National Museum of American Religion

The National Museum of American Religion (NMAR) is a non-profit organization headquartered in Purcellville, Virginia. Founded in 2010 by Christopher Stevenson and Darin Lowder, the organization’s goal is to create a museum dedicated to highlighting the role religion has played in shaping the social, political, economic, and cultural fabric of American life.

Background
The museum’s planned exhibits would reveal the impact of individuals, institutions, and movements whose religious beliefs and values have impacted the broader history of the United States. The museum’s mission, as outlined in its master planning document, is to “invite all people to be inspired by the Constitution’s bold commitment to the ideal of religious freedom and to be moved to seek its preservation for future generations.” NMAR is seeking to build its museum in Washington, D.C. by 2026.