Experience Civil War History Through the Lives of its Chaplains
Located on the campus of Liberty University, the National Civil War Chaplain’s 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 Chaplain’s 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
Plan Your Visit to the National Civil War Chaplain’s Museum
Regular hours: Monday through Friday 12:00-4:30, Saturday 10-2
Closed December 22 – January 12 for semester break
Saturday hours resume beginning January 22, 2022
Email to inquire about groups or private tours outside our regular hours
The museum is located on Liberty University’s main campus between the Hancock Welcome Center and the Worley Prayer Chapel.
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 Chaplain’s 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.
Contact
(434) 582-7090
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National Civil War Chaplain’s Museum
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515