Aliceville Museum, Alabama, United States
5.0 (13 reviews) Spent 1-2 hours Ranking #1 in Aliceville Speciality Museums
THE GERMANS ARE COMING! THE GERMANS ARE COMING!
I have visited many museums in and around Alabama, but by far Camp Aliceville is one of the most fascinating I have seen yet. The original POW camp is long gone but the vastness of the complex (800 acres, over 400 buildings, 6000 Deutschers Afrika Korps prisoners, 1000 American personnel) staggers the imagination. Hard to believe all of it took place in this sleepy little town in the country. Not only are the artifacts and displays of WWII prison life in the museum very informative, but the town now offers a reenactment of the arrival of the Germans in June 1943. Each May the German POW's return to Aliceville as the town rolls out the red carpet for reenactors and visitors alike. A small reconstruction of the compound complete with fences and guard towers brings the story to life as certain actual incidents are featured. A must see in May each year!
Address
104 Broad Street, Aliceville, AL 35442
Mobile
Website
http://www.visitwestalabama.com/mediaportal/aliceville
Current local date and time now
Wednesday, May 08, 2024, 11:57
User Ratings
5.0 based on (13 reviews)
Reviews
-
5Wendy x 5:00 PM Jun 11, 2021
MUST SEE. Fascinating.
MUST SEE. I had no idea there were WW2 POW camps in the U.S. (turns out there were several) and this had incredible insight into the background of why they existed, as well as detailed information and artifacts from the Aliceville camp. More surprisingly, they have extensive gifts from former POWs who were grateful for the humane treatment provided by U.S. forces. Well worth the 3-hour detour from our route!! Plan to spend about an hour, more if you want to read everything.
-
5thatgirl1964 5:00 PM Aug 1, 2019
Hidden History Gem
I visited this museum with my history loving 13 year old son. It did not disappoint. The history of the German POW camp that had been in Aliceville in World War 2 was fascinating. The 15 minute video was highly informative and the docent who welcomed my son’s many questions was very interesting and knowledgeable. The museum had all kinds of artifacts from the camp, including guns, swords, and knives used during World War 2. This was a very educational experience. I highly recommend it for any history buff interested in World War 2.
