Research Laboratory

As part of the History Department at Liberty University, the Chaplains Museum is staffed by student workers, interns, and volunteers who gain hands-on experience working in a museum setting.

Students…

  • Staff the museum
  • Host visitors
  • Give tours
  • Develop social media content
  • Conduct research
  • Help design exhibits
  • Take on special projects

We welcome student participation from all disciplines. In addition to history students, we have worked with students studying interior design, fashion design, religion, and music.

Email chaplainsmuseum@liberty.edu for more information about getting involved. 

Special Project: Miss Melanie's Parlor

Sydney Cooper, an LU Interior Design major (now graduated) acquired a research grant from LU’s Center for Research and Scholarship which funded her research project for Miss Melanie’s Parlor. Sydney traveled to other historic sites and examined the sources to learn more about 19th-century interiors and mourning practices. With the help of her faculty sponsor, Prof. Caitlyn Burnell (FACS), she installed wallpaper, floor treatment, window treatment, and other décor. Prof. Maria Garcia (FACS) painted scenery in the window. The final piece, an 1860s settee, was restored by Sydney and Prof. Burnell. Originally from the Chase-Lloyd House in Annapolis, Maryland, the settee was gifted to the museum by Prof. Burnell.

Miss Melanie’s Parlor is part of the Service on the Homefront exhibit, which features the ministry of chaplains when they are not deployed, especially their ministry to families of fallen service members. Military chaplains routinely conduct memorial services, care for the remains of the fallen, and support families through the mourning process.

Final Parlor Display
08 Finished (2)