Stepping into Alabama’s past…

If you can find the time to ‘get off the interstate’ and take roads less traveled (as James Spann
has advocated), you will likely experience an Alabama that’s different from anything you may
have imagined. I had this opportunity while helping on a video shoot yesterday, and wound up
learning some things I never knew about our state from a visit to rural west Alabama. And if
you’re a history buff, you are in for a treat!

Did you know that Pickens county was home to more than 6,000 German prisoners of war during
World War II, including Field Marshall Rommel’s elite Afrika Korps? The Aliceville Museum has a
very impressive collection of memorabilia from Camp Aliceville, which operated from 1942 until
1945. For only $4 (adult admission), it’s a great opportunity to look into our state’s past.
I thought you might enjoy a few pictures from inside the museum.

Here’s a desk made by POWs at the camp:

You’ll see an interesting collection of German weapons, like these:

The German Iron Cross:

The museum’s collection also includes statues and artwork created by German POWs:

A toy airplane built by a POW:

One gallery has several posters dating from a time when all of America rallied and sacrificed
for a common cause:

An ID card allowing 19-year-old Coca Cola employee Willilam Peebles, Jr., access to the camp
grounds:

The museum also features an exhibit of uniforms worn by people in various branches of the
military, including the clothing B-26 bomber crews wore during the 1950s:

And how’s this for a look into history — with the people who were there? Former prisoners
and their guards will meet for a reunion at the museum April 11th-14th. On Friday 4/13,
ex POW’s and their guards will hold a public discussion, with questions being taken
from the audience. On the following day–Saturday 4/14–you’ll have the chance to visit
directly with these same people, as well. Needless to say, this is a very rare opportunity.

The Aliceville Museum is open Mondays through Fridays (10-4) and Saturdays (10-2), and is
located on Broad St. NE. For more information, call (205) 373-2363.

My travels that day included a visit to some other interesting sites, as well — I’ll share those
pictures with you later…

Category: Pre-November 2010 Posts