I quite literally stumbled upon the “Stolperstein” or the stumbling stones. These are commemorative brass markers placed outside the homes of the last known residences of the victims of the Nazi regime. They pay tribute to the individuals, predominately Jews, but also Gypsies, Gays and political opponents, who were removed from their homes and assigned an unthinkable fate.
These stones, which now number over 70,000 throughout Europe were initiated in 1992 by German artist Gunter Demnig, and have become the largest decentralized monument in the world.
These stones, which now number over 70,000 throughout Europe were initiated in 1992 by German artist Gunter Demnig, and have become the largest decentralized monument in the world.
For a number of years Tammy and I lived in Old Lyme Connecticut, and just prior to our moving a similar project was getting underway. 30 brass plaques called witness stones were installed along Lyme street and McCurdy road remembering the lives of the enslaved. While not existing in the same numbers as the southern plantation states, slavery was a part of the early history New England.
While uncomfortable topics, the holocaust in Germany or slavery in the new world, they do on occasion require our attention and reflection.
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