Now Playing
One Destiny
Spring and Summer
About The Show
Learn about President Lincoln’s assassination from two men who were there. Actor Harry Hawk and Ford’s Theatre co-owner Harry Ford revisit the events of April 14, 1865.
Where Abraham Lincoln’s legacy lives.
The site of Lincoln’s assassination, Ford’s Theatre offers museum exhibits, live theatre and immersive learning.
Special Event
Under 35: Museum Night
August 16, 2018, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Walking Tour
Investigation: Detective McDevitt
March-October
Visit
Historic Site
Open 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Special Event
Guided Tours
Select Sundays at 5:00 p.m.
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.
Investigating History
Ford’s Theatre: 1865 to Today
A site of tragedy becomes a living memorial.
Virtual Tour
Go on a virtual tour of Ford’s Theatre.
Featured Artifact
Deringer
In one shot, a monumental impact on history.
Primary Sources
Remembering Lincoln
Personal responses to the assassination.
Classroom Activities
Teaching Lincoln’s Assassination & Legacy
Learn More
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.
Distance Learning
Investigation: Detective McDevitt
A Virtual Manhunt for John Wilkes Booth.
Virtual Field Trips
Make an Impact
Connecting to classrooms across the country. Make a gift today.
Professional Development
Civil War Washington
Week-Long Summer Program
Classroom Activities
Oratory Resources
Find Strategies, Videos and Programs.
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. Closed Dec. 25, 2017-June 2018.
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?
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Behind the Scenes
Take a glimpse behind the curtain of Ford’s Theatre
From The Blog
Then vs. Now: Exploring the Presidential Box
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…
Video
Director Interview for Born Yesterday
Artifact
Deringer
John Wilkes Booth killed Lincoln with this small, single-shot pistol. Why would Booth use a weapon with only one bullet?
From The Blog
A 34ft Tribute: The Lincoln Book Tower
From The Blog
Don’t Shoot!: The Journey of Booth’s Deringer Pistol
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.
