Ford's Theatre has made it a priority to increase access to the historic site. As part of an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Museums Empowered grant, we hosted a two-day workshop with leaders in the field of museum accessibility to evaluate our site needs and brainstorm solutions. Read about what we learned and how it helped us develop a roadmap of solutions to implement in the future. 

Since 2000, many visitors to Ford’s Theatre have stepped back in time with National Park Service volunteer Liz Hogan, who portrays First Lady Mary Lincoln and, sometimes, Mary Lincoln’s confidante Elizabeth Dixon. Hogan seeks to counter some of the many pervasive myths about Lincoln’s First Lady. Learn about how Hogan  prepared for this historical role and how visitors react.

On a semi-cold Tuesday, Ford’s Theatre staff and evaluator Kate Haley Goldman spent the day on the street between the Petersen House and Ford’s Theatre, asking visitors for their opinions of two on-site prototypes that might enhance the visitor’s understanding of the Lincoln assassination and its aftermath. Read on to see what we learned from that testing.

Have you ever wondered how Ford’s Theatre keeps the costumes and wigs of A Christmas Carol looking fresh year after year? See photos and hear from the team that keeps the magic happening time after time!

No humbugs here! Our cast, crew and fans are having as much fun backstage as you see on stage in A Christmas Carol.

Since reopening in 1968, Ford's Theatre has remained a working theatre that presents performances that entertain, inspire empathy and share insights into historical events and individuals like Lincoln himself. See more about the history we showcase on our stage.

How museum visitors interact with site content is constantly changing. We initially wanted to enhance our museum storytelling in one way, but found other options could be more effective and viable. Learn more about our shift from creating an experience on mobile devices to developing prototypes to test other types of technology.

Are you thinking about or in the process of redesigning your website? Regardless of the type of institution and the purpose the new website will serve, all organizations face similar challenges when embarking on this process. Ford’s Theatre shares lessons learned and provides strategies to overcome common challenges associated with creating a living and sustainable website.

Ford’s Theatre is committed to hiring and featuring local actors. This allows artists the chance to explore a wide variety of material and gives audiences an opportunity to watch their favorite actors transform from role to role.

Timberlake Wertenbaker has written extensively for the stage, radio and film. In January 2018, Ford’s Theatre presents the American premiere of her latest play, Jefferson’s Garden. Read her thoughts on writing about the complex beginnings of our nation and our relationship with freedom