
Ford’s Theatre History
Ford’s Theatre and the Petersen House have seen many uses since the 1830s. Explore how they have evolved.
An update from Director Paul R. Tetreault on the events at the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
Follow how the two buildings have evolved since the 1830s. Keep checking back as we add pages with more details about each era!
1833-1861
Ford’s Theatre
In 1833, a Baptist congregation erected a church. Originally a multiracial congregation, First Baptist Church split in 1839 into white and African American churches. First Baptist Church occupied the site until 1859.
1861-1865
Ford’s Theatre
In 1861, John T. Ford purchased First Baptist Church and renovated it into a theatre. After a fire in late 1862, Ford had a new building erected—the present-day Ford’s Theatre. It was one of Washington’s premiere theatres as the Civil War raged.
1849-1871
Petersen House
William and Anna Petersen bought a home at what today is 516 10th Street, NW, in 1849. Like other homeowners in Washington, they rented out rooms to help pay the bills. Their renters came from a variety of backgrounds and represented a part of the mixture of people in Washington at the time.
1865-1866
Ford’s Theatre
What should happen to a building after a violent event? After Lincoln’s assassination, people expressed a variety of ideas about what should happen to Ford’s Theatre—including burning it down, reopening the theatre and transforming it into an educational institute named for Lincoln.
1866-1932
Ford’s Theatre
The U.S. government purchased Ford’s Theatre in 1866. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton ordered it converted into a three-floor office building, with the Army Medical Museum initially occupying the third floor. It remained a federal records building until 1932, even after an interior collapse killed 22 workers in 1893.
1871-1932
Petersen House
After Anna and William Petersen’s heirs sold their family’s house, the building became a law and newspaper office. But visitors kept showing interest. A group of prominent Washingtonians arranged for it to become collector Osborn Oldroyd’s Lincoln Museum in 1893.
1932-1968
Ford’s Theatre & Petersen House
In 1932, the U.S. government moved the Lincoln Museum into Ford’s Theatre, and converted the Petersen House into a historic house museum. The National Park Service took over in 1933. But questions lingered about whether to restore the theatre to its 1865 appearance.
1968-Today
Ford’s Theatre & Petersen House
In 1968, the restored Ford’s Theatre opened with its first public performance since Lincoln’s assassination. Since then, the site has been a joint historic site and working theatre, extending Lincoln’s legacy through theatre, history and education.
Curious about Ford’s Theatre past and present? Explore further!