Gunter Demnig is aware that his art memorial would not have achieved its current size and scope without the many different local initiators who have actively supported him for many years. Much has happened since the artist's first research for his initial STOLPERSTEINE in Cologne and Berlin.
Meanwhile, over 1,900 different initiatives have been formed across Europe, working with the staff of the STIFTUNG – SPUREN – Gunter Demnig foundation. The local initiators are usually:
- organized in local history and heritage associations
- joined in project groups
- active in schools as teachers or students
- active in community work
- employees from various departments of the respective city administration
- residents or owners of the houses where the people once lived
- or they are involved in independent Stolperstein associations dedicated to remembrance work.
The initiators first obtain the necessary permits for laying the STOLPERSTEINE, research the biographies behind the STOLPERSTEIN inscriptions, search for relatives, organize the respective STOLPERSTEIN installations, plan ceremonies around the installations, and seek sponsors for the stones. Some initiators also secure the gathered data in a specially developed app or website to make the information about the victims accessible to everyone.
This work by each individual initiator is infinitely important for the STOLPERSTEIN project and thus supports the daily remembrance of the history of National Socialism and the people who had to live under inhumane circumstances under this regime or met their death. It is not only important for the political education of the younger generation but also for the family members of victims, in whose families the stories are not forgotten to this day and cannot be forgotten.
We at the STIFTUNG – SPUREN – Gunter Demnig are happy to support local efforts to present our STOLPERSTEINE art memorial and answer questions about it. For this purpose, you are welcome to contact Katja Demnig.