Drawing of Martin Luther King Jr. superimposed over a blue-toned photograph of National Mall filled with people.

The American Five

Five giants form a powerful coalition to advance civil rights and shape a defining moment in American history.

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Explore the Campus

Visit Ford’s Theatre and step back in time. While at our historic site, you will learn about the events of April 14, 1865, and the lasting impact of Lincoln’s assassination on our nation.

Inside the Ford’s Theatre Museum, two television screens display close-up images of Abraham Lincoln’s face. The screens are embedded in a display that is a large-scale photograph of the partially constructed U.S. Capitol dome taken during the Civil War. In front of the display are three white columns, designed to evoke the Capitol. Behind the display is a model of the partially constructed dome. Photo © Maxwell MacKenzie.

The Museum

Explore exhibits on Lincoln's presidency, Civil War milestones and the assassination conspiracy led by John Wilkes Booth.

A side view of the stage and seating at Ford’s Theatre. On the left is the Presidential Box with an American flag, a framed picture of George Washington and American flag bunting draped over the box. Photo © Maxwell MacKenzie.

Theatre

Go inside the historic theatre and learn about the night of the assassination.
A small bedroom decorated with 1860s-era furniture. The room has green-and-white-striped wallpaper. In the right corner sits a double-sized mattress on a wooden bed frame with two pillows and a colorful quilt with geometric shapes. Small wooden chairs are arranged facing the bed. Photo © Maxwell MacKenzie.

Petersen House

Download a virtual reality experience with first-person accounts from those who witnessed Lincoln's final hours.
A wall-sized photo of a steam train with Lincoln’s portrait affixed to the front sits next to life-size train car draped in black bunting and a painting of an eagle. Photo © Maxwell MacKenzie.

Aftermath Exhibit

Virtually explore some of the artifacts related to Lincoln's funeral train and the trial of the conspirators.

Performances at Ford’s Theatre

Public Programs

Black and white drawing of men dressed in nineteenth century clothing gathered around a table.

Lincoln’s Assassination

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.

Explore the History

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