Museum
Explore exhibits on Lincoln’s presidency, Civil War milestones and the assassination conspiracy led by John Wilkes Booth. See artifacts related to the assassination.
Fords Theatre
Where Abraham Lincoln’s legacy lives.
The site of Lincoln’s assassination, Ford’s Theatre offers museum exhibits, live theatre and immersive learning.
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My Lord, What a Night
On Sale Now
October 1-24, 2021
About The Show
Join us in person this October for a new drama based on the real-life friendship between contralto Marian Anderson and physicist Albert Einstein.
Next Showing
Friday, October 1st - 7:30 pm
2021-2022 Season
Updates
See plans for our in-person theatrical season.
Cabinet Conversations
Virtual Event
Live interviews with historians, artists and leaders
Free Live Events
Register
Join us virtually!
We’re saving you a seat!
Membership at Ford’s
Help support artists and experience the joy of live theatre again—become a member today!
Historic Site Visit
Learn about Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and its lasting impact on our nation.
Theatre
Go inside the historic theatre and learn about the night of the assassination.
Petersen House: Closed
View a virtual exhibit exploring the history of the Petersen House. Or download a virtual reality experience with first-person accounts from those who witnessed Lincoln’s final hours.
Aftermath Exhibits: Closed
Virtually explore some of the artifacts related to Lincoln’s funeral train and the trial of the conspirators.
Uncover the History
Lincoln's Assassination
Explore These Topics
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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.
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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?
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After John Wilkes Booth shot Lincoln, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton and other investigators interviewed eyewitnesses. Find out what they learned and how deep the conspiracy went.
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Behind the Scenes
Take a glimpse behind the curtain of Ford’s Theatre
Then vs. Now: Exploring the Presidential Box
From The Blog
In our previous Then vs. Now blog posts, we have discussed why the Ford’s stage is slanted and where the cheapest seats were during 1860s performances…
Why is a George Washington Portrait on the Ford’s Theatre Presidential Box?
From The Blog
One of the most commonly asked questions we hear is, “Why is there a portrait of George Washington decorating the Presidential Box?” Read on to find out…
Should Ford’s Display a Murder Weapon?
From The Blog
Lincoln’s Clothes
Artifact
What did Lincoln wear to Ford’s Theatre the night John Wilkes Booth murdered him? See his clothes, including the special message sewn inside his overcoat…
Lessons in Leadership and Resilience from Lincoln
Video
Expanded Programs
Distance Learning
Travel back in time to investigate the Lincoln assassination – via video-conference. Connect with our expert educators and scholars or a National Park Service Ranger to ask questions about Lincoln’s life and legacy. Live, interactive programs available by request.
