Museum: Closed
Go on a virtual tour of our museum exhibits. View high-resolution images of our artifacts.
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.
Explore More
Necessary Sacrifices
A Radio Play
Listen for Free
Register to Listen
We’re bringing the history to you! Register to receive access to a radio play version of “Necessary Sacrifices.” In the play, Frederick Douglass challenges President Abraham Lincoln to use his power as president to bring truth to America’s founding ideal that “all men are created equal.”
2020-2021 Season
Updates
See the changes to our theatrical season.
Cabinet Conversations
Virtual Event
Live interviews with historians, artists and leaders
One Destiny
Streaming On Demand
Watch for Free Now
Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium
Virtual Live Event
A Virtual Live Series
Historic Site Visit
Our historic site is currently closed. Visit us virtually to learn about Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and its lasting impact on our nation.
Theatre: Closed
Go on a virtual tour of Ford’s Theatre. See inside the Presidential Box and learn more about the events of April 14, 1865.
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
-
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.
-
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?
-
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.
Join Our Newsletter
Sign up to receive emails with information on our site status, digital resources and online programming.
Behind the Scenes
Take a glimpse behind the curtain of Ford’s Theatre
Lessons in Leadership and Resilience from Lincoln
Video
Fly Through Ford's Theatre
Video
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…
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.
