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.
Meet Rev. Christian Streit (1749–1812): the first denominationally endorsed chaplain in American military history and a prisoner of war who never wavered in his calling.
In 1776–1777, Pastor Streit served as a Lutheran chaplain to the largely German-speaking 8th Virginia Regiment. He returned to duty in 1780 with the 9th Virginia, only to be captured by British forces. After years as a prisoner, he was finally exchanged in 1783.
As a Lutheran minister, Streit carried a historic endorsement from the Pennsylvania Ministerium, the first of its kind for any American chaplain. Penned by the revered Rev. Henry Muhlenberg himself, the certificate declared:
“…these are therefore to certify, that the said Revd Gentleman is a regularly ordained Minister of the Gospel, sound in Protestant Principles and sober in life; desirous and virtuous to promote the Glory of God and Wellfare of the State, and therefore recommended to all Friends and Well-wishers of Religion and State.”
Our upcoming exhibit on Chaplains of the Revolution will feature Streit, among others. Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Founding over the coming months.
Image: Portrait of Christian Streit.
Help the Chaplains Museum expand our collection and add new exhibits! Look for the "Donate" section at the link in our bio.
#americanrevolution #chaplainsmuseum #chaplain #militarychaplain #libertyuniversity
Born in Scotland in 1874 and raised in England, Oswald Chambers heard the great Charles Spurgeon preach as a boy—an experience that led him to give his life to Christ. After a long struggle to discern his calling, he left the University of Edinburgh to train at the small Dunoon Theological Training College with just 30 students.
He spent many years afterwards as a traveling pastor, visiting many nations, including the United States and Japan. In 1911, he founded the Bible Training College in a London house, which held him, his wife (Gertrude “Biddy” Chambers) and 25 students. Many non-students would attend his lectures, and he frequently preached at local churches.
When Britain entered World War I, Chambers felt called to serve the troops. In 1915 he volunteered as a YMCA chaplain and was posted to Cairo, Egypt, ministering daily to more than 700 soldiers. Biddy and their young daughter soon joined him.
In October 1917 Chambers fell ill and refused medical attention at first, not wanting to take resources from wounded troops. By November his condition worsened; doctors discovered a ruptured appendix. He underwent surgery but did not survive, dying on November 15 at age 43.
Biddy had recorded nearly all of his sermons in shorthand from which she later compiled more than thirty books. The best known of these is the daily devotional, My Utmost for His Highest, which is still beloved today.
Though not a military chaplain, Chamber’s life was an example of what it looks like to devote one’s life selflessly in service to our Creator.
Image: Oswald Chambers
Help the Chaplains Museum expand our collection and add new exhibits! Look for the “Donate” section at the link in our bio.
#chaplainsmuseum #chaplain #libertyuniversity #worldwar1 #ymca #partnerinservice
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
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.
