Whether experiencing a performance in the same place Lincoln did, or following the story of his presidency through the Civil War in our museum, a visit to Ford’s Theatre brings history to life for students of all ages. Learn and grow through history plays, theatrical walking tours, and special learning adventures on site. For more information about all on-site education programs, email education@fords.org.

ACT ONE

Museum:

Visitors to the historic site may choose to begin their visit by walking through the newly renovated museum. The Ford's Theatre Museum combines a remarkable collection of historic artifacts with background on the Civil War and 1860s Washington.

ACT TWO

Ranger Program:

National Park Service rangers offer interpretive talks about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln up to four times on regular visit days. These programs last approximately 30 minutes.

OR

One Destiny, A History Play:

During the fall and spring, Ford’s Theatre Society presents a one-act play that tells of the events of April 14, 1865.  One Destiny, by Richard Hellesen, portrays President Lincoln’s assassination through the eyes of Harry Ford and Harry Hawk, two men who were in the theatre that night. Any group that reserves tickets can receive a free study guide of primary source materials (speeches, newspaper articles, photographs, and first-hand accounts) for classroom use before and after the show to contextualize and delve deeper into the history of the events.

To download your free One Destiny study guide, click here.

ACT THREE

The House Where Lincoln Died:

Following a program in the Theatre, visitors may proceed across Tenth Street to the house where Lincoln died. After the shooting, President Lincoln was carried to the Petersen House and tended to in a back bedroom until his death hours later. Here, visitors can learn more about that fateful night and the people who surrounded the President in his final hours. Beginning in late 2010, the National Park Service (NPS) will begin a major rehabilitative project on the Petersen House, resulting in a temporary closure of the house. During this closure, patrons will not be able to visit the house.

Daytime Visits by Schools in the D.C. Metro Area

Ford’s Theatre and Target have teamed up to provide “Target Field Trips to Ford’s Theatre,” a program that provides free bus transportation to qualified D.C. metro area schools. Schools in the D.C. metro area that would like to schedule a visit to Ford's Theatre should email education@fords.org or call (202) 638-2941 ext. 567.

Daytime Visits by Schools Outside the D.C. Metro Area:

Schools outside the D.C.-metro area should visit the Group Sales section of our website for more information on tours of the site and performances.