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.
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:
Support the Chaplains Museum through an online donation or go to our Donate page to learn more about the types of donations we accept. Here, you’ll also get a glimpse into the history of the Chaplains Museum and learn about the supporters who have contributed to its growth
Donated funds will go toward acquiring, caring for, and interpreting items related to the service of U.S. military Chaplains and the religious lives of servicemembers. Donations may also support events and activities that further the mission of the Museum.
As part of the History Department at Liberty University, the Chaplains Museum has become an active learning laboratory for students.
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.
The Chaplains Museum will be closed for Thanksgiving break Saturday, November 22 through Sunday, November 30. We will resume regular hours Monday, December 1.
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
Born in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1925, Carroll R. Chambliss grew up in a strong faith community at Pearl Street African Methodist Episcopal Church. When WWII called, he and his four brothers answered: Carroll joined the Navy while his brothers marched with the Army. After the war, he attended Wilberforce University, later becoming an ordained Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and rejoining the Navy as a chaplain.
Chambliss broke barriers, becoming one of the first African Americans to serve in the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps and rose to the rank of Captain. Chaplain Chambliss became an advocate for equal opportunity and representation within the military. He personally mentored and recruited African American clergy to serve as chaplains across the Navy, Army, and Air Force.
Beyond his military service, Chambliss shared his wisdom through his writing. His works appeared in The Christian Recorder and other faith publications, and his book Church of My Choice became essential reading for AME ministers. His life is a reminder that faith, courage, and dedication can change institutions and open doors for future generations.
To learn more about chaplaincy in the military, visit the museum!
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 #navy #AME
This November, during Military Family Appreciation Month, we honor the service and sacrifice of veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The family members of military personnel experience a different type of service than you might think. Military families provide unwavering support to our service members, often enduring long separations from loved ones. It is a sacrifice that is made every day. This month, we salute this unique aspect of military service.
At the Chaplains Museum, we are proud to have two staff members who are children of military chaplains. We are glad to have their personal experience to help give us an understanding of military family service.
This tradition was created in 1996 by the Armed Services YMCA and has been recognized every year since. We acknowledge the service and sacrifice of veterans, service members, and their families every November. Join us in expressing gratitude to those connected to the military for their dedication and resilience.
Image: Chaplain Velarde, father of one of our staff, and his family.
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 #militaryfamily #militaryveterans
The Chaplains Museum is proud to recognize the remarkable contributions of Dave Morgan, Liberty University’s recently retired cabinet shop supervisor, whose creative vision and craftsmanship helped shape the museum’s distinctive interior design for more than four decades.
From the custom exhibit cases that hold our historic artifacts to the specially designed partitions that guide each visitor’s journey, Dave’s designs bring purpose to every corner of our space. His work creates an environment that allows the stories of faith, courage, and service to speak clearly and reverently within the museum.
We are deeply grateful for his dedication and the enduring legacy of excellence his craftsmanship brings to the museum.
Visit the Chaplains Museum on campus to see his craftsmanship up close and experience the stories it helps tell!
To learn more about the excellent craftsmanship of Dave Morgan throughout his time at Liberty University visit https://www.liberty.edu/journal/article/master-of-his-craft/!
Image 1: Dave Morgan in the Liberty University Cabinet Shop.
Image 2: The interior of the Chaplains Museum with the specialty partitions and exhibit cases created by Dave Morgan.
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
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.
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.
Take the accessible-friendly route to the Chaplains 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.
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.
