Daytime Visits to Ford’s
Whether experiencing a performance in the same place Lincoln did, or following the story of his presidency through the Civil War in our museum, a visit to Ford’s Theatre brings history to life for students of all ages. Learn and grow through history plays, theatrical walking tours, and special learning adventures on site. For more information about all on-site education programs, email education@fords.org.
ACT ONE
Visitors to the historic site may choose to begin their visit by walking through the newly renovated museum. The Ford's Theatre Museum combines a remarkable collection of historic artifacts with background on the Civil War and 1860s Washington.
ACT TWO
National Park Service rangers offer interpretive talks about the assassination of Abraham Lincoln up to four times on regular visit days. These programs last approximately 30 minutes.
OR
One Destiny, A History Play:
During the fall and spring, Ford’s Theatre Society presents a one-act play that tells of the events of April 14, 1865. One Destiny, by Richard Hellesen, portrays President Lincoln’s assassination through the eyes of Harry Ford and Harry Hawk, two men who were in the theatre that night. Any group that reserves tickets can receive a free CD of primary source materials (speeches, newspaper articles, photographs, and first-hand accounts) for classroom use before and after the show to contextualize and delve deeper into the history of the events. To obtain your free CD, email education@fords.org or call (202) 638-2941 ext.567.
ACT THREE
Following a program in the Theatre, visitors may proceed across Tenth Street to the house where Lincoln died. After the shooting, President Lincoln was carried to the Petersen House and tended to in a back bedroom until his death hours later. Here, visitors can learn more about that fateful night and the people who surrounded the President in his final hours. All visits include entry to the Petersen House.
Schools in the D.C.-metro area that would like to schedule a visit to Ford's Theatre should email education@fords.org or call (202) 638-2941 ext. 567.
Junior Ranger Activity Booklet, National Park Service
In this booklet created by the Ford's Theatre National Historic Site, a range of activities can prepare young people for and/or extend the learning experience at Ford's Theatre. The activities target a variety of ages, so please choose the ones that are right for your needs.
Introduction to Field Trips at Ford’s [PDF]
Ford’s Theatre and Target have teamed up to provide “Target Field Trips to Ford’s Theatre,” a program that provides free bus transportation for qualifying D.C.-metro area schools to visit Ford’s Theatre. To learn more about the program and how your school might qualify please contact education@fords.org or call (202) 638-2941 ext. 567.
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History on Foot
Led by historical figures and scripted by playwrights, these walking tours offer energetic history lessons that will open your eyes to the geography and drama of the capital city at the height of the Civil War.
History Plays
Ford’s Theatre brings the Civil War and presidency of Abraham Lincoln to life with captivating performances that depict the drama and emotion of the Civil War. History plays are offered in the Theatre as part of regular daytime programming and are appropriate for students in Grades 4 and higher.
- One Destiny, by Richard Hellesen: Telling the story of Lincoln’s last night through the voices of the men who were there, One Destiny asks audience members to consider what they can do to change history.