Abraham Lincoln's Legacy Lives

April 14, 1865. President Lincoln is assassinated at Ford’s Theatre. Discover how a nation handled grief and loss, how everyday people experienced a national tragedy, and how we have remembered a fallen leader. Today, in partnership with Ford’s Theatre Society, live dramatic productions highlight Lincoln’s love of the theatre, and the power of stories to connect us to ourselves and our history.

Interior of the Theatre looking into the audience with presidential state box on the left.
Frequently Asked Questions

Explore Frequently Asked Questions on the assassination, John Wilkes Booth, Ford's Theatre, and the Petersen House.

Theatre Box with red carpet, wallpaper, and red upholstered Victorian furniture.
Tour the State Box and Stage at Ford's

Join Ranger Eric for a video walkthrough of the events of the Lincoln assassination inside the state box and on the stage at Ford's Theatre.

Laura Keene, a white woman in her 30s with dark hair with curls and wearing a large hooped dress.
Laura Keene

Discover the trailblazing adventurous life of Laura Keene as an actress, theatre manager, mother, and entrepreneur.

Black and white photo portraits of four women, in 19th century theatrical attire
Women Backstage at Ford's Theatre

Ranger Dani honors the talented and inspiring women who were performing at Ford's Theatre the night President Lincoln was assassinated.

Tour beginning at the entrance to the Theatre
Plan Your Visit

Plan your visit to Ford's Theatre National Historic Site, the Ford's Museum, and the Petersen House.

Ranger Reading a Book at Ford's Theatre
Story Time Videos

Check out videos of Park Rangers reading selected children’s books all about the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln.

1865 black & white photo of Ford's Theatre and nearby buildings draped in mourning banners.
Learn about Ford's Theatre

Learn about the people, places, stories, and the museum collection at Ford's Theatre National Historic site.

Last updated: March 22, 2022

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1100 Ohio Drive SW
Washington, DC 20242

Phone:

202.426.6924

Contact Us