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.
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:
Support the Chaplain’s Museum through an online donation.
All 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 as well as events and activities that further the mission of the Museum.
As part of the History Department at Liberty University, the Chaplains Museum has become an active learning laboratory for students.
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.
Gunslinging lawmen, tumbleweeds, and action-packed tales of adventure are just a few symbols of the historical American West, but they aren’t the whole story. If you find yourself imagining the Wild West, remember the chaplains who helped settle it!
The Arizona Rangers have gained fame for bringing order to the lawless Arizona Territory. But there was a smaller group of men who are less well-known: 14 US Army Chaplains. These chaplains, representing various Christian denominations, helped build what would eventually become the 48th state.
Arizona had a small population for most of its history, but sporadic wars with the Navajo and Apache meant several army posts were scattered across the territory. Chaplains were assigned to a post instead of moving with a unit and often had to take on multiple responsibilities. Ch. Leslie Richard Groves acted as Fort Apache’s librarian, schoolteacher, and postmaster during his time stationed there.
Most of us probably know something about one chaplain’s service in Arizona. Baptist Winfield Scott (no relation to the famous general) was one of the few chaplains who stayed in service after the Civil War. He arrived in Arizona in 1882. After retiring, he remained in Arizona and took a major role in helping build a settlement outside Phoenix. That town? Scottsdale, Arizona. Named in his honor, it has been featured in popular songs like Nat King Cole’s “Route 66” (written by Bobby Troup) and has become synonymous with the American Wild West.
To learn more about the work of chaplains, come visit the Chaplains Museum on the terrace level of the Jerry Falwell Library at Liberty University!
Image 1: Ch. Winfield Scott, namesake of Scottsdale, Arizona. In this image, Scott is accompanied by his wife. Courtesy of AZ Central.
Image 2: Chaplain Scott. Courtesy of Find a Grave.
Image 3: Art by Charles Schreyvogel, entitled “Breaking the Circle.” While they may not feature in popular literature, chaplains played an integral role in establishing the Arizona territory.
#history #ushistory #militaryhistory #oldwest #oldwesthistory #western #westernhistory #arizona #scottsdale #arizonahistory #oldwestfort #chaplain #chaplains
Yesterday, May 1, 2025, was the National Day of Prayer. The day of prayer and reflection reminds us of the vital role chaplains play in fostering the spiritual development of servicemembers abroad and at home.
During World War II, Christian periodicals became powerful voices of hope, faith, and guidance amid global crises. These publications featured satires, sermons, and articles concerning the war effort from a Christian perspective. Published by the Service Men’s Christian League, a periodical called The Link was widely distributed throughout the period. A more narrowly focused periodical, The Chaplain, was published by the General Commission on Chaplains and included material to support the work of the chaplain. In addition to inspirational and instructional pieces such as book reviews and historical sketches, each issue provided sermon illustrations and tips for fulfilling the religious duties of the chaplaincy.
After the war, tensions between the US and the communist USSR prompted servicemembers and chaplains alike to confront uncertainty with a resilient faith. These periodicals continued to contribute to strong morale while encouraging commitment to Christian principles.
These items were given to the museum by the family of John G. Burkhalter, a remarkable chaplain who served on the beaches of Normandy during the D-Day invasion. Stay tuned for more information regarding his life and service, as well as other pieces from the Burkhalter collection. Stop by the museum to see more periodicals written by and for chaplains.
Image 1: Three editions of The Link, the forerunner of modern chaplaincy periodicals. These eye-catching covers display the publishers’ desire to encourage faith and and American patriotism.
Image 2: The Chaplain, another periodical published for Christian servicemembers during and after WWII.
Image 3: Stacks of The Link and The Chaplain, now in our collection. We have 50 copies of the Link and 30 of The Chaplain. Follow us on Instagram and stay tuned for scans of these periodicals!
#ww2 #chaplains #writers #libertyuniversity #historylu #history #nationaldayofprayer #chaplaincy #museum
The Chaplains Museum will have unique hours for Commencement Week, with extended hours Thurs-Sat:
Wed, May 7: Closed
Thurs, May 8: 11am-5pm
Fri, May 9: 11am-4pm
Sat, May 10: 10am-2pm
We will be closed May 12-28, but summer hours will begin on May 29!
#commencement #liberyuniversity #museumhours #hours #museum #history
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.
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.
Take the accessible-friendly route to the Chaplains 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.
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.
