Museum of the Bible Opened War Exhibit
A new display in Washington features historic Bibles used by American service members during past conflicts.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Military
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The Museum of the Bible has opened the Bible in Times of War exhibit on its second floor. It features artifacts documenting how soldiers utilized Scripture for comfort and strength throughout American history.
Why it matters
The exhibit provides insight into the spiritual lives of service members, illustrating how families sent Bibles as symbols of protection and how troops used them to find courage during periods of intense combat.
The exhibit showcases diverse artifacts, including 1860s-era infantry items and Heart Shield Bibles used during the 1940s and 1950s. These metal-covered Bibles are noted for their inability to stop high-speed ammunition.
The players
Museum of the Bible
This is a non-profit organization located in Washington that maintains a collection of artifacts and research regarding the history and impact of the Bible.
John Weissenheimer
He was a soldier who served in the 107th Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the American Civil War.
Christoph Sauer
He was an early American printer known for producing the first German-language Bible in North America.
Peter Boal
He was a military member associated with documented operations in Antarctica during the 1950s.
The details
Curators have organized personal items, including Bibles with handwritten notes and records of deployment journeys. Notable items include a Bible from a member of the 107th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and a German-language Gun-Wad Bible printed by Christoph Sauer.
Timeline
John Weissenheimer served in the 107th Ohio Volunteer Infantry during the 1860s.
Heart Shield Bibles saw use in conflicts throughout the 1940s and 1950s.
Peter Boal gifted a Bible for operations in Antarctica during the 1950s.
The Museum of the Bible exhibit opened in September 2026.
Political Context
Opponents of institutional religious displays often argue that such exhibits blur the line between state history and theological advocacy. Others maintain that these artifacts represent secular historical records of individual soldier experiences rather than state-sponsored religion.
Visitors to the museum can view these artifacts firsthand to better understand the personal experiences of historical figures. The exhibit offers a unique look at how soldiers navigated the psychological stresses of war through religious texts.
The takeaway
These artifacts demonstrate that service members have long utilized personal religious items to maintain a sense of connection to home. Recognizing these individual practices provides a human perspective on the broader realities of American military history.
Further reading
For more on the intersection of national history and faith, visit the Military section.
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Do you believe historical exhibits help preserve the personal legacy of military service members?
