In 1849, William A. Petersen, a German tailor, constructed the plain red brick three-story and basement townhouse across the street from Ford’s Theatre. After the shooting President Lincoln was carried to the house and tended in a back bedroom until his death hours later.

Since acquiring the house (now 516 10^th Street) in 1933, the National Park Service has maintained it as a historic house museum, recreating the scene at the time of Lincoln's death. Here, visitors can learn more about that fateful night and the people who surrounded the President in his final hours.

The Petersen House, operated by the National Park Service, is open daily (except December 25) from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free but does require a ticket. Every visitor two years of age and older wishing to enter the Petersen House must present a timed entry ticket, this will be the same ticket presented to enter the theatre. In the event the theatre is not available for tours, tickets are still required to enter the Petersen House. For more information on arranging a ticket, click here.