The People of Hope Museum is a traveling, immersive storytelling experience created by Catholic Charities U.S.A. to celebrate the transformative power of Christian service and inspire visitors to serve their neighbors.
Housed in a digitally outfitted semi‑truck, the museum will travel the U.S. over a three‑year tour, visiting more than 150 communities. It is designed to amplify the impact of service, grow empathy, and connect people to local Catholic Charities.
The exhibit features:
→ 42 original video stories from Catholic Charities staff and volunteers, sharing first‑person accounts of those serving someone in need.
→ Interactive poverty simulation — stepping into another person’s life and making difficult choices.
→ Audio library with curated 2–4 minute segments from authors like Arthur Brooks, Matthew Desmond, Robert Putnam, and Oprah Winfrey (we realize that not all of these authors reflect our Catholic Christian values).
→ National and state data on poverty and the role of social services.
→ Recording studio for attendees to share their own stories of hope and service.
The experience is intended for ages 14+ due to sensitive themes.
The museum’s mission is to:
♦ Grow empathy for those in need.
♦ Show Christianity as a living, healing faith in action.
♦ Encourage community involvement and volunteering.
It is made possible by a $5 million Lilly Endowment Inc. grant through its National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life.
The museum is on a nationwide tour. It will have 150+ tour stops through 2026–2028.
And, from March to December 2026, the museum will progress through 21 states, from Texas to Ohio and from Maine to Florida, mostly in the eastern half of the United States.
It will then tour the western states in 2027. In the first half of 2028, the tour will visit places missed or those who would like a repeat visit. More dates will be added regularly.