When you visit Ford's Theatre National Historic Site, ask a ranger for the Junior Ranger Activity Book. Complete the activities while exploring the historic theater, Peterson House, and museum exhibits. When you have finished, a ranger will talk with you about what you learned, administer the Junior Ranger pledge, and present you with your Junior Ranger badge!
Ford’s Theatre has been restored to look a lot like it did on the evening of April 14, 1865, when President Abraham Lincoln was shot during a performance by assassin John Wilkes Booth.
What is the same (or similar) in the theater as it was in 1865?
What is something that is different now?
In the pictures of the Peterson House, you see furniture that was not in the house in 1865 but was placed there to represent what might have been there at the time. Find the photograph of the room where Lincoln died that was taken right after his body was removed. Compare it to the way the room looks in the virtual tour.
If you were designing the exhibit today, what would you change? What would you keep the same?
You can describe the exhibits in words or draw a picture.
Junior Ranger Pledge
Download the Junior Ranger badge and decorate it with your own artwork.
Write your own Junior Ranger pledge. What do you promise to do to explore, learn about, and protect the National Parks?
As a Junior Ranger, I promise: ________________________________________________
