algona p.w. camp museum

We completely enjoyed the experience of this simple, well curated museum. The exhibits use many artifacts of World War II to tell the story of German (and some Italian) soldiers who were interred in parts of Iowa and how they made themselves valuable by doing the farm work left undone by so many American boys fighting in Europe and Japan. My father-in-law, who grew up in Algona and later settled in The Dalles, Oregon was one such young man. When he left to serve his country, his dad was left short handed for all those years. The museum experience doesn't take long, but the impressions and the knowledge will stay with you forever.

This is a good museum to visit. There is so much information about the prisoner of war camps that were here in the States that our children are not taught in school. Also about how our soldiers were badly treated in the German camps.

I had no idea there was a German POW camp in Iowa during WW2! This well done museum in Algona, home of the camp, nicely documents the history of the camp. Over 10,000 POWs were housed in Algona and vicinity during the course of the war. The museum looks like it's in an old auto parts store, and is so well organized and informative. There's a short video to watch then so many exhibits. I had trouble getting my husband to leave! Highly recommend to any history buff..There is a modest fee..I think $3..

first we saw the issis exhebition afterwards we visited the pergamon museum a real treat for us and a great visit..jerry

For WWII history buffs, this museum is a must-see. Professionally documented. Afterwards, head to Maggie B's for lunch!