Research Laboratory
As part of the area of History within the Humanities 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.
History students identify and research items from the collection.
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, information technology, graphic arts, education, and music.
Email chaplainsmuseum@liberty.edu for more information about getting involved.
Student Involvement
Sydney Gilbert, a graduating senior, transcribed and researched letters from Chaplain Malcolm Taylor to his wife during World War I. She was awarded first place for her research poster at the Jerry Falwell Library Research Week in April 2026.
Students work together to catalog, photograph, and exhibit objects in our collection.
Students learn proper care for objects in the collection.
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
