WWII Prisoner of War Camps in Southern Minnesota

Colleen Gengler will present on what camp life was like in three Prisoner of War camps in southern Minnesota including Fairmont, New Ulm, and Owatonna during the Second World War.

Gengler’s interest in the topic comes from her parents’ use of POW labor on their farm south of Owatonna during the war years. In presentations of her family memoir, “Under Minnesota Skies,” the story of her father’s experience with POWs always generated questions and comments from many people who are not familiar with this part of Minnesota’ history.

From new research, Gengler will share stories from southern Minnesota camps as well as a few others and give background on WWII POWs in the United States. Minnesota had 19 branch camps overseen by the base camp at Algona, Iowa.

This program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.