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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Historic Site Visits
Museum and Theatre
Open Wednesday-Sunday; Advance Tickets Required
Welcome Back
Ford’s Theatre Society and the National Park Service began a phased reopening on May 12, 2021. We have limited capacity, days and hours during the first level of our reopening. Only the museum and theatre will be open. Advance tickets are required.
Virtual Play Readings
Virtual Event
Live Streamed Performances
Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium
Virtual Live Event
A Virtual Live Series
Cabinet Conversations
Virtual Event
Live interviews with historians, artists and leaders
Free Live Events
Register
Join us virtually!
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
Lincoln’s Washington: Places Lincoln Visited that Exist Today
From The Blog
You may be surprised to learn that multiple places within the District of Columbia that Lincoln visited are still in existence 155 years later. Which of…
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…
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…
Fly Through Ford's Theatre
Video
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.
