|
During
World War II approximately 425,000 Axis soldiers were
interned in 700 POW
camps in the U.S. One of the largest camps was at Aliceville with a
capacity for 6,000 prisoners. The camp employed more than 1,000 American
military and civilian personnel.
On June 2,
1943, the first prisoners arrived by train form North Africa. Many of
them were from Field Marshall Erwin Rommel’s Africakorp. Later German
and Italian POWs from the European theater joined them.
Today, the
only evidence of the campsite is a history m arker and
a large stone chimney (built by POWs) that was part of the Officers’ Club.
In the
Museum, visitors from all over the country view lasting
artistic expressions made by the Germans. Through their paintings,
letters, books, sculptures, wood crafting, pottery, musical instruments
and photographs a vivid picture of life at Camp Aliceville is revealed.
In the collection are many items donated to the museum by former
POWs, local residents and previous visitors.
A
fourteen-minute documentary will enlighten you with interviews from former
POWs, military guards and civilian employees. The
documentary also contains footage from the North Africa Campaign, photographs of
plays, orchestras and the sports activities the POWs loved so much. |
