Alfred Cussel

DE

Alfred Cussel
Alfred Cussel
Location
DE
Category
heritage historic sites
Coordinates
51.4591561, 7.008149
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

The Stolpersteine dedicated to Alfred Cussel, Emma Cussel (née Steinweg), Leo Cussel, and Walter Cussel serve as a solemn memorial within the German project of the same name, initiated by artist Gunter Demnig. These "stumbling stones" are small, brass-plated concrete cubes installed into the pavement in front of the last known freely chosen residences of victims of the National Socialist regime. By marking the locations where these individuals lived before their persecution, deportation, or murder, the project seeks to honor their memory and integrate their personal histories back into the urban fabric of modern Germany. Visitors to these sites often come to pay their respects to the Cussel family, acknowledging the profound human cost of the Holocaust. When planning your trip ideas to explore the history of the region, these memorials offer a poignant opportunity for reflection on the individual lives lost during this dark period. As you engage with these local attractions, you are participating in a decentralized, grassroots act of remembrance that spans across Europe. The stones are situated at street level, allowing passersby to literally stumble upon the names and fates of those who were forcibly removed from their homes. It is a quiet, contemplative experience that invites visitors to pause and acknowledge the history contained within the everyday streets of German cities.

General information

The Stolpersteine dedicated to Alfred Cussel, Emma Cussel (née Steinweg), Leo Cussel, and Walter Cussel serve as a solemn memorial within the German project of the same name, initiated by artist Gunter Demnig. These "stumbling stones" are small, brass-plated concrete cubes installed into the pavement in front of the last known freely chosen residences of victims of the National Socialist regime. By marking the locations where these individuals lived before their persecution, deportation, or murder, the project seeks to honor their memory and integrate their personal histories back into the urban fabric of modern Germany. Visitors to these sites often come to pay their respects to the Cussel family, acknowledging the profound human cost of the Holocaust. When planning your trip ideas to explore the history of the region, these memorials offer a poignant opportunity for reflection on the individual lives lost during this dark period. As you engage with these local attractions, you are participating in a decentralized, grassroots act of remembrance that spans across Europe. The stones are situated at street level, allowing passersby to literally stumble upon the names and fates of those who were forcibly removed from their homes. It is a quiet, contemplative experience that invites visitors to pause and acknowledge the history contained within the everyday streets of German cities.

Did you know

  • The Stolpersteine project is considered the world's largest decentralized memorial.
  • Each stone is hand-crafted and bears the name and dates of life of the victim.
  • The term 'Stolperstein' translates to 'stumbling stone,' intended to make people 'stumble' with their minds and hearts rather than their feet.

History

The Stolpersteine project was launched in 1992 by the German artist Gunter Demnig. The initiative focuses on remembering victims of the Nazi era—including Jews, Romani people, political dissidents, and others—by placing memorial plaques in the pavement at their last known residences. The memorial for Alfred, Emma, Leo, and Walter Cussel is part of this expansive network of thousands of markers across Germany and Europe. These specific stones document the tragic history of the Cussel family, who were among the millions targeted by the systematic persecution and genocide orchestrated by the National Socialist regime during the 1930s and 1940s.

Cultural significance

These memorials hold immense cultural significance as they transform the act of remembrance into a daily occurrence. By embedding the names of Alfred, Emma, Leo, and Walter Cussel into the public walkway, the project forces a confrontation with the past in the middle of modern, bustling life. It serves as a reminder that the victims were once neighbors, residents, and members of the community. This method of memorialization is widely regarded as a powerful way to ensure that the Holocaust is not relegated to distant textbooks, but is recognized as a part of the local history of the streets where we walk today.

Geography and landscape

The Stolpersteine are located directly within the sidewalk pavement of public streets. They are designed to be part of the existing urban landscape, often found in front of residential buildings or former business locations. Because they are installed at ground level, they are subject to the natural elements and the surrounding urban environment. The landscape is typically that of a standard city street, characterized by concrete or stone paving, nearby architecture, and the daily flow of pedestrian traffic. They are not contained within a traditional museum or gated park, but are integrated into the very fabric of the city.

More facts

  • Imported from OSM batch

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