Reflect on the realities of the Civil War and the influence religion had on its soldiers. At the National Civil War Chaplain’s Museum at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., you’ll get a firsthand look at archive displays, artifacts, and images. You will also have access to our research library.
Learn about the role these chaplains and religious organizations played during the Civil War and view a variety of religious artifacts from the war.
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
The museum features documentary films, archival displays, murals, photos, a research library, and more. Educational programs and special events are held throughout the year.
The National Civil War Chaplain’s Museum is led by a Board of Trustees and Board of Advisors.
Plan Your Visit to the National Civil War Chaplain’s Museum
The museum is currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. We expect to reopen in early September 2020. Updates will be posted here.
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
The US Christian Commission Headquarters Flag
Formed in 1861, the U.S. Christian Commission assisted Union chaplains and hospitals sending more than 5,000 delegates to battlefields during the war. While field delegates used smaller USCC Flags on…
The Catholic Chaplains Exhibit
With nearly 200,000 Catholics serving in both the Confederate and Union armies during the Civil War, there was a great need for Catholic chaplains. Approximately 65 Catholic chaplains ministered to…
The Black Chaplains Exhibit
The formation of the U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) created a need for black chaplains, but only sixteen served black U.S. troops. Other USCT regiments were served by white chaplains…
The Lap Organ of Chaplain William Joyce of the 2nd Texas Cavalry
Chaplain William Joyce served in the 2nd Texas Cavalry during the Civil War, originally known as the 2 nd Texas Mounted Rifles. This cavalry participated in actions in Texas, Western Louisiana…
The Shipping Coffin
During the Civil War, the embalmment of bodies was introduced both for soldiers and private citizens. As the war went on, enterprising morticians would sell embalming receipts to Union soldiers…
Contact
(434) 582-7090
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National Civil War Chaplain’s Museum
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515