Stolperstein Dedicated to Wilhelm Simon

Introduction

Walking through Wiesbaden, Germany, visitors encounter a unique and moving form of remembrance: the Stolpersteine, or "stumbling stones." Conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, these 10x10 cm brass plaques are embedded in the pavement to commemorate victims of Nazi persecution at their last freely chosen residence or workplace. The Stolpersteine project is now the world’s largest decentralized Holocaust memorial, with over 116,000 stones installed across 31 countries. In Wiesbaden, the Stolperstein dedicated to Wilhelm Simon stands as a powerful testament to one individual’s life, interrupted by Nazi terror, and invites visitors to reflect on the broader history of the Holocaust (Stolpersteine.eu; Wikipedia: Stolperstein).

This guide details the historical significance of the Stolperstein for Wilhelm Simon, provides practical information for visitors—including location, accessibility, and nearby attractions—and offers insights into the cultural impact of this living memorial in Wiesbaden.

Historical Context: The Stolpersteine Project in Wiesbaden

The Stolpersteine initiative began in Cologne and quickly spread across Europe, commemorating not only Jewish victims but also Sinti and Roma, political prisoners, LGBTQ+ individuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others targeted by the Nazi regime. In Wiesbaden, the project has been active since 2005, coordinated by the Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse für Deutsch-Jüdische Geschichte (AMS), which manages research, installation, and educational outreach (am-spiegelgasse.de). As of December 2024, Wiesbaden hosts 784 Stolpersteine in front of 427 houses, with municipal support ensuring the project’s sustainability and integration into the urban landscape (wiesbaden-lebt.de; de.wikipedia.org).

The Stolperstein for Wilhelm Simon

Location and Description

Wilhelm Simon’s Stolperstein is located at Mauergasse 19, Wiesbaden (coordinates: 50.081171, 8.240489), embedded in the sidewalk outside his last freely chosen residence (tracesofwar.com). This stone is part of a cluster that also commemorates Mathilde Simon and Rebecka Wolff, reflecting the family’s tragic fate during the Nazi era.

Each stone is a brass plaque inscribed with the individual's name, birth year, and fate, inviting passersby to “stumble” upon these reminders and encouraging moments of reflection (germany.info).

Historical Background

Wilhelm Simon was a Jewish resident of Wiesbaden. The Stolperstein marks his last voluntary address before Nazi persecution led to his death in 1941. The grouping of his stone with those of Mathilde Simon and Rebecka Wolff shows how entire families were uprooted and, in many cases, murdered. Over 1,500 Jewish Wiesbaden citizens were killed between 1933 and 1945 (am-spiegelgasse.de; tracesofwar.com).

Significance and Cultural Impact

Memorialization and Public Engagement

Stolpersteine serve as both memorials and educational tools, integrating remembrance into everyday urban life. In Wiesbaden, volunteers and local organizations maintain the stones, regularly cleaning them to preserve their visibility and meaning (wiesbaden-lebt.de). The network of Stolpersteine across the city personalizes the scale of loss, making history tangible for residents and visitors alike (en.wikipedia.org).

Educational Initiatives

The Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse publishes research and biographies of those commemorated, available in print and online (am-spiegelgasse.de). Schools participate in researching, cleaning, and sponsoring Stolpersteine, promoting intergenerational dialogue. The "Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden" app, developed by students, offers maps and detailed backgrounds for each stone, enabling self-guided exploration (wiesbaden-lebt.de).

Visiting the Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden: Practical Information

Visiting Hours and Tickets

• Hours: Stolpersteine are public memorials in open sidewalks and can be visited any time, year-round.
• Tickets: No admission fee or tickets required.

Accessibility

• Stolpersteine are generally accessible, being set into public pavements. Some areas may have uneven sidewalks, so visitors with mobility challenges should plan accordingly.

Directions

• Address for Wilhelm Simon’s Stolperstein: Mauergasse 19, 65183 Wiesbaden
• Coordinates: 50.081171, 8.240489 (tracesofwar.com)
• Public Transport: The site is within walking distance from Wiesbaden Hauptbahnhof and accessible by city bus and tram.
• Parking: Public garages and street parking are available nearby, though they may fill during busy hours.

Visiting Tips

• When to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons are quieter for contemplative visits.
• How to Find: Stolpersteine are small and flush with the pavement, placed near building entrances—look carefully for the distinctive brass plaques.
• Etiquette: Pause, read the inscription, and consider leaving a small stone or flower as a tribute.
• Photography: Permitted, but be respectful of the memorial’s solemn purpose.

Guided Tours and Special Events

• Guided Tours: Offered periodically by Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse and other local organizations. Check their website or the Wiesbaden tourism portal for schedules.
• Events: Annual commemorations, such as Holocaust Remembrance Day, often feature Stolperstein walks and cleaning ceremonies (wiesbaden-lebt.de).

Enhance Your Visit

• Digital Tools: Download the "Stolpersteine in Wiesbaden" app for navigation, biographies, and self-guided tours (wiesbaden-lebt.de).
• Nearby Attractions: Extend your visit to the Wiesbaden Museum, Kurhaus, and the Gedenkstätte am Michelsberg to further explore the city’s history.

Community Involvement

Residents and volunteers keep the Stolpersteine project alive through regular cleaning, educational programs, and sponsorship of new stones. Sponsoring a new Stolperstein currently costs €120 (am-spiegelgasse.de). Community events, especially around remembrance days, foster a living culture of memory in Wiesbaden.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are Stolpersteine?
Small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks, commemorating individuals persecuted by the Nazis at their last freely chosen residence (Stolpersteine.eu).

Where is the Wilhelm Simon Stolperstein?
At Mauergasse 19, Wiesbaden; coordinates 50.081171, 8.240489 (tracesofwar.com).

Are there visiting hours or tickets?
No. Stolpersteine are accessible to the public at any time and free of charge.

Are guided tours available?
Yes. Check with Aktives Museum Spiegelgasse or the Wiesbaden tourism office for schedules.

Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
Generally yes, as the plaques are set flush in pavements, though sidewalk conditions may vary.

How can I contribute?
You can sponsor new Stolpersteine or participate in cleaning and remembrance events (am-spiegelgasse.de).