Stolperstein memorial stone dedicated to Manfred Sulzberger in Wiesbaden, Germany

Stolperstein Dedicated To Manfred Sulzberger

Visiting the Stolperstein Dedicated to Manfred Sulzberger in Wiesbaden, Germany – Comprehensive Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

The Stolperstein dedicated to Manfred Sulzberger in Wiesbaden provides a moving and educational encounter with the memory of Holocaust victims and the wider context of Jewish life and suffering under National Socialism. Stolpersteine (“stumbling stones”) are small brass plaques set into pavements in front of the last freely chosen residences of victims, serving as decentralized, individualized memorials. Initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in the 1990s, this project has become the world’s largest memorial of its kind, with over 100,000 stones installed across more than 1,200 cities in Europe—including 784 in Wiesbaden (World Heritage USA; Wikipedia).

The Stolperstein for Manfred Sulzberger not only honors an individual life lost to the Holocaust but also symbolizes Wiesbaden’s commitment to remembrance and education. Sulzberger’s story is interwoven with the vibrant Jewish community that once thrived in Wiesbaden and the devastating consequences of Nazi persecution. The memorial is accessible at all times, without admission fees, and is situated in a residential neighborhood easily reached by public transport. Visitors seeking to deepen their experience can take advantage of guided tours by the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse or use digital resources like the Stolpersteine Wiesbaden app for maps and biographies (am-spiegelgasse.de; Wiesbaden Tourism).

This guide will equip you with practical details on accessibility, nearby historical sites, respectful engagement, and the broader historical context. Whether you are a resident, a history enthusiast, or a tourist, you are invited to reflect, learn, and honor the memory of Manfred Sulzberger and the countless others commemorated by these enduring stones.

Historical Background of the Stolpersteine Project
Origins and Purpose
Growth and Scale
Wiesbaden’s Stolpersteine: Local Implementation and Community Engagement
Memorial and Educational Significance
Practical Visitor Guide
Location, Accessibility, and Getting There
Visiting Hours and Admission
Guided Tours and Digital Resources
On-Site Etiquette
Nearby Historical Sites and Events
Manfred Sulzberger: Biography and Context
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary and Visitor Tips
Sources

Historical Background of the Stolpersteine Project

Origins and Purpose

The Stolpersteine project was created by German artist Gunter Demnig in the 1990s. It aims to commemorate the individual victims of National Socialism—including Jews, Roma, Sinti, political prisoners, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others—by placing small, hand-engraved brass plaques in public sidewalks at their last freely chosen addresses. Each plaque bears the victim’s name, date of birth, fate, and (where known) the place and date of death (World Heritage USA).

The project is rooted in the Talmudic saying, “A person is only forgotten when his or her name is forgotten.” By restoring names and stories to public spaces, Stolpersteine challenge the erasure and dehumanization that accompanied the Holocaust (Traces of War).

Growth and Scale

Since its inception, the Stolpersteine project has become the largest decentralized memorial in the world, with more than 100,000 stones placed in over 1,200 cities across Europe and beyond. As of 2025, Wiesbaden has 784 Stolpersteine at 427 locations (Wikipedia). Local citizens, schools, and organizations research the histories of victims, sponsor stones (approx. 120 euros per stone), and participate in installation ceremonies, often led by Demnig himself (World Heritage USA).

Wiesbaden’s Stolpersteine: Local Implementation and Community Engagement

Wiesbaden’s Stolpersteine initiative began in 2008, coordinated by the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse für Deutsch-Jüdische Geschichte in partnership with Gunter Demnig. Local sponsorships (“Stolpersteinpatenschaften”) allow citizens to support the commemoration of victims connected to specific addresses or families (Wikipedia). The project is supported by city authorities and fosters a sense of shared responsibility for remembrance.

Occasional controversies have arisen, such as debates over the language used on plaques—whether to retain original Nazi-era terminology or use more sensitive phrasing. These discussions highlight the ongoing negotiation between historical accuracy and respectful memorialization.

Memorial and Educational Significance

Stolpersteine are embedded in everyday life, inviting passersby to “stumble” on memory—both physically and emotionally. Each stone is dedicated to an individual, reinforcing the idea that every story matters. Schools and youth groups often participate in research and installation, fostering intergenerational dialogue about history (World Heritage USA). The project’s success has inspired similar initiatives internationally.

Practical Visitor Guide

Location, Accessibility, and Getting There

The Stolperstein for Manfred Sulzberger is located in Wiesbaden, in front of the last freely chosen residence of the Sulzberger family. The precise address can be found via the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse database or the Wiesbaden Stolpersteine app.

Getting There:

Public Transport: The memorial is easily reached by bus or on foot from central Wiesbaden. The nearest stop is “Dern’sches Gelände.”
Car: Street parking is available but limited; public transport is recommended.
Tourist Information: For detailed directions and additional resources, visit the Wiesbaden Tourist Information Center at Marktplatz 1.

Visiting Hours and Admission

Hours: Stolpersteine are outdoors and accessible 24/7.
Admission: Free of charge, with no tickets required.

Guided Tours and Digital Resources

Guided Tours: The Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse offers regular guided tours covering Jewish history and Stolpersteine locations. Advance booking is recommended (am-spiegelgasse.de).
Digital Tools: The Stolpersteine Wiesbaden app provides maps and biographies for self-guided walks.
Tourist Information: Staff can suggest local historians for private or group tours.

On-Site Etiquette

Respectful Conduct: Maintain a quiet demeanor and avoid blocking residents’ entrances.
Photography: Discreet photos are welcome, but respect the privacy of nearby homes.
Commemorative Gestures: Placing small stones or flowers is customary and appreciated, provided it does not obstruct the plaque.

Accessibility

Physical Access: Stolpersteine are installed at ground level, generally accessible to wheelchair users. Some sidewalks may have uneven surfaces—plan accordingly.
Additional Support: For visitors with special needs, the Tourist Information Center offers barrier-free services and advice.

Nearby Historical Sites and Events

Enhance your visit by exploring:

Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse: Offers exhibitions and resources on Jewish history.
Michelsberg Memorial: Honors over 1,500 murdered Wiesbaden Jews.
Wiesbaden City Palace, Kurhaus, and Jewish Museum: Provide further insight into local culture and history.
Commemorative Events: Wiesbaden hosts public ceremonies on Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27) and during Stolpersteine installations.

Manfred Sulzberger: Biography and Context

Manfred Sulzberger was born into a Jewish family in Wiesbaden and lived there until his deportation. The Sulzberger family was part of a vibrant Jewish community—over 2,700 members in the 1920s—deeply integrated into local society. Following the rise of the Nazis in 1933, the family experienced increasing exclusion, disenfranchisement, and persecution, eventually leading to their deportation and murder during the Holocaust.

The Stolperstein for Manfred Sulzberger, alongside stones for other family members, anchors their story in the city’s collective memory. The installation ceremonies, often attended by relatives and community members, are emotionally significant moments that revive personal histories and foster reflection. Documentation on the Sulzberger family is available through the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse, local libraries, and museums (am-spiegelgasse.de).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is the Stolperstein for Manfred Sulzberger?
The stone is located at the family’s last freely chosen residence in Wiesbaden. Consult the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse database for the exact address.

Are Stolpersteine free to visit?
Yes, they are public memorials with free, 24/7 access.

Are guided tours available?
Yes. Regular tours are provided by the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse. Check their website for schedules.

Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Generally yes, as Stolpersteine are at ground level. Some sidewalks may have uneven spots.

Can I take photos?
Photography is permitted. Be courteous to local residents and avoid blocking pathways.

How can I support the Stolpersteine project?
You can sponsor a stone (approx. 120 euros) or donate via the Stolpersteine website.

Summary and Visitor Tips

The Stolperstein for Manfred Sulzberger is a poignant and intimate memorial, connecting personal memory with the collective history of Wiesbaden’s Jewish community. As part of the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust remembrance project, Stolpersteine personalize loss and embed memory in daily life. Visitors are encouraged to: