Kline 1
Museum Tour Reflection
Originally established as a private institution in 2005, the Chaplains Museum is currently
a division of Liberty University's History Department. Our goal is to use historical research, the
gathering and preservation of relevant artifacts, and historical analysis to highlight the
contributions made by US military chaplains through American history. In addition, the museum
serves as a student laboratory for special projects, display design, research, and collection
maintenance. The Chaplains Museum presents programs that point out the significance of
chaplains and military service in shaping the spirituality of those who serve in the armed forces.
It also collects, safeguards, and studies objects and documents related to military chaplains.
Finally, it encourages learners to investigate topics corresponding to religion in conflict,
specifically in the context of military chaplains and their ministry. Some information presented to
me during this tour was that bibles were small and thin to make it easier for soldiers to carry. The
coffee wagon was used in war and a piece of information that stuck out to me was both sides
drank from the same wagon for the first time. We were shown a pocket mirror and a shaving kit
which were common items you could find a soldier carrying. John Jaspar was a man who wanted
to save as many souls as possible no matter who they were, and the first female chaplain was
Ellen Gibson Hobart. This was just some of the information that was presented during the tour at
the Chaplains Museum.
