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

The Chaplains Museum will be closed Friday, October 31 for staff training.

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.

Click Images to Read Full Post

On July 29, 1775, the Second Continental Congress took a significant step in shaping the foundation of the American military by officially establishing the Army Chaplaincy, a full year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the nation.

The role of chaplains was inherent in the structure and operation of the Continental Army. The Army’s Commander-in-Chief, General George Washington, frequently wrote of a chaplain’s importance for morale and spiritual value to his troops, seeing them as vital to the success of the independence cause.

Chaplains were formally appointed to serve alongside soldiers, providing guidance, comfort, and moral support in the face of the immense challenges of war. Chaplains were paid $20 per month, which is about $840 in today’s currency.

Follow the Chaplains Museum to learn more about military chaplains and their place in America’s founding as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary over the coming year!

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 #americanrevolution #georgewashington #continentalarmy #continentalcongress #revolutionarywar
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As Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, George Washington understood the need for spiritual support among the troops. Because of this, Washington strongly supported the call for chaplains. He referenced chaplains in his writings over 50 times, valuing their role in promoting discipline, moral conduct, and unity among soldiers.

Thus, on July 29, 1774, one year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Continental Congress appointed chaplains to the army.

Washington pushed to place one chaplain in each regiment. Since regiments were formed within local communities, they primarily consisted of soldiers who shared the same faith tradition. By assigning a chaplain to each regiment, soldiers could access religious support consistent with their faith. Despite Washington’s wishes, Congress was only able to assign one chaplain per brigade due to budget restraints.

Washington’s last order to chaplains dates to February 15, 1783, in which he wrote that:
“While [the chaplains] are thus publickly and privately engaged in performing the sacred duties of their office [the soldiers] may depend upon his utmost encouragement and support on all occasions, and that they will be considered in a very respectable point of light by the whole Army.”

Stay tuned for more about the military chaplains in the American Revolution and their place in America’s founding as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary over the coming year!

Image: “The painting "The Chaplain at Valley Forge," by artist William A. Smith, depicts Gen. George Washington, his chaplain and soldiers praying at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War.”

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 #georgewashington #continentalarmy #militarychaplains #revolutionarywar
...

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

Research

Collection Catalog

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

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.