Ford's Theatre

a CILC Content Provider

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Ford's Theatre celebrates the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln and explores the American experience through theatre and education.

During the Civil War, Ford's Theatre was one of Washington's top entertainment venues, giving Washingtonians a much-needed break from the realities of war. President Lincoln, who loved theatre, opera and Shakespeare, visited Ford's Theatre on at least 10 formal occasions.

On April 14, 1865, Lincoln and his wife decided to visit the theatre to see the comedy Our American Cousin. John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, snuck into the President's Box and shot Lincoln with a single-shot Derringer pistol. Booth fled into the night, and Lincoln died the next morning in the Petersen House, a boarding house located just across the street from the theatre.

Lincoln's assassination shocked the nation, and Ford's Theatre remained closed for more than 100 years.

In 1968, Ford's Theatre officially reopened as a national historic site and theatre producing live performances. Today, Ford's offers inspiring theatrical productions, interactive museum exhibits and engaging education programs.

2022-2023

2021-2022

2020-2021

2018-2019

2014-2015

2013-2014

Honorable Mention

 

Programs by Ford's Theatre

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Ford's Theatre and the Lincoln Assassination

Ford’s Education takes you on a virtual tour of Ford’s Theatre and Civil War Washington. Explore the assassination of President Lincoln and consider his legacy in this interactive program. Look closely at historical and contemporary images...

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Investigating the Lincoln Assassination with Detective McDevitt

Join Detective James McDevitt for a first-hand look at the investigation into the Abraham Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy and the events of April 14 and 15, 1865. During this program Detective McDevitt will revisit important sites and clues...

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More About This Provider

Type of Organization

Arts/Cultural/Museum

Contact

Alex Wood   awood@fords.org
514 Tenth Street, NW
Washington DC 20004
202-639-1583
United States

http://www.fords.org/

Primary Disciplines

The programs of Ford's Theatre cover:

Fine Arts
Language Arts/English
Performing Arts
Social Studies/History