites of remembrance, inviting passersby to engage with history on a personal level.

Josef Steinberg’s Stolperstein, set at his last residence in Wiesbaden, is a significant marker of both personal tragedy and communal remembrance. This guide provides visitors with all the essential information for a respectful and meaningful visit, including historical context, access details, ethical considerations, and suggestions for enriching your experience with nearby sites.

Introduction
Historical Background of the Stolpersteine Project
Josef Steinberg: Biography and Historical Context
Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden
Visiting the Josef Steinberg Stolperstein
Nearby Historical Sites and Attractions
Community Involvement and Memory Culture
Criticism and Public Discourse
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Visuals and Media Recommendations
Conclusion and Call to Action
References and External Links

Historical Background of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine project, created by Gunter Demnig in the early 1990s, honors victims of Nazi persecution—Jews, Sinti and Roma, disabled individuals, political dissidents, LGBTQ+ people, and others—by embedding 10 x 10 cm brass plaques in the pavement in front of their last freely chosen homes or workplaces (Stolpersteine.eu). The first stone was laid in Cologne in 1996, and as of 2025, the project has grown to over 100,000 stones across Europe (Fabrizio Musacchio).

Josef Steinberg: Biography and Historical Context

Josef Steinberg was born on April 2, 1893, in Berlin, into a family of tobacco merchants. He served in World War I as part of the 7th Bavarian Field Artillery and was wounded in action (moebus-flick.de). After the war, he moved to Wiesbaden, married Lydia Bielschowski (later divorced), and continued his trade. The rise of the Nazis led to increasingly restrictive conditions for Jewish residents. By the late 1930s, Steinberg was forced into one of Wiesbaden’s “Judenhäuser” (Jewish houses), living as a subtenant before his eventual deportation—a fate shared by many Jews under the Nazi regime.

Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden

Locations and Accessibility

Wiesbaden has embraced the Stolpersteine initiative since 2006, with over 700 stones installed at more than 400 locations (AMS Spiegelgasse). These memorials are distributed throughout the city, especially in central and historic neighborhoods.

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

All Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden, including Josef Steinberg’s, are accessible 24/7 as they are set in public sidewalks. There is no admission fee, and no tickets are required to visit.

Guided Tours and Educational Programs

Local museums, historical societies, and the Wiesbaden tourism office offer guided tours focusing on Jewish heritage and the Stolpersteine. These tours provide deeper historical context and highlight individual stories. Special events, particularly on Holocaust Remembrance Day, further enrich the visitor experience.

Visiting the Josef Steinberg Stolperstein

Josef Steinberg’s Stolperstein is positioned in front of his last freely chosen residence in Wiesbaden. The exact location and GPS coordinates can be found via the official Wiesbaden Stolpersteine map (Stolpersteine Wiesbaden Map). Public transportation and parking options are available nearby, and the site is accessible for visitors with limited mobility.

On-Site Etiquette and Ethical Guidelines

Quiet reflection: Approach the stone with respect; avoid loud or disruptive behavior.
Photography: Taking photos is permitted for educational purposes, but avoid blocking others or taking insensitive selfies.
Commemoration: Gently cleaning the plaque, or leaving a stone or flower, is a traditional and respectful act.
Preservation: Do not tamper with or damage the memorial; report any vandalism to local authorities.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Weather: Check forecasts and dress appropriately; rain or snow may obscure inscriptions.
Navigation: Use digital maps to locate the Stolperstein, as the plaques are small and can be easily missed.
Accessibility: The stones are generally flush with the pavement, enabling access for wheelchair users, though parked vehicles may occasionally obstruct view.

Nearby Historical Sites and Attractions

Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse: Exhibits on German-Jewish history and remembrance.
Jewish Museum of Hesse: Offers further context on Jewish life in the region (Jewish Museum of Hesse).
Wiesbaden Synagogue and Jewish Cemetery: Sites reflecting the city’s Jewish heritage.
Museum Wiesbaden: Art, natural history, and special exhibitions on the city’s past (Museum Wiesbaden).

Community Involvement and Memory Culture

Local communities, schools, and institutions are actively involved in researching victim biographies, sponsoring new Stolpersteine, and organizing commemorative events. This engagement strengthens intergenerational memory and fosters dialogue about tolerance and history (AMS Spiegelgasse).

Criticism and Public Discourse

Some critics question placing memorials on the ground, suggesting it may be disrespectful. Supporters counter that stooping to read the plaques is a meaningful act of remembrance, and the ongoing debates in Wiesbaden and elsewhere contribute to vibrant public discourse about memory, responsibility, and the methods of commemoration (Fabrizio Musacchio).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Stolpersteine?
A: Small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks to commemorate Holocaust victims at their last chosen residences.

Q: Are there tickets or entry fees?
A: No, visiting Stolpersteine is free and open at any time.

Q: How do I find specific stones, like Josef Steinberg’s?
A: Use the official Stolpersteine map or guides from local organizations.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, several local institutions offer guided walks and educational programs.

Q: Are the sites accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Most Stolpersteine are flush with the pavement and accessible, though some locations may have uneven surfaces.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Yes, but please do so respectfully and without obstructing the memorial or passersby.

Q: How can I support the project?
A: Consider donating to local organizations, participating in cleaning events, or sponsoring a new Stolperstein.

Visuals and Media Recommendations

High-quality images of the Josef Steinberg Stolperstein and other memorials can enhance your understanding. Virtual tours and interactive maps are available on the Wiesbaden tourism and project websites.

Alt text: Close-up image of the Josef Steinberg Stolperstein brass plaque embedded in a Wiesbaden sidewalk.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Visiting the Josef Steinberg Stolperstein in Wiesbaden is a powerful, personal way to engage with history and honor those lost in the Holocaust. Through respectful visitation, participation in educational programs, and support for local initiatives, visitors contribute to a living culture of remembrance.

For a richer experience, download the Audiala app for audio-guided tours and up-to-date information on Stolpersteine and other historical sites in Wiesbaden. Continue your journey by exploring related articles, attending local events, and sharing your reflections within your community.

References and External Links

By integrating these resources and practices, visitors can ensure their experience at the Josef Steinberg Stolperstein is meaningful, respectful, and educational.