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

Summer Hours
Open 12 noon to 4 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Closed August 17-27 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

What is Purple Heart Day and what does it have to do with U.S. military chaplains?

In 2011, Army chaplain Michael Frese prepared for an ordinary day of work while deployed in Afghanistan but, as he prepared to hold a meeting, disaster struck. An explosion hit the tent, and he sustained a heavy blow. When Chaplain Frese regained consciousness, he rushed to the clearing station to “[comfort] and [pray] with [the wounded] in the aid station before they were medevacked.” Before the attack was over, the chapel tent was hit and many more were wounded. Frese had suffered injuries to head, as well as hearing, memory, and vision loss.

In February 2014, Chaplain Frese was awarded the Purple Heart for his bravery in Afghanistan. The blow that “should have killed [him]” became a defining point in his ministry and he continued to encourage service members believing that “nothing can prepare you better for physical and mental trauma than a strong faith.”

Today, August 7th, is a day to recognize and honor those who were wounded or killed while serving the U.S. Military. The Purple Heart was officially revived in 1932 by General Douglas MacArthur, based on George Washington’s Badge of Military Merit from 1782, and continues to be awarded at present. Stop by the museum to learn more about the sacrificial service of chaplains!

Image 1: Image 1: Chaplain Michael Frese receives the Purple Heart, given by Brigadier General John McGoff. Image courtesy of the LCMS Reporter.

To read more about Chaplain Frese, visit reporter.lcms.org/2014/chaplain-awarded-purple-heart/.

Help the Chaplains Museum expand our collection and add new exhibits! Look for the “Donate” section at the link in our bio.

#chaplains #chaplainsmuseum #militarychaplains #purpleheart #purpleheartday #libertyuniversity
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As the 2nd Marine Division waded towards the shores of Guadalcanal in August 1942, they were bombarded by oppressive humidity, dense forests, and fierce Japanese resistance. Machine gun fire whirred around them and the ground shook below their feet, stirring up fear and the harsh reality of hopelessness. While the division trudged forward in alarm, bearing their weapons, a chaplain went with them, reinforcing principles of faith and courage.

Chaplain W. Wyeth Willard served as a chaplain to the 2nd Marine Division during World War II, seeing action at the battles of Guadalcanal and Tarawa. Following his service, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, the most prestigious award in the Navy and was “credited with serving more consecutive days under constant enemy fire than any chaplain in the history of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.” Throughout Chaplain Willard’s service, he remained grateful that “the good Lord could use [him] in this service,” writing that “He placed me here to preach the gospel.”

In January of 1944, Chaplain Willard published “The Leathernecks Come Through,” as a testament to his experience at Guadalcanal and Tarawa. The publication of his book brought him national prominence, and he was given a position as the Director of Evangelism at Wheaton College shortly after. Until his death in November of 1999, he remained dedicated to the ministry, even serving as a chaplain to the U.S. Naval Reserves for twenty years.

Stay tuned to hear more about Chaplain Willard and a new artifact that will be joining the collection soon!

Image 1: Chaplain W. Wyeth Willard.

Help the Chaplains Museum expand our collection and add new exhibits! Look for the “Donate” section at the link in our bio.

#chaplainsmuseum #chaplains #militarychaplains #wwii #guadalcanal #libertyuniversity
...

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.