Tickets for April 2010 go on sale to the public on September 14.

April 2010 Daytime Programming Descriptions

Ranger Program
Ford's Theatre Society partners with the National Park Service to produce programming for Ford's Theatre National Historic Site. As part of daytime programming, National Park Service Rangers offer interpretive programs that educate audiences about Civil War Washington and the events of April 14, 1865.

One Destiny
Written by playwright Richard Hellesen, One Destiny tells the story of Lincolnís last night through the voices of the men who were there. This short two-person play focuses on the events surrounding April 14, 1865. One Destiny is approximately 30 minutes. Some entry times for One Destiny also include admission to the museum. Please choose your entry time carefully if you wish to see the museum.  Click here for more information.

Museum
The museum paints a picture of Washington, D.C., and the United States during the 1860s. The museum combines 21st-century museum technology with a remarkable collection of historic artifacts.

Petersen House
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.

Theatre Walk-Through Only
Usually offered during the last entry of the day, a walk-through only is a time when visitors can view the theatre without being offered a program. Final entry for a Walk-Through (when available) is 4:30 p.m.

Balcony Walk-Through Only
Only the balcony level of the theatre is open.

Author Readings
On April 6 at 4:30, Catherine Clinton takes the stage for a discussion of her book "Mrs. Lincoln: A Life." An intimate portrait of the remarkable life of Mary Todd Lincoln, Clinton's book thoughtfully addresses the misfortunes of Mary Lincoln: the horror of the American Civil War, the deaths of three children, her husband's tragic assassination and the persistent media scrutiny that contributed to her mental decline.

On April 14 at 4:30, author James L. Swanson will read excerpts and lead a discussion of his book “Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer.”

David Herbert Donald Tribute
Ford's Theatre presents a tribute to the late David Herbert Donald. Donald was best known for his conscientious writing about the Civil War era, especially the monumental text "Lincoln" (1996), a classic in American history that is a strikingly original portrait of leadership and blazing political ambition. In 1961, Dr. Donald received his first Pulitzer Prize for "Charles Sumner and the Coming of the Civil War." Over 20 years later, infused with an important writing career, the prolific writer would win this prestigious award again for "Look Homeward: A Life of Thomas Wolfe in 1988." Donald served as the Charles Warren Professor of American History and Professor of American Civilization Emeritus at Harvard University until his death in May 2009.

Junior Ranger Day
On April 25 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., children ages 7-12 can complete the Junior Ranger booklet and earn a badge as a National Park Service Junior Ranger. For more information, contact the National Park Service at (202) 426-6924 or click here.

Click here to reserve tickets for April tours.

April 2010 Schedule
*Entry times marked with an asterisk are available for advance reservations only in person at the Ford’s Theatre Box Office.

Thursday, April 1
9:00 a.m.        Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.        Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. Theatre & Museum Closed for Matinee
3:30 p.m.        Ranger Program Only, No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.        Museum & Theatre Walk-Through, No Program
4:30 p.m.        Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum or Program*

Friday, April 2
9:00 a.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.     One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
noon              One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
1:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
3:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.       Museum & Theatre Walk-Through; No Program
4:30 p.m.       Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*

Saturday, April 3
9:00 a.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.     One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.     Museum & Theatre Walk Through Only, No Program*
After noon, Theatre & Museum Closed for Matinee

Sunday, April 4
9:00 a.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.     Museum & Ranger Program
10:30 a.m.     Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.     Museum & Ranger Program
noon              Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
1:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
3:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.       Museum & Theatre Walk-Through, No Program
4:30 p.m.       Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*

Monday, April 5
9:00 a.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.     One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
noon              One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
1:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
3:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.       Museum & Theatre Walk-Through; No Program
4:30 p.m.       Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*

Tuesday, April 6
9:00 a.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.     One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
noon              One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
1:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
3:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.       Museum & Author Reading featuring Catherine Clinton
4:30 p.m.       Author Reading featuring Catherine Clinton, No Museum Entry

Wednesday, April 7
9:00 a.m.     Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.     Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
10:00 a.m.   Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.   One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry
11:30 a.m.   Museum & One Destiny
noon            One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.     Museum Only, No Theatre Entry*
After 1:30 p.m. Theatre and Museum Closed for Matinee

Thursday, April 8
9:00 a.m.        Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.        Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. Theatre & Museum Closed for Matinee
3:30 p.m.        Ranger Program Only, No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.        Museum & Theatre Walk-Through; No Program
4:30 p.m.        Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*

Friday, April 9
9:00 a.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.     One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
noon              One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
1:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
3:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.       Museum & David Herbert Donald Tribute
4:30 p.m.       David Herbert Donald Tribute, No Museum Entry

Saturday, April 10
9:00 a.m.        Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.        Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.      Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.      One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.      Museum & Theatre Walk Through Only, No Program*
After noon, Theatre & Museum Closed for Matinee

Sunday, April 11
9:00 a.m.      Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.      Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.    Museum & Ranger Program
10:30 a.m.    Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.    Museum & Ranger Program
noon             Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.      Museum & Ranger Program
1:30 p.m.      Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.      Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm         Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.      Museum & Ranger Program
3:30 p.m.      Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.      Museum and Theatre Walk-Through; No Program
4:30 p.m.      Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*

Monday, April 12
9:00 a.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.     One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
noon              One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
1:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
3:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.       Museum & Theatre Walk-Through; No Program
4:30 p.m.       Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*

Tuesday, April 13
9:00 a.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.     One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
noon              One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
1:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
3:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.       Museum & Theatre Walk-Through; No Program
4:30 p.m.       Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*

Wednesday, April 14
9:00 a.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.     One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
noon              One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
1:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
3:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.       Museum & Author Reading Featuring James Swanson
4:30 p.m.        Author Reading Featuring James Swanson, No Museum Entry

Thursday, April 15
9:00 a.m.        Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.        Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Theatre & Museum Closed for Matinee
3:30 p.m.        Ranger Program Only, No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.        Museum & Theatre Walk-Through; No Program
4:30 p.m.        Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*

Friday, April 16
9:00 a.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.     One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
noon              One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
1:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
3:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.       Museum & Theatre Walk-Through; No Program
4:30 p.m.       Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*

Saturday, April 17
9:00 a.m.        Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.        Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.      Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.      One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.      Museum & Theatre Walk Through Only, No Program*
After noon, Theatre & Museum Closed for Matinee

Sunday, April 18
9:00 a.m.        Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.        Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.      Museum & Ranger Program
10:30 a.m.      Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.      Museum & Ranger Program
noon               Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.        Museum & Ranger Program
1:30 p.m.        Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.        Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm           Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.        Museum Entry Only*
3:30 p.m.        Museum Entry Only*
4:00 p.m.        Museum and Theatre Closed
4:30 p.m.        Museum and Theatre Closed

Monday, April 19
9:00 a.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.     One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
noon              One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
1:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
3:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.       Museum & Theatre Walk-Through; No Program
4:30 p.m.       Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*

Tuesday, April 20
9:00 a.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.     One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
noon              One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
1:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
3:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.       Museum & Theatre Walk-Through; No Program
4:30 p.m.       Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*

Wednesday, April 21
9:00 a.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.     One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
noon              One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
1:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
3:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.       Museum & Theatre Walk-Through; No Program
4:30 p.m.       Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*

Thursday, April 22
9:00 a.m.        Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.        Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Theatre & Museum Closed for Matinee
3:30 p.m.        Ranger Program Only, No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.        Museum & Theatre Walk-Through; No Program
4:30 p.m.        Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*

Friday, April 23
9:00 a.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.     One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
noon              One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
1:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
3:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.       Museum & Theatre Walk-Through; No Program
4:30 p.m.       Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*

Saturday, April 24
9:00 a.m.        Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.        Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.      Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.      One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.      Museum & Theatre Walk Through Only, No Program*
After noon, Theatre & Museum Closed for Matinee

Sunday, April 25
9:00 a.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.     Museum & Ranger Program
10:30 a.m.     Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.     Museum & Ranger Program
noon              Ranger Program Only Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
1:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
3:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.       Museum & Theatre Walk-Through; No Program
4:30 p.m.       Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*

Monday, April 26
9:00 a.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.     One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
noon              One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
1:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
3:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.       Museum & Theatre Walk-Through; No Program
4:30 p.m.       Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*

Tuesday, April 27
9:00 a.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.     One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
noon              One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
1:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
3:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.       Museum & Theatre Walk-Through; No Program
4:30 p.m.       Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*

Wednesday, April 28
9:00 a.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.     One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
noon              One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
1:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
3:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.       Museum & Theatre Walk-Through; No Program
4:30 p.m.       Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*

Thursday, April 29
9:00 a.m.        Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.        Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m. - 3 p.m. Theatre & Museum Closed for Matinee
3:30 p.m.        Ranger Program Only, No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.        Museum & Theatre Walk-Through; No Program
4:30 p.m.        Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*

Friday, April 30
9:00 a.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
9:30 a.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry   
10:00 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
10:30 a.m.     One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry   
11:30 a.m.     Museum & One Destiny
noon              One Destiny Only; No Museum Entry
1:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
1:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
2:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
2:30pm          Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
3:00 p.m.       Museum & Ranger Program
3:30 p.m.       Ranger Program Only; No Museum Entry
4:00 p.m.       Museum & Theatre Walk-Through; No Program
4:30 p.m.       Theatre Walk-Through Only, No Museum Entry*