BEMIDJI — While 326,000 Minnesotans served overseas in World War II, German prisoners of war were working in farms and forests from Faribault to Cass Lake.
Fia Larsen researched this little-known part of the state's labor camp history, a contract between agricultural producers and the U.S. government. Larsen also explored the connections that still exist between Germany and Minnesota from that time.
Larsen is a recent graduate in history and Spanish from Bemidji State University. She's also an intern and volunteer at the Beltrami County History Center, where she has dedicated her academic pursuits to uncovering the often-overlooked history of German POWs in Minnesota during WWII.
"The road to this topic was actually really weird. It started out with my mother reading a cozy mystery."Fia Larsen
She will speak at the Beltrami County History Center at noon on Thursday, May 23, and was a recent guest on the KAXE Morning Show. Listen to the conversation above.
"So the road to this topic was actually really weird. It started out with my mother reading a cozy mystery," Larsen said. "And she's like, 'You might want to look into this. I want to know about this. You like research.' So that's kind of how my project started and I just moved on from there."
These camps played a crucial role during the war, serving as both a housing facility and a source of labor for agricultural and forestry tasks. Through meticulous research utilizing newspapers, military reports, oral history transcripts and letters, Larsen will shed light on how these camps were organized and operated and their impact on Minnesota's agricultural landscape.
Originally from Hackensack, Larsen has presented her research at prestigious venues including conferences at the University of Maryland and the Minnesota Capitol Rotunda.
Attendees can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the contributions made by German POWs and their lasting legacy in the state.
For more information, contact the Beltrami County Historical Society at depot@beltramihistory.org, or 218-444-3376.
-
Events this week include an emerging artist showcase in Bemidji and Stage North Theater's production of "Forbidden Broadway" in Brainerd. -
Retired wildlife biologist Carrol Henderson's new book explores the legacy of Minnesota's Nongame Wildlife Program. Henderson and KAXE regular Pam Perry shared the story on the KAXE Morning Show. -
Contributed/iNaturalist user fsadjadiDuring the Phenology Report for the week of Feb. 17, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on the Sharp-tailed Grouse mating season and pussywillows budding out. -
Contributed/Chad KaddatzDuring the week of Feb. 17, 2026, we enjoy reports of Great Horned Owls calling and critters snacking on sugary maple sap. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
contributed/John BauerOn "What's For Breakfast," we talked with KAXE member Jim Columbus about the secret penguin he placed by the Mississippi River and his dedication to making the world a better place. -
contributed/Sarah PetersonMinnesota cookbook author Sarah Peterson brings to light recipes and connection to family and friends in "Dish and Tell: Recipes from the Heart." -
Events this week include a pancake fundraiser and curling watch parties in Grand Rapids, "MusiKaravan" in Hibbing, Bemidji Contra Dance and a symphony orchestra concert in Virginia.
-
Contributed/Iron Range Barn DancesMegan Reynolds shared details about the next Iron Range Barn Dance, Feb. 14, 2026, at Bovey City Hall. She also discussed upcoming theater shows across the Range. -
KAXE/Charlie MitchellDuring the Phenology Report for the week of Feb. 10, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on 'dragon's teeth,' pussywillows and Bald Eagles returning to nests. -
Contributed/Chad KaddatzDuring the week of Feb. 10, 2026, we enjoy reports of waddling skunks, warmer weather and hibernating woodchucks. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
