"History on Foot" Walking Tours

History on Foot walking tours bring Civil War Washington to life! Ford’s Theatre offers two tours of downtown Washington, D.C., each of which is led by an actor in costume.

Kip Pierson as Detective McDevitt Danielle Drakes as Elizabeth Keckly
Investigation: Detective McDevitt


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Runs March-October

A Free Black Woman: Elizabeth Keckly


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Runs April-October

Kip Pierson as Detective McDevitt. Photo by Mark Ramont.
Danielle A. Drakes as Elizabeth Keckly. Photo by Gary Erskine.

Investigation: Detective McDevitt written by Richard Hellesen
Join Detective McDevitt to revisit and reexamine the sites and clues that separate fact from fiction in a first-hand look at the investigation into the Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy and the events of April 14 and 15, 1865.

A Free Black Woman: Elizabeth Keckly written by Jennifer L. Nelson
Join Elizabeth Keckly, free black woman, and confidante to Mrs. Lincoln, as she tells the story of her friendship with the Lincoln family and of her efforts to help former slaves find their way in the newly free city of Washington.

Fine Print
Please note: History on Foot tours do not include entrance into Ford’s Theatre. For information on touring Ford’s Theatre, click here. Filming is not permitted but photography is encouraged. Tours will take place rain or shine. All tours begin promptly. Latecomers may not be accommodated. If you have a question regarding the status of the tour, please call the Box Office at (202) 347-4833.

Private History on Foot Tours
Private tours of History on Foot are available by request and based on availability. There is a flat fee of $500 for a private tour for a group of 2-40 people. Full payment is due at the time of tour confirmation. To facilitate scheduling of your tour, please be prepared to provide your first, second and third choice of dates and times, the number of people, and a very brief description of your group. We will make every effort to accommodate you. To arrange a private tour, call (202) 638-2367 or email groups@fords.org.