Jerry Falwell Museum holds open house at new location in Hancock Welcome Center
September 5, 2025 : By Ryan Klinker - Office of Communications & Public Engagement
Now settled into its new location in the Hancock Welcome Center, the Jerry Falwell Museum held an open house Thursday afternoon to begin greeting and educating visitors and campus regulars alike about the life, faith, and work of Liberty University founder Dr. Jerry Falwell.
The museum was recently featured in the Fall 2025 issue of the Liberty Journal.
“We’re excited to let people know that we’re here and that they can come here to explore our history on a deeper level,” curator Michelle Marttila said. “We have interactive exhibits, and we have QR codes for people to dig even deeper into the history. It’s been so nice to see people come through and experience our rich history and follow (the progression) of the vision God gave our founder throughout the years. We’re so happy to be here and (engage) the community.”
The museum is a trove of artifacts that tell the story of Falwell’s family, his ministry as founding pastor of Thomas Road Baptist Church and a world-renowned evangelist, the humble beginnings of Liberty University and its explosive growth, and much more. There’s something to discover around every corner: a pulpit Falwell used from the 1980s until 2006, an original Sparky mascot suit, a camera from the “Old-Time Gospel Hour” television program, and a replica of the bridge that students walked on to get to Treasure Island, the island on James River in downtown Lynchburg where some dormitories and athletic facilities were located in Liberty’s early years.
While many of the exhibits will remain the same throughout the year, a large glass display case will feature themed selections that rotate in and out over time, such as Commencement regalia from across the decades and artwork by the late Macel Pate Falwell, wife of Falwell. The evolving display will feature pieces from the Jerry Falwell Library Archives & Special Collections.
Liberty President Dondi E. Costin was one of the guests who spent significant time at the open house studying the countless pieces and placards that fill the space, each a reminder of how Liberty got to where it is today.
“This museum is a special place because it tells the story of Dr. Falwell, his family, and his vision,” he said. “Every single one of us who have anything to do with Liberty University has so much to thank Dr. Falwell for.”
Noting that the museum is just a few steps away from the future entrance to the new Champion Center, currently under construction, Costin said the museum’s location will connect the university’s past, present, and future.
“When the Champion Center opens (next year), I’ll be so excited because everybody who tours the Champion Center and this museum will see the connection between the days gone by and what God has for the future of Liberty University.”
The Jerry Falwell Museum first opened in the Grand Lobby of DeMoss Hall in 2003, on Falwell’s 70th birthday, and has grown thanks to donations from the Falwell family, alumni, and friends from around the world. The museum is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, email JerryFalwellMuseum@liberty.edu or call (434) 582-7578. You can also visit the museum’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
