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Ford's Theatre National Historic Site Ford's Theatre circ 1870
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Ford's Theatre Closed.

On Wednesday February 8th, Ford’s Theatre and the Petersen House will be closed. It will reopen Thursday February 9th, from 3:00pm till 5:00pm.

Introduction:

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

The National Park Service presents a variety of programs year round. Review our Schedule of Events for a list of the programs and other important dates that may effect your visit.


 
Ford's Theater circa 1800s

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.

Ford's Theatre National Historic Site's Petersen House has reopened. Hours of operation are from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm daily.


 
View of the Presidents Box from the stage.

How To Tour Ford's Theatre NHS

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, please contact the Group Sales office by email at groups@fords.org or 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 November 25 (Thanksgiving Day) and 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.


 
 

Write to

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

E-mail Us

Phone

For general site information, please call:
(202) 426-6924

For the daily schedule of programming, please call:
(202) 347-4833

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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Fords Theatre

Did You Know?
John T. Ford purchased the building for his theatre in 1861, converting it from a church. After a fire in 1863, Ford rebuilt the theatre, which he ran successfully until Lincoln’s assassination took place on April 14, 1865. 495 performances were staged at Ford’s Theatre from 1863-1865.

Last Updated: February 02, 2012 at 13:21 MST

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