Discover the Sacrifice and Service of U.S. Military Chaplains in Wartime

Reopening for 2026!
The Chaplains Museum will open to the public 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, January 23.
We will resume regular hours Monday, January 26.
Visit the museum Mon-Fri 12-4:30 p.m. and Sat 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

 

National Civil War Chaplains Museum

Throughout American history, military chaplains have exemplified servant leadership in the midst of the challenges of division and war as they worked to meet the spiritual needs of men and women in uniform.

 

Located on the campus of Liberty University, the Chaplains Museum features an extensive collection of objects and artifacts that tell the stories of U.S. military chaplains in the camp, on the battlefield, and among prisoners of war. Visitors will learn how chaplains from diverse backgrounds have used a variety of means and methods to carry out their ministry during times of war.

About

Serving with a Unique Purpose

Founded in 2005 as a private organization, the Chaplains Museum is now part of the History Department at Liberty University. Our mission is to showcase the service of U.S. Military Chaplains throughout American history through historical research and the collection and preservation of related artifacts.

The museum also functions as a student laboratory for research, exhibit design, collections care, and special projects.

The Chaplains Museum:

  • Collects, preserves, and studies objects and documents related to military chaplains
  • Encourages student research in topics related to religion in wartime, specifically in the context of military chaplains and their ministry
  • Presents programs that highlight the role of chaplains and military service in shaping the spiritual lives of those who serve in the armed forces

As part of the History Department at Liberty University, the Chaplains Museum has become an active learning laboratory for students.

Learn More About Chaplain History

Students in the Chaplains Museum conduct research on the history of chaplains and objects in our collection. Learn along with them by reading our posts below and following us on Instagram.

Follow Chaplains Museum on Instagram

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Jan 26

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The Chaplains Museum is closed today, Monday, January 26, due to inclement weather. We will reopen for regular hours.When the University reopens. We are looking forward to seeing our visitors then! #snowday❄️ #chaplainsmuseum

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Jan 23

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In a video message released last month, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced plans for institutional reforms in the Chaplain Corps. Secretary Hegseth affirms that chaplains play a vital role in spiritual guidance and ministry to service members. From its inception under George Washington, chaplains have inherited a deeply religious and moral background. Secretary Hegseth argues that in recent times, “chaplains have been minimized, viewed by many as therapists instead of ministers.” This minimization of faith has alienated religious warfighters, who account for 82% of the nation’s military. Chaplains’ neglect of their institutional religious heritage is highlighted by the Army Spiritual Fitness guide, which, despite its length, only mentions God one time. This guide has since been eliminated at the Secretary’s direction. Additionally, the Department of War will simplify the Faith and Belief coding system. Chaplains will now have more discretion and freedom within their religious affiliation to minister to those under their care. This is just the most recent institutional change in the Chaplain Corps, with more reforms expected. Visit our museum to learn more about other changes throughout the history of chaplains! Help the Chaplains Museum expand our collection and add new exhibits! Look for the "Donate" section at the link in our bio.  #chaplainsmuseum #chaplain #militarychaplain #libertyuniversity #deptofwar #hegseth

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Jan 20

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Come visit the Chaplains Museum, starting today January 23, 2026! Help the Chaplains Museum expand our collection and add new exhibits! Look for the “Donate” section at the link in our bio. #chaplainsmuseum #libertyuniversity #chaplain #militarychaplain

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Plan Your Visit to the Chaplains Museum

Monday through Friday 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Summer Hours (June, July, August)
Monday, Thursday, Friday 12:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The museum is located in the Jerry Falwell Library on Liberty University’s Campus. Learn more about our location and parking.

Explore

Devoted to Service

Historically, U.S. military chaplains have performed many roles. They have preached, acted as personal counselors, cared for the sick and dying, handled military postal services, administered literacy programs, and in some cases even joined in battle. View the following Chaplains Museum exhibits and research sources and explore our online collections catalog.

Museum Exhibits

Explore All Exhibits

Research

Research Chaplain History

Collection Catalog

View Collection Catalog
Introducing the Chaplaincy: A History of Service
Read More
Shiloh Chapel: Religion and the Bible in Times of War
Read More
Partners in Service: Service Organizations Partnering With Chaplains
Read More
Service to the Suffering: Chaplains' Ministry in the Hospitals and Prison Camps
Read More
Diversity in Service: Unifying With a Common Purpose
Read More
Service on the Battlefield: Chaplains in the Midst of Battle
Read More
Service on the Homefront: Chaplains Ministry to the Families of Service Members
Read More
Chaplains in the Service of the Gospel: Evangelism in the Military
Read More

Take the accessible-friendly route to the Chaplains Museum.

Location

Getting to the Museum

The Chaplains Museum can be found on the terrace level of the Jerry Falwell Library. The Library’s main exterior entrance is located at the southern end of the Academic Lawn.

Visitor parking passes are required daily excluding weekends. For further assistance or questions about the parking policy, see LUPD’s visitor parking information.

For directions to campus, shuttle information, and more, explore the university’s visitor’s guide.

Contact

(434) 582-7090

chaplainsmuseum@liberty.edu

 

Chaplains Museum

Liberty University Department of History

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

 

Follow us on Instagram where we regularly share highlights from chaplaincy history.