Ford’s Theatre at a Glance
For those with limited time, we recommend one of the following itineraries. Please Note: The schedule for daytime programming varies from day to day. Please visit our daytime visits page to check the schedule for the day you wish to visit.
Museum and Ranger Talk (1 hour and 15 minutes)
On a self-guided tour of the Ford’s Theatre Museum, explore Lincoln's presidency from his inauguration to the very minute he arrived at Ford's Theatre the fateful night of April 14th, 1865. See rare artifacts such as the deringer used by John Wilkes Booth. Rent an Acoustiguide to enhance your experience. 30-45 minutes
Next, sit inside the historic Ford’s Theatre and listen to a presentation by a National Park Ranger that covers the key facts of the assassination. 30 minutes
Museum and One Destiny (1 hour and 15 minutes)
On a self-guided tour of the Ford’s Theatre Museum, explore Lincoln's presidency from his inauguration to the very minute he arrived at Ford's Theatre the fateful night of April 14th, 1865. See rare artifacts such as the deringer used by John Wilkes Booth. Rent an Acoustiguide to enhance your experience. 30-45 minutes
Next, sitting inside the historic Ford’s Theatre, watch One Destiny (offered in the spring and early summer). Learn about Lincoln’s assassination from two men who were there. This presentation explores the key facts of the assassination while capturing the emotions of that fateful night. Featuring costumed actors. 30 minutes
Ranger Talk, Petersen House and Center for Education and Leadership (1 hour and 15 minutes)
Sit inside the historic Ford’s Theatre and listen to a presentation by a National Park Ranger that covers the key facts of the assassination. 30 minutes
Cross the street and enter the Petersen House, the house where Lincoln died. Learn more about that fateful night and the people who surrounded the President in his final hours. Enter the newly constructed Center for Education and Leadership. See exhibits exploring the aftermath of the assassination, the hunt for John Wilkes Booth and the lasting impact of Lincoln’s legacy. 1 hour
One Destiny, Petersen House and Center for Education and Leadership (1 hour and 15 minutes)
Sitting inside the historic Ford’s Theatre, watch One Destiny (offered in the spring and early summer). Learn about Lincoln’s assassination from two men who were there. This presentation explores the key facts of the assassination while capturing the emotions of that fateful night. Featuring costumed actors. 30 minutes
Cross the street and enter the Petersen House, the house where Lincoln died. Learn more about that fateful night and the people who surrounded the President in his final hours. Enter the newly constructed Center for Education and Leadership. See exhibits exploring the aftermath of the assassination, the hunt for John Wilkes Booth and the lasting impact of Lincoln’s legacy. 1 hour
Petersen House and Center for Education and Leadership (1 hour)
Enter the Petersen House, the house where Lincoln died. Learn more about that fateful night and the people who surrounded the President in his final hours. Enter the newly constructed Center for Education and Leadership. See exhibits exploring the aftermath of the assassination, the hunt for John Wilkes Booth and the lasting impact of Lincoln’s legacy. 1 hour
Ranger Talk Only or One Destiny Only (30minutes)
Sitting inside the historic Ford’s Theatre, listen to a presentation by a National Park Ranger or attend One Destiny (offered in the spring and early summer).
Museum and Theatre Walk-Through (25 - 45 minutes; self-paced)
Only have a few minutes available? Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Ford's Theatre museum, take a peek inside the historic Ford’s Theatre and snap a few photos. Rent an Acoustiguide to enhance your experience.






