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

The museum will be closed May 17 through May 27.
Summer hours begin May 28. Monday, Thursday, Friday 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Special tours outside of regular hours are available upon request.

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

Donate

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.

Give to the Chaplain’s Museum

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.

Follow Chaplains Museum on Instagram

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May 16

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United we stand.

On the third Saturday of May, during Military Appreciation Month, Armed Forces Day honors servicemembers from all branches of the American military.

Armed Forces Day was created on August 31, 1949, by Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson. Intended to replace the separate Army, Navy, and Air Force Days, the new observance reflected the unification of the military branches under one department with a shared mission.

President Harry Truman proclaimed, “Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 20, 1950, marks the first combined demonstration by America’s defense team of its progress, under the National Security Act, toward the goal of readiness for any eventuality. It is the first parade of preparedness by the unified forces of our land, sea, and air defense.”

Armed Forces Day highlights how servicemembers across the military work together as one force for the defense of our country. In many ways, this parallels the mission of the Chaplains Corps, which serves across religious traditions and military branches to support those in uniform.

Learn more about chaplains and their service by visiting the Chaplains Museum.

#chaplains #armedforcesday #unitedwestand #militarychaplains ...

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May 15

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The Chaplains Museum will be closed May 18-27. Tours are available by appointment during this time.

We will reopen with summer hours beginning Thursday, May 28.

Summer hours: Mon, Thurs, Fri 11-4 and Sat 10-3

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May 12

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Congratulations to the 32,000+ members of the 2026 graduating class and welcome to all family and friends who are celebrating with you!

The Chaplains Museum will be closed Wednesday, May 13, but we will reopen for special commencement hours as follows:

Thursday, May 14, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday, May 15, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 16, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

#graduation #LUGrad #commencement ...

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May 5

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In the United States Navy, small warships such as destroyers and frigates often carry the names of legendary sailors and Marines from across America’s sea service. Six commissioned warships have also honored Navy chaplains who made extraordinary sacrifices for our country, sailing the world’s oceans in their memory.

USS Kirkpatrick and USS Schmitt were destroyer escorts named after two Navy chaplains lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor.

USS O’Callahan was named after Chaplain Joseph O’Callahan, who earned the Medal of Honor while serving aboard the carrier USS Franklin in World War II.

USS Capodanno, a frigate named for Medal of Honor recipient Chaplain Vincent Capodanno, remains the only ship in the Navy to have received an apostolic blessing from the pope.

USS Rentz honored Chaplain George Rentz, who served in World War I and sacrificed himself for his shipmates in World War II.

Finally, USS Laboon is a currently commissioned guided-missile destroyer named for Chaplain John Francis Laboon. After serving as a submarine officer during World War II, he became a Catholic chaplain, ministering to marines, submariners, and midshipmen across the fleet.

The research into the legacy of U.S. Navy chaplains and their service across the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Goard continues here at the Chaplain’s Museum. Come visit us and learn more about U.S. Navy chaplains!

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 #usnavy ...

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.

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.

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

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.

About

Serving with a Unique Purpose

Donate

Learn More About Chaplain History

Click Images to Read Full Post

Plan Your Visit to the Chaplains Museum

Explore

Devoted to Service

Museum Exhibits

Research

Collection Catalog

Location

Getting to the Museum

Contact

(434) 582-7090