Retelling their stories
Camp Algona POW museum expands
-Messenger photo by Hailey Brueschke <br> A 1943 military Jeep and trailer are on display in the expanded Camp Algona POW Museum, along other artifacts.
-Messenger photo by Hailey Brueschke <br> The Camp Algona POW Museum strives to share the story of the German POW camp that was once located there. In addition, it has expanded to include a section dedicated to Kossuth County men and women who served during World War II through displays like this one.
-Messenger photo by Hailey Brueschke <br> A replica of a military camp staff car and other artifacts are on display in the expanded Camp Algona POW Museum.
-Messenger photo by Hailey Brueschke <br> A 1943 military Jeep and trailer are on display in the expanded Camp Algona POW Museum, along other artifacts.
-Messenger photo by Hailey Brueschke <br> The Camp Algona POW Museum strives to share the story of the German POW camp that was once located there. In addition, it has expanded to include a section dedicated to Kossuth County men and women who served during World War II through displays like this one.
-Messenger photo by Hailey Brueschke <br> A replica of a military camp staff car and other artifacts are on display in the expanded Camp Algona POW Museum.
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ALGONA -- The Camp Algona POW Museum strives to preserve and share the story of the German POW camp that was located in Algona from 1943 to 1946.
Recently, the museum added a new section that is dedicated to the Kossuth County men and women who served during the war.
Kossuth County, like most around the country, played a huge role in World War II. Individuals from the county were there from the attack on Pearl Harbor to D-Day, from the Battle of the Bulge to the Japanese surrender on the battleship USS Missouri and everywhere in between, said Brian Connick, museum director.
During World War II, Algona was the site of a base camp for prisoners of war. The camp was home to 10,000 German prisoners.
In addition to explaining the camp, the museum tells the story of the 2,600-plus men and women from Kossuth County who served in World War II. It specifically honors the 114 that gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
"The idea that we could tell the story of Camp Algona without also telling the story of our country's role in World War II had become increasingly difficult over the years," Connick said. "The solution for us was to increase our display space so we could dedicate a section of our museum to the men and women who served during the war."
In the new section, visitors will be able to view physical artifacts, documents, artwork and poetry. There is a 1943 military Jeep and trailer on display, along with a replica of a camp staff car.
"I believe there is something for everyone to enjoy," Connick said. "Visiting is a great way to learn about and remember that when given the task of caring for our enemies, the folks here treated them with respect and humanity, which also reminds us that the lesson of doing the right thing cannot be taught too many times."
The museum is located at 114 S. Thorington St. in Algona. Its hours are 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends from April through December and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays from Memorial Day through August.
Admission is $5 for adults; children age 12 and under are admitted free.