Experience Civil War History Through the Lives of its Chaplains

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 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
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 National Civil War Chaplain’s Museum

Monday-Friday 12-4:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Closed April 1 through April 5 for the Easter holiday.

In keeping with COVID-19 guidelines, the museum allows a limited number of visitors inside at one time. Face masks are required and social distancing is encouraged.

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.

US Christian Commission Headquarters
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…

Black Chaplains Exhibit
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…

Lap Organ of Chaplain William
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 2nd Texas Mounted Rifles. This cavalry participated in actions in Texas, Western Louisiana…

Shipping Coffin
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

chaplainsmuseum@liberty.edu

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National Civil War Chaplain’s Museum

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515