Ford's Theatre National Historic Site Celebrates African American History Month

Washington, D.C. - In recognition of African American History month, Ford's Theatre National Historic Site (NHS), comprising the Theatre, Museum, and Petersen House, a unit of the National Park Service (NPS), will highlight important events involving people of African descent in the United States. These events are tailored to this year's theme, "Black Women in American History and Culture." All events are free and open to the public.

 Listed below are special events to attend to recognize the history of African Americans:

 Ford's Theatre National Historic Site

511 10th Street N.W.

Washington, D.C.

202-426-6924

Sunday, February 12

8:45 a.m.

Join the NPS as we commemorate the 203rd birthday anniversary of America's 16th President, Abraham Lincoln with a wreath laying ceremony on the historic steps of Ford's Theatre NHS.

Monday, February 13

6:00 p.m.

In honor of African American History month, join the NPS for a program entitled "Traveling through Music and History."With music being the universal language for African Americans from the Civil War to Civil Rights, step back in time with four local choirs, Mustard Seed Cooperative Parish Choir of the United Methodist Church, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Choir, Sanctuary Choir of Unity of Washington, D.C., and the Colston Memorial Choir of the Sanctuary of Kingdom Square Chronicle. Enjoy a moment in history with narrator Kevin Hawkins as you travel back in time meet Mary Harris, a plantation worker as well as Hari Jones, a storyteller; Louis Jones, a Union Solider; Sandy Wilson, a medical doctor,  and Sandra Walia, who will portray Elizabeth Keckley, Mary Todd Lincoln's seamstress. Admission to the theatre is free, however, seating is limited. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

NPS and Ford's Theatre Society (FTS) Partnership

Since Ford's Theatre's reopening in 1968, more than 100 years after the April 14, 1865 assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, it has been one of the most visited sites in the nation's capital. Operated through a partnership with the NPS and FTS, Ford's Theatre has enthralled visitors because of its unique place in United States history, and its mission to celebrate the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and explore the American experience through theatre and education. The NPS and FTS work together to present the Theatre's nearly one million annual visitors with a high quality historical and cultural experience.

 For information on the National Park Service and the Ford's Theatre NHS, please visit www.nps.gov/foth. For more information on Ford's Theatre and the Ford's Theatre Society, please visit www.fords.org.

                Abraham Lincoln's Overcoat

ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S OVERCOAT

TO ENTER CONSERVATION STORAGE

JULY 29, 2011

Washington, D.C.—The National Park Service and Ford’s Theatre Society announced that Abraham Lincoln’s wool overcoat, currently on display in the Ford’s Theatre lobby, will be replaced by its replica on July 29, 2011. The original coat is scheduled to undergo a lengthy period of conservation and stabilization.

 The National Park Service with the support of Ford’s Theatre Society has agreed to display the original Lincoln coat at scheduled intervals, by maintaining an effort to balance conservation of and public access to the historic artifact worn by Abraham Lincoln on the night he was shot at Ford’s Theatre. Additional clothing artifacts worn by Abraham Lincoln to Ford’s Theatre (suit coat, vest, pants, bowtie and boots) remain on permanent display within the Ford’s Theatre Museum.

 NPS and FTS Partnership

Since Ford's Theatre's reopening in 1968, more than 100 years after the April 14, 1865 assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, it has been one of the most visited sites in the nation’s capital. Operated through a partnership with the NPS and FTS, Ford’s Theatre has enthralled visitors because of its unique place in United States history, and its mission to celebrate the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and explore the American experience through theatre and education. The NPS and FTS work together to present the Theatre’s nearly one million annual visitors with a high quality historical and cultural experience.

 For more information on Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site and the Ford’s Theatre Society, please visit www.nps.gov/foth and www.fords.org.

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