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Ford's Theatre National Historic SiteFord's Theatre circ 1870
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Fords Theatre Museum Grand Reopening

Ford's Theatre Museum will reopen to the general public on July 15, 2009

Introduction

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14,1865. An actor, John Wilkes Booth, desperate to aid the dying Confederacy, stepped into the president's box at Ford's Theatre and shot Abraham Lincoln.

Explore Ford's Theatre and discover Lincoln's life in Washington DC, the struggle for a united country, and the motivation behind Abraham Lincoln's tragic Assassination.

 
John Wilkes Booth Derringer

General Information

America's transfer from Civil War to peace was made more difficult on April 14, 1865, when Abraham Lincoln was shot and killed just five days after General Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House. A well-known actor, John Wilkes Booth, desperate to aid the dying Confederacy, stepped into the president's theatre box and assassinated Mr Lincoln. Booth escaped into the night as Abraham Lincoln was carried to the Petersen boarding house across the street. It was there that President Lincoln died early the next morning. Lincoln was the first American president to be assassinated.

To help plan your visit to Ford's Theatre, we have implemented a timed ticket entrance system. There is no charge to visit the site. However, if you would like to make an advance reservation, there is a convenience fee. For more information, visit Operating Hours & Seasons and Fees & Reservations.

Groups of 20 or more should call the Ford’s Theatre Society, a Ford's Theatre National Historic Site partner, at 202-638-2367 or 800-899-2367 to make a reservation.

In general, Ford's Theatre is open every day except for December 25. However, Ford's Theatre is an active theatre and there are times when the site is closed for matinees, rehearsals and special events.

 

 
Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commision

Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission

Click here to go to the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission website.
 
 
 

Write to

Fords Theatre National Historic Site
511 10th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(202) 426-6924

Fax

(202) 426-1845

Climate

Washington has a temperate climate typical of the Mid-Atlantic U.S., with four distinct seasons. Summer tends to be very hot and humid. Spring and fall are mild. Winter can bring cold temperatures, frozen precipitation and, on occasion, major snowstorms.
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Did You Know?
Osborn Oldroyd spent his life collecting items related to Lincoln, including dozens of items associated with the assassination. From 1893-1926, Oldroyd showcased his collection in the Petersen House. The government purchased the Oldroyd collection in 1926 for $50,000.

Last Updated: July 08, 2009 at 13:56 EST