Experience Civil War History Through the Lives of its Chaplains
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
Plan Your Visit to the National Civil War Chaplain’s Museum
Currently closed. We will reopen on February 1.
Monday-Friday 12-4:30 P.M. and Saturday 10 A.M.- 2 P.M.
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.
Join us for our Grand Reopening on February 5th from 1-4 P.M. Experience the stories of Civil War Chaplains through re-enactors in period clothing, conversations with historians, and historical artifacts. Special exhibits include:
Miss Melanie’s Parlor: Mourning in the Civil War
Shiloh Chapel: Civil War Chaplains and the Bible
Called to Serve: Revivals of 1863 and the U.S. Christian Commission
Service to the Suffering: Chaplains’ Ministry in the Hospitals and Prison Camps
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 2nd 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