Adoption: a small yet significant act that keeps memory alive
Stolpersteine—“Stumbling stones”—return the names of victims of Nazi persecution to the homes where they once lived. They are not merely stones set into the pavement. They are placed at the last known address of people whose lives were violently cut short.
Each of these stones bears a name. And behind every name is a story. Over time, however, even these stones are subject to being forgotten. The brass darkens, the inscription fades; and with it, our ability to see the story, to pause, to remember. Adopting a Stolperstein is a simple but meaningful act: it restores the legibility of the stone, and gives the story back its voice.
Adopting a Stolperstein means paying attention and taking care of the stone. Adoption is not a formal obligation. It is a voluntary decision not to remain indifferent.
How Adoption Works
1
Choose a Stone
Select a stone on the map in your neighbourhood or one that does not yet have a patron.
2
Sign up for Adoption
Fill out a short form and become the patron of the stone - a person who helps keep its memory alive.
3
Care for the Stone
We suggest that every three months or so, you clean the brass and check that the stone is in good condition.
4
Remember the Story
You can find biographies for each person through links shown after clicking on a stone.
5
Share the Memory
If you wish, take a picture of yourself next to the stone and share it on social networks with the hashtag #cistimestolpersteine