Where Abraham Lincoln’s legacy lives.

The site of Lincoln’s assassination, Ford’s Theatre offers museum exhibits, live theatre and immersive learning.

2018-2019 Season

Early Ticket Access

A Christmas Carol, Twelve Angry Men and Into the Woods
Member Pre-Sale

Members at the Player Level ($100) and above can order tickets before the public beginning in August.

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Special Event

Under 35: Museum Night

August 16, 2018, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
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Special Event

Guided Tours

Select Sundays at 5:00 p.m.
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Walking Tour

Investigation: Detective McDevitt

March-October
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Discover

Investigate the Assassination

Uncover clues from the night of April 14, 1865.

Begin your own investigation into the night of the assassination. Follow the events of April 14, 1865, and find out how Booth was able to sneak into the Presidential Box and assassinate President Lincoln. 

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Investigating History

Ford’s Theatre: 1865 to Today

A site of tragedy becomes a living memorial.
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Featured Artifact

Deringer

In one shot, a monumental impact on history.
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Primary Sources

Remembering Lincoln

Personal responses to the assassination.
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Virtual Tour

Go on a virtual tour of Ford’s Theatre.
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Classroom Activities

Teaching Lincoln’s Assassination & Legacy

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Explore the life, leadership, death and legacy of Abraham Lincoln through primary sources and lesson plans developed by our education department and master teachers. Choose what works for your needs.

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Distance Learning

Investigation: Detective McDevitt

A Virtual Manhunt for John Wilkes Booth.
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Classroom Activities

Oratory Resources

Find Strategies, Videos and Programs.
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Professional Development

Civil War Washington

Week-Long Summer Program
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Historic Site Visit

Visit the site of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and learn about its lasting impact on our nation.

Museum

See exhibits that follow Lincoln from the start of his presidency to the moment he arrived at Ford’s Theatre the fateful night of April 14, 1865. See rare artifacts related to the assassination.

Theatre

Come inside where history happened. Learn all about the night of the assassination from our National Park Service Ranger talks, or a short play based on the people in the theatre that fateful night.

Petersen House

Step inside the house where Lincoln died and learn about the people who surrounded the President in his final hours.

Aftermath Exhibits

See exhibits exploring the assassination aftermath, the hunt for John Wilkes Booth and the lasting impact of Lincoln’s legacy.

Uncover the History

Lincoln's Assassination

Explore These Topics

President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre on April 14, 1865. Learn how and why it happened, and see the event’s lasting impact on our nation.

On the morning of April 14, 1865, actor John Wilkes Booth learned the President would visit Ford’s Theatre that evening. He realized his moment had arrived. Follow the events as witnesses describe what they saw and heard.

As Lincoln lay dying in a back bedroom of a small Washington boarding house, the home became the hub of the U.S. government. What happened in the Petersen House the night of April 14, 1865?

Behind the Scenes

Take a glimpse behind the curtain of Ford’s Theatre

Video

Historic Site Visit Preview with Actor Stephen Schmidt

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Artifact

Deringer

John Wilkes Booth killed Lincoln with this small, single-shot pistol. Why would Booth use a weapon with only one bullet?

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Teaching Lincoln’s Assassination & Legacy

Classroom Activities

Teaching Lincoln’s Assassination & Legacy

Explore the life, leadership, death and legacy of Abraham Lincoln through primary sources and lesson plans developed by our education department and master teachers. Choose what works for your needs.