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

The Chaplains Museum will be closed for Thanksgiving Break, November 23-30.

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.

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 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

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

Exhibits

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 exhibits and more at the Chaplains Museum.

Explore All Exhibits
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.

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The Honoring Chaplains Event will be held on Veterans Day, November 11. Visit any of the three events to celebrate the day:

Join us at the Veterans Day Convocation: Honoring Chaplains Ceremony on the Academic Lawn. It will be held at 10:30 am on the Academic Lawn outside the School of Music.

Join us at one of two Chaplains Panels featuring four panelists. The first panel will be held at 11:30am, and the second panel will be held at 1:30pm. Both will be located in the Jerry Falwell Library Terrace Level Conference Room.

Attend the open house of the Chaplains Museum and take a tour. The museum is located on the Terrace Level of the Jerry Falwell Library and will be open from 11:15am through 4:30pm.

#museum #chaplains #honringchaplains #militarychaplaincy #veteransday
Since 2008, the Department of Defense has recognized November as Warrior Care Month. This month celebrates the resilience of wounded, ill, and injured service members. It also raises awareness of programs and resources available to members of the armed forces, their families, and caregivers. 

Chaplains play a significant role in preserving the mental health of military personnel year-round. They provide support and counseling to help service members cope with the challenges of military life, connect service members with mental health professionals, and serve as the first line of defense in crisis intervention. Chaplains also facilitate spiritual growth and connection across a multitude of faiths and practices, providing religious counseling and care when appropriate. 

#museum #chaplains #warriorcare #warriorcaremonth
Meet the new staff!

Hi, my name is Gaius Cullen. I am a senior studying National Security with minors in History and Military History. My preferred field of study is the French Revolution to the end of the Napoleonic Era. After graduation, I hope to become a military analyst. In line with my occupational interests, my favorite exhibit at the museum is the rifle case. Please come by and see it for yourself sometime!
Meet the new staff!

Hi! My name is Julia Lehman, and I am a student here at Liberty studying English with minors in History and French. I am particularly fond of learning about Ancient Greece and Rome. My favorite exhibit at the Chaplains Museum is the WWII Field Organ because it shows the importance of music in wartime. I hope to see you here soon!

Contact

(434) 582-7090

chaplainsmuseum@liberty.edu

Chaplains Museum

Liberty University Department of History

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

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