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 a Mesabi Community Band concert in Eveleth, an arts fundraiser in Bemidji and a 'Nutcracker' story time in Grand Rapids. -
Contributed/Gina FroemmingWith SNAP benefits impacted, a group of residents are doing what they can to help by having a tailgate pantry event 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, in the Paul Bunyan Mall parking lot. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of Nov. 4, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers November phenology, Northern Shrikes, and Pine and Evening Grosbeaks. -
During the week of Nov. 4, 2025, we enjoy reports of Snow Buntings, busy squirrels, and overwintering insects. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEAndy Tri joined the "KAXE Morning Show" to chat about bear behavior. He is the bear project leader with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Forest Wildlife Populations and Research Group. -
Contributed/Steve GroveIn his new memoir, "How I Found Myself in the Midwest: A Memoir of Reinvention," Grove comes to see Minnesota as more than his home state, but a place for renewal and purpose. -
Events this week include an author talk in Brainerd, the First Friday Art Walk in Grand Rapids and craft sales in many communities.
-
During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 28, 2025, phenologist John Latimer covers the disappearance of his local chipmunk and the fast growth of aspen suckers. -
During the week of Oct. 28, 2025, we enjoy reports of falling leaves, the arrival of Snow Buntings, and more. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
Contributed/Sue Keeler via KAXE-KBXE Season Watch PageThis month's conversation with retired wildlife biologist Pam Perry touched on robins, eagles, thrushes and migrating birds.
