Government Shutdown Update

During the government shutdown, the Aftermath Exhibits in the Center for Education and Leadership will be open for daytime visitation. The historic site (theatre, museum, Petersen House) will be closed for daytime visitation. Performances of "Twelve Angry Men" will go on as scheduled.

Museum

Learn about the Civil War, Lincoln's presidency and his assassination.

More production info

Breadcrumb

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

In our museum, you can view exhibits that follow Abraham Lincoln from the beginning of his presidency to the moments leading up to his assassination. Learn about his life in the White House, the struggles he faced during the Civil War, and his meetings with abolitionist Frederick Douglass. You will also learn about actor John Wilkes Booth, the roots of his hatred toward Lincoln, and the group of people who joined his conspiracy to dismantle the United States government.

The museum features artifacts related to the assassination, including the weapons Booth used.

After visiting the museum, you can continue the story in our Aftermath Exhibits to learn about the fate of the conspirators and how the nation mourned Lincoln's death.

tips for your visit
  • Museum is self-guided.
  • Some entries do not include the museum.
  • Audioguides are available for $5.
  • A museum visit takes ~30 minutes.

Plan your Visit

Tips to help you plan your visit.

Artifacts

See artifacts that played a part in the assassination conspiracy on display in our museum.

Deringer

John Wilkes Booth killed Lincoln with this small, single-shot pistol. Why would Booth use a weapon with only one bullet?

Lincoln’s Clothes

What did Lincoln wear to Ford’s Theatre the night John Wilkes Booth murdered him? See his clothes, including the special message sewn inside his overcoat.

Lincoln’s Life Masks

The presidency is known to age a person quickly. How did the stresses of the presidency and Civil War change Lincoln’s appearance?

Lincoln’s Pillow

A pillow from Willie Clark’s bed at the Petersen House is now a priceless relic. On it, you can see the blood of President Abraham Lincoln.

Material Evidence: Dr. Mudd

Dr. Samuel Mudd claimed not to recognize the two men who appeared at his home the morning of April 15, 1865. See the pieces of evidence that disproved his story and sent him to prison.

From the Blog