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

The Museum is now open in our new location on the terrace level of the Jerry Falwell Library with a limited temporary exhibit. While we are still under construction, we will remain open as much as possible while the full museum is prepared for visitors. Check back for updates and plan to join us for a grand reopening in January 2023.

National Civil War Chaplains Museum

Learn about the role of chaplains and religious organizations such as the Christian Commission in the Civil War.

Located on the campus of Liberty University, the National Civil War Chaplains Museum features an extensive collection of objects and artifacts that tell the story of religion in the camp, on the battlefield, and among prisoners of war. Visitors will learn about the role of chaplains and religious organizations such as the U.S. Christian Commission, and how their commitment to faith affected the daily lives of both Union and Confederate soldiers.

About

Serving with a Unique Purpose

Founded in 2005, the National Civil War Chaplains Museum at Liberty University raises public awareness of the role chaplains, priests, rabbis, and religious organizations played during the Civil War.

Additionally, the museum:

  • Preserves religious artifacts from the war
  • Advances the study of the distribution of religious doctrine and moral teachings during the war
  • Presents programs that show the influence of religion on the lives of political and military personnel
Video: Chaplains of the American Civil War

The museum is the only one in the nation that is solely dedicated to honoring the chaplains, priests, and rabbis who served during the Civil War. There were approximately 3,700.

Plan Your Visit to the Chaplains Museum

Open Monday through Friday 12:00-4:30 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Hours vary when University classes are not in session.

Exhibits

Called and Commissioned by God

Civil War chaplains performed a variety of duties. They preached, acted as personal counselors, visited the sick, and in some cases even joined in battle. View the following exhibits and more at the Civil War Chaplains Museum.

Called to Serve: Revivals of 1863 and the U.S. Christian Commission

Moved by the onset of war, Christians sought to meet the physical and spiritual needs of those who fought through organizations such as the U.S. Christian Commission.

Shiloh Chapel: Civil War Chaplains and the Bible

Sermons, tracts, and other religious publications of the period made frequent use of biblical references to justify the war.

Miss Melanie's Parlor: Mourning in the Civil War

The chaplain’s ministry to the dying often extended from the battlefield or hospital to the comforting of loved ones, either by letter or in person.

Diversity in Service: Various faiths with a Common Purpose

Most Civil War chaplains came from the Protestant tradition; among these were African American chaplains as well as one woman. Other chaplains were Catholic or Jewish.

Service on the Battlefield: Chaplains, Soldiers, and Fighting Chaplains

Most chaplains remained far from the battlefield, but some were “fighting chaplains” who took up arms in solidarity with the soldiers to whom they ministered. Noncombatant chaplains assisted medical personnel and provided counsel or last rites to those dying on the battlefield.

Service to the Suffering: Chaplains’ Ministry in the Hospitals and Prison Camps

Chaplains provided physical comfort and spiritual assurance to the wounded and dying in hospitals and prison camps. They wrote letters to loved ones from husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers.

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Contact

(434) 582-7090

chaplainsmuseum@liberty.edu

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Chaplains Museum

Liberty University Department of History

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515