National Civil War Chaplains Museum

Twenty five years ago, the attacks of September 11, 2001, took the lives of nearly 3,000 people and forever changed the United States. The World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, were attacked, while a fourth hijacked plane, United Airlines Flight 93, crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers and crew fought back.

Among those at the Pentagon that morning was Navy Chaplain Cory Cathcart. At the time, he was assigned to Camp David, but he was taking a morning jog, passing by just as American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building. He rushed to the scene and immediately joined a group of servicemembers in the search for survivors.

He then set about contacting the families of those who were killed or missing. Days later, after the missing were confirmed dead, he had to call those families again.

Reflecting on his experience, Cathcart said, “The country remembers it once a year on the anniversary, but I remember it every day.”

His story is one of countless experiences of service, sacrifice, courage, and loss from that day and its aftermath. In the midst of tragedy, September 11 also brought Americans together. Across the country, first responders, service members, chaplains, volunteers, and ordinary citizens stepped forward to help their neighbors and support those in need.

As we mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, we remember the lives lost, honor those who answered the call to serve, and remember the families who continue to carry the loss of that day.
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The Chaplains Museum is back! Today, September 7, we reopen with our Fall 2026 schedule. We`re open weekdays 12-4:30 EXCEPT we will be closed on Tuesdays. Saturday hours are 10am-2pm.

Come back and take a look at all the changes and additions that have happened over the summer.

Check out our website for new content (link in bio).

If you`ve visited us before, comment your favorite museum object, exhibit, or story. If you`ve never been before, comment a question about military chaplains or the museum.

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Military chaplains are leaders, both in the camp and in the chapel. These leaders represent the myriad cultures and backgrounds that make up the mosaic that is America. Take Monsignor Mariano Vassallo, for instance. Born in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, he became the first Puerto Rican to serve as a chaplain in the U.S. Army.

As a Catholic priest, Vassallo enlisted as a chaplain with the Puerto Rican Infantry on July 19, 1918. His unit faced great difficulties in integrating with the regular U.S. Army, as many Puerto Ricans refused to identify themselves as “white” or “black.” Vassallo and the Puerto Rican Infantry were tasked with defending the Panama Canal for the duration of the war, returning to Puerto Rico in March of 1919.

Vassallo continued to serve with the Puerto Rican Infantry after the war. In 1920, the unit was redesignated as the 65th Infantry Regiment and incorporated into the standard ranks of the U.S. military. This regiment would go on to serve with great distinction during the Korean War.
Vassallo distinguished himself in civilian service as well, being named vicar general of the San Juan diocese of Puerto Rico in 1937. General George Marshall considered Vassallo to serve as military attache to Cuba, believing that his Latin heritage and position as a chaplain would help engender good relations with the government. However, this proposal was dropped, as Vassallo’s diplomatic credentials made him far overqualified for the position.

Chaplain Vassallo remained with the 65th Infantry for the duration of their service in Europe during World War II. He retired at the rank of Colonel in 1948.

Follow the Chaplains Museum for more stories of brave chaplains as we explore the melting pot of American culture.

Help the Chaplains Museum expand our collection and add new exhibits.
Look for the "Donate" section at the link in our bio.

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