Wilhelm Kohn

DE

Wilhelm Kohn
Wilhelm Kohn
Location
DE
Category
heritage historic sites
Coordinates
48.7651991, 9.1692174
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

Wilhelm Kohn is a site of historical remembrance located in Germany, specifically associated with the Stolpersteine project. These "stumbling stones" are small, brass-plated cobblestones installed in the pavement in front of the last self-chosen residences of victims of the Nazi regime. The memorial dedicated to Wilhelm Kohn serves as a poignant reminder of the individual lives lost during the Holocaust, marking the specific location where he once lived before his displacement and subsequent persecution. Visitors coming to pay their respects can expect a somber, reflective experience as they engage with the history of the individual commemorated at this site. For those researching local heritage or seeking meaningful places to visit in the region, the Stolpersteine markers offer a profound connection to the past. While the site itself is a singular point of remembrance, it is often part of a wider network of historical markers throughout the city, providing essential context for those interested in the personal stories behind the broader historical narrative. When planning your visit, it is advisable to check the local forecast before heading out, as these markers are located outdoors. Morning or early afternoon hours are generally considered the best time to visit to ensure optimal visibility for reading the inscriptions on the stones.

General information

Wilhelm Kohn is a site of historical remembrance located in Germany, specifically associated with the Stolpersteine project. These "stumbling stones" are small, brass-plated cobblestones installed in the pavement in front of the last self-chosen residences of victims of the Nazi regime. The memorial dedicated to Wilhelm Kohn serves as a poignant reminder of the individual lives lost during the Holocaust, marking the specific location where he once lived before his displacement and subsequent persecution. Visitors coming to pay their respects can expect a somber, reflective experience as they engage with the history of the individual commemorated at this site. For those researching local heritage or seeking meaningful places to visit in the region, the Stolpersteine markers offer a profound connection to the past. While the site itself is a singular point of remembrance, it is often part of a wider network of historical markers throughout the city, providing essential context for those interested in the personal stories behind the broader historical narrative. When planning your visit, it is advisable to check the local forecast before heading out, as these markers are located outdoors. Morning or early afternoon hours are generally considered the best time to visit to ensure optimal visibility for reading the inscriptions on the stones.

Did you know

  • The Stolpersteine project is the world's largest decentralized memorial.
  • Each stone is hand-crafted and bears the name, birth year, and fate of a Nazi victim.
  • The project was initiated by German artist Gunter Demnig in 1992.

History

The site is part of the Stolpersteine project, which commemorates victims of the National Socialist regime. Wilhelm Kohn was a victim of this era, and the stone serves to restore the memory of his life at his former residence. The history of the site is inextricably linked to the systematic persecution, deportation, and murder of Jewish citizens and other groups targeted by the Nazi state between 1933 and 1945. By placing these stones, the project ensures that the names of those intended to be forgotten remain part of the urban landscape, forcing passersby to literally 'stumble' over the history of their own neighborhoods.

Cultural significance

The Stolpersteine project holds immense cultural significance as a form of grassroots, decentralized memorialization. Unlike large, centralized monuments, these stones bring the reality of the Holocaust into the everyday lives of citizens. They transform public spaces into sites of contemplation, challenging individuals to acknowledge the presence of victims within their own communities. Culturally, this serves as an act of 're-humanization,' as it emphasizes the individual identity of the victim over the anonymity of mass statistics, fostering a culture of remembrance and collective responsibility in modern Germany.

Geography and landscape

The site is located in an urban residential setting, integrated directly into the public sidewalk or pavement. As the Stolpersteine are installed at the threshold of former homes, the geography is defined by the existing architecture and street layout of the city. There is no specific park or monument grounds; rather, the landscape is that of a typical German street or neighborhood. Because these markers are flush with the ground, they are subject to the surrounding urban environment and weather conditions, requiring visitors to navigate standard city sidewalks to locate them.

More facts

  • Imported from OSM batch

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