Now on Exhibit at the Cathedral

Let Thy Will Be Done: Catholic Chaplains and the Daughters of Charity in Civil War Richmond

As part of a state-wide commemoration of the Civil War Sesquicentennial, this new exhibit illustrates the ministry that Catholic chaplains and the Daughters of Charity provided to Civil War soldiers in hospitals and on the battlefield. The exhibit has been installed in the recently refurbished Crypt & Undercroft, located beneath the sanctuary of the church.

Special features include a chaplain’s “tent Mass” scene, a recreation of a Civil War hospital room, Confederate soldier’s uniform and a representation of a 19th century Daughter of Charity habit. Also featured are historic photographs, wartime correspondence, a Confederate War Bond and other unique treasures from the Diocesan Archives.

Visitors to the exhibit area may also view the marble burial markers of those laid to rest in the Crypt, including three former bishops of the Diocese and several family members of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Ryan, the Cathedral's donors. To schedule a guided tour for your parish group, organization or students, please call 804-359-5651.

Built on a Cornerstone of Faith:                                                     The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart

Located near the main entrance of the church, the “Baptistery Gallery” features a permanent exhibit titled Built on a Cornerstone of Faith: The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. This display traces the history of the Cathedral’s construction, beginning with the procurement of its cornerstone in 1883 to the building’s consecration in 1906.

Highlights in this exhibit include restored pieces of the Cathedral’s original baptismal font, as well as various liturgical artifacts belonging to the Cathedral. Stored in the crypt for over thirty years, the baptismal font has been carefully cleaned and returned to the room where it originally stood, the baptistery.  (At right: picture of font, c.1906)

Tours of the Baptistery Gallery and Crypt exhibits are presently offered by appointment only. For walk-in visitors, there are informational displays located in the vestibule and aisle cases that illustrate the Cathedral’s early history, highlighting its 1906 Consecration Day.

                                           Pictured above: Procession for Cathedral's consecration, November 29,1906

Scheduling an Appointment: In June through mid-September, the Museum exhibits are open to the public following each Sunday morning Mass. During the "off-season" months, the exhibits are open by appointment only.

To schedule a guided tour of the Cathedral's Baptistery Gallery and Crypt exhibits, please call the Cathedral's Tour Coordinator at (804) 359-5651.

Visiting the Cathedral: If you wish to tour the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart without an appointment, the church is open to walk-in visitors Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:00pm, Saturdays 3:30pm-6:00pm, Sundays 9:00am-6:00pm unless there is a special event or services are in progress.  Prior to your visit, please call 804-359-5651 or check the parish’s online calendar: http://www.richmondcathedral.org/calendar/calendar.htm