How do you view the Lincoln assassination? Was it the conclusion to the Civil War or the beginning of Reconstruction? Students today need a deeper understanding of the Lincoln assassination regarding the years of Reconstruction that followed. Read more to find out how teachers can reframe their teaching of the events at Ford's Theatre to connect them to the fight for equality today. 

When writing an essay on Lincoln’s assassination, it can be hard to know where to begin. But Ford’s Theatre has the solution! Fords.org is a great place to find primary sources on the fateful evening of April 14, 1865. 

From Black Panther to The Wiz to Beyoncé, Afrofuturism is all around us! In this blog, you’ll learn about the history of Afrofuturism movement, and why it matters to art, music, theater and fashion.

To be an effective public speaker, students need to understand a variety of elements, including use of  appropriate tone, natural gestures and effective eye contact. If stymied by stage fright, all of their hard work might feel for naught. In this interview style blog post, professional actors and teaching artists Victoria Reinsel and JJ Johnson share with Ford’s Education team some of their best strategies and advice for teachers and students to calm nerves and speak with confidence. In this interview style blog post, professional actors and teaching artists Victoria Reinsel and JJ Johnson share with Ford’s Education team some of their best strategies and advice for teachers and students to calm nerves and speak with confidence.

Here at Ford’s we believe that it’s never too early to learn about the Lincoln assassination. Whether you are looking for a way to introduce Lincoln’s assassination to elementary school students or an interesting novel to make history come to life for your own middle-school child, the Ford’s Education team has readers of all ages and skill-levels covered. 

Teacher Joyce Erb-Appleman shares how she helped a colleague use a close-reading approach to analyzing word choice to help students gain a deeper understanding of a primary source text.

Most visitors come to Ford’s Theatre to learn more about that one fateful night in 1865. But a school trip to Ford’s should be more than just seeing Booth’s gun and visiting the box where Lincoln was shot. How can you make sure that kids leave Ford’s with a better understanding of the bigger picture?

Arts Education Coordinator at Ford’s Theatre Jennie Berman Eng discusses coming to terms with Thomas Jefferson's complicated legacy and how teachers might address this in the classroom.

How does a field trip promote Civic Engagement? In the Civil War Washington Teacher Fellows program at Ford’s Theatre, we use places as primary sources to unlock the history right beneath our feet and make it come to life for teachers and students.

Giving students an opportunity to perform historic or original speeches is a great way to showcase learning. It’s also a powerful way to help them develop strong voices and perspectives on issues that matter. Time is precious. Discover guidance for planning and implementing a hassle-free student oratory performance that invites assessment and chance for your students to shine.