Site Closed

Ford’s Theatre Society and the National Park Service closed the historic site starting March 14. That closure currently extends through May 17. Our production of “Guys and Dolls” has been postponed to spring 2021.

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Aftermath Exhibits

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Learn about the hunt for John Wilkes Booth, follow Lincoln’s funeral train and witness a nation in mourning.

The Aftermath Exhibits take you to a Washington street the morning after Lincoln's assassination. Follow Lincoln’s funeral train back to his hometown in Springfield, Illinois. In an interactive exhibit, learn about the crowds that gathered to mourn the president each time the train stopped.

As Lincoln’s body traveled back to Illinois, authorities hunted for John Wilkes Booth. In our exhibits, follow the 12-day manhunt for Booth and learn about his capture in Virginia. Learn about the trial and fate of Booth’s co-conspirators.

Our exhibits also explore the impact of Lincoln's life and death on America and across the world. See how he has inspired leaders and view artifacts that show his evolution into a pop culture icon. 

tips for your visit
The 34-foot tower of Lincoln books within the lobby of the Center for Education and Leadership. Photo by Maxwell MacKenzie. The tower of Lincoln books within the lobby of the Ford’s Theatre Center for Education and Leadership. Photo by Maxwell MacKenzie. Image of the Lincoln and the Presidency exhibit exploring how Lincoln's policies and ideals have surpassed partisan politics and been owned by those on all sides of the political spectrum. Photo by Maxwell MacKenzie. Exterior view of the Lincoln funereal train car exhibit at the Center for Education and Leadership. Photo by Maxwell MacKenzie. Interior view of the Lincoln funereal train car exhibit at the Center for Education and Leadership. Photo by Maxwell MacKenzie. Image of the exhibit detailing the chase for Lincoln's assassin John Wilkes Booth. Photo by Maxwell Mackenzie. A model of John Wilkes Booth sits within the burning tobacco barn exhibit as part of the Aftermath exhibits at the Ford’s Theatre Center for Education and Leadership. Photo by Maxwell MacKenzie. Street scene of 1865 Washington within the new exhibits at the Ford’s Theatre Center for Education and Leadership. Photo by Maxwell MacKenzie. A video exhibit featuring Lincoln’s words paired with contemporary images at the Center for Education and Leadership. Photo by Maxwell MacKenzie. The Center for Education and Leadership at night. Photo by Maxwell MacKenzie.

Street view of the Center for Education and Leadership; adjacent to the Petersen House (where Abraham Lincoln died). Photo by Maxwell MacKenzie.