Discover the Sacrifice and Service of U.S. Military Chaplains in Wartime
We resume our semester schedule Monday, September 7. We will be open weekdays (except Tuesday) 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Private tours outside of regular hours may be 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 Department of Humanities 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.
As part of the Department of Humanities 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.
The history of U.S. military chaplains is filled with stories of courage and sacrifice. Among the most enduring is that of the Four Chaplains. When the USAT Dorchester was torpedoed in the North Atlantic on February 3, 1943, four Army chaplains from different faith traditions joined together to save others and ultimately gave their own lives. Over the next few months, the Chaplains Museum will share their stories and the legacy they left behind.
While serving as a young rabbi at Temple Beth Israel in York, Pennsylvania, Rabbi Alexander D. Goode founded Boy Scout Troop 37, the first troop in the US to present religion awards to Catholic, Jewish, and Protestant scouts.
Goode`s growing concern over the persecution of Jews in Europe led him to enter military service as an Army Air Force chaplain in 1942. After chaplain training at Harvard, Goode was assigned to an airbase in Greenland.
Rabbi Goode`s journey to Greenland began aboard the USAT Dorchester, departing New York with three fellow chaplains, all of whom he already knew. On February 2, the Dorchester was warned of a German submarine nearby while still a night`s sail from Greenland`s air cover. At 12:55 a.m., a torpedo struck the engine room, plunging the ship into darkness. As the vessel sank, Rabbi Goode and the other chaplains distributed life jackets and calmed the passengers. During the evacuation, Goode gave his gloves to Navy Lt. John Mahoney, preventing him from returning below deck for his own. When the supply of life jackets ran out, Goode and the other chaplains gave away their own. They were last seen praying together, arm-in-arm on the deck of the sinking ship, a scene which demonstrates the sacrifice, bravery, and unity long associated with Army chaplaincy. Of the 900 aboard the USAT Dorchester, only 230 survived.
Visit the Chaplains Museum to learn more about the Four Chaplains and their enduring legacy. Two items commemorating their sacrifice will soon be on display in the museum, offering visitors another opportunity to remember their courage, service, and unity. #ChaplainsMuseum #MilitaryChaplains #LibertyUniversity #TheFourChaplains
Chaplain Delana Small is an outstanding example of what it means to be a Chaplain. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated bravery, courage, and selfless care for others. In 2012, she became the first female U.S. Army Chaplain assigned to a combat arms unit and served with the 101st Airborne Division, the "Screaming Eagles." Through her servant leadership and dedication to soldiers` spiritual and emotional well-being, she has left a lasting impact on those she served.
Delana Small’s historic assignment was only the beginning of her military service. In 2013, she was deployed to Afghanistan with an artillery unit. Instead of remaining on the main bases, where she would have been safe, she traveled by helicopter to remote outposts and continued to serve her comrades by providing counseling, performing baptisms, and conducting services on the frontlines. When she was asked about her assignment, Small explained that “It doesn’t matter if I am a male or a female, I will be out on the gunline counseling and providing soldiers with religious support.” Delana Small demonstrates her dedication to her duties as a chaplain, and her willingness to go above and beyond for those under her care.
Her position as a Chaplain was groundbreaking, and she paved the way for many female military chaplains. However, Chaplain Small has expressed that she did not originally pursue military service with the intention of making history. She explained that “I was called by God to be a chaplain since I was 15.”. She claims that she felt called to “serve those who serve,” and she uses her position as a platform to encourage and counsel her comrades. Despite her impressive achievements, Small has remained humble about her accomplishments. Explaining that ministry should be done for God’s glory rather than “to make a name for ourselves.” Her career reflects that belief. Delana Small has made history by breaking a barrier for women in the Army; however, her first focus has been serving the soldiers and people around her rather than herself.
Behind every soldier is a story, but some stories lack a conclusion.
In September each year, a day is set aside to recognize more than 80,000 American servicemembers who were prisoners of war or who remain missing and unaccounted for. POW/MIA Day honors those men and women, some of whom were chaplains.
Army chaplain Father John E. Duffy, was captured and imprisoned while serving in the Philippines during World War II. While imprisoned, he suffered torture and deprivation, including the Bataan Death March. The Japanese guards left him for dead, but he was rescued by Filipino guerillas only to be recaptured and imprisoned again. But even as a prisoner, he ministered to others, praying with them and encouraging them while suffering alongside them.
Father Duffy is a testament to the steadfast commitment of chaplains serving in the worst condition. Today we remember Father Duffy and honor his dedication and his bravery.
“You Are Not Forgotten”
Learn more about chaplains in POW camps in our “Service to the Suffering” exhibit when you visit the Chaplains Museum. #ChaplainsMuseum #MilitaryChaplains #LibertyUniversity
Please help us welcome our new student worker, Ethan Jenkins!
Ethan Jenkins is a Junior studying History who is fascinated with the Jacksonian period of American history. He is passionate about teaching and hopes to work one day as a professor.
Like Lauren Ethan’s favorite exhibit in the Chaplain’s Museum is the story of the four chaplains who gave their lives to rescue others while their ship the USAT Dorchester was sunk by a German U-boat. Their sacrifice is a reminder of how we can live our lives not for ourselves but in service to God.
Stop by the Chaplains Museum to learn more about these brave men and the many others who have served both their country and king. #ChaplainsMuseum #MilitaryChaplains #LibertyUniversity
Plan Your Visit to the Chaplains Museum
Monday through Friday 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Fall 2026: Closed Tuesdays
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Summer Hours (June, July, August) Monday, Thursday, Friday 11:00 p.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.
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.
