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.
Join the Chaplains Museum in welcoming our new volunteer, Chuck Jones!
Chuck is a 1981 graduate of Liberty University. He majored in Communications and was the first station manager for WLBU campus radio station. He also worked as an Associate Sports Information Director while at LU.
Chuck served in education as a teacher and principal. He then transitioned to business training. Chuck served in the Navy reserves and Air Force National Guard for 33 years. He has been married for 41 years and has 4 children and 8 grandchildren. His favorite verse is Joshua 1:9.
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
The Chaplains Museum will be closed for Thanksgiving break Friday, November 21 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
Today, November 16th, we commemorate the remarkable life and dedicated service of Chaplain W. Wyeth Willard. Born in Massachusetts on July 12, 1905, he had already distinguished himself as an author and businessman before entering the military as a chaplain.
During World War II, he served with valor, landing at Guadalcanal alongside the 2nd Marine Division in 1943. Following the victory there, his battalion advanced to Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands, where he earned the Legion of Honor Medal for his exemplary service.
Reports highlight that he endured more consecutive days under fire than any chaplain in the history of the Navy and Marine Corps. In 1944, he received the Legion of Merit, the Navy’s highest honor.
Chaplain Willard chronicled his wartime experiences in his book, The Leathernecks Come Through, which brought him national acclaim. Later, after leading an evangelistic service, he was invited to join the staff at Wheaton College as Director of Evangelism and Assistant to the President.
At the age of 94, he passed away on November 16, 2000, exactly twenty-five years ago today.
We honor Chaplain Willard`s enduring legacy of courage, faith, and resilience, which continues to inspire generations. Visit our exhibits to learn more about the heroes of World War II.
Image: Chaplain Willard
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 #marinecorps
Join the Chaplain’s Museum in welcoming one of our new student staff, Isaiah Dillard!
Isaiah is a Senior studying 6th-12th grade Social Studies Education. As an education student, Isaiah enjoys learning about all eras of history. He believes that his time in this museum will help prepare him for his future students, as well as developing his scholarship in U.S. History.
In the Chaplains Museum, Isaiah is most drawn to our exhibit titled Partners in Service. This is where he found a familiar name in Dwight L. Moody, founder of Moody Bible Institute and Pacific Garden Mission. Isaiah was given the opportunity to visit Pacific Garden Mission and has enjoyed studying Moody’s time as a USCC delegate.
Come visit the Chaplains Museum to learn more about the enduring contribution of chaplains to service members.
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.
