During World War II, Algona, Iowa was the site of a Prisoner of War camp. This camp was 'home' to a total of 10,000 German Prisoners from April 1944 to February 1946.
Many residents and vistors remark that they had no idea such a camp exisited, so the Camp Algona POW Museum seeks to inform and educate visitors about this important time in history, both for Algona and the world at large. We invite you to visit and find out for yourself about this fascinating place which transformed a small town in Iowa.
The Camp Algona POW Museum
In June of 2004, the Camp Algona POW Committee signed a contract with the Iowa State Bank, purchasing the former Furniture Loft Building at 114 South Thorington St. in Algona. The facility is over 14,000 square feet of usable space, divided into four areas. Current plans call for use of the 4,000 square foot center space as the museum. The other portions of the building have renters under contract.On July 9, 2004, the doors of the museum opened for the first time unveiling our initial and permanent display. The opening was in conjunction with Algona's Sesquicentennial celebration.
Camp Algona POW Museum Priorities
1. To preserve the existing information concerning the Prisoner of War camp that existed in Algona from 1943-1946.
2. To research missing data relative to the Camp and its personnel, prisoners, and area residents.
3. To secure safe storage for data and artifacts
4. To secure grants for expenses under a non-profit organizational structure
5. To display the contributions made by Kossuth County service personnel to World War II
