A side view of the stage and seating at Ford’s Theatre. On the left is the Presidential Box with an American flag, a framed picture of George Washington and American flag bunting draped over the box.
View from the stage of the President’s Box at Ford’s Theatre. Photo © Maxwell MacKenzie.

About Ford’s

Ford’s Theatre explores the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln and celebrates the American experience through theatre and education.

During the Civil War, Ford’s Theatre was one of Washington’s top entertainment venues, giving Washingtonians a much-needed break from the realities of war. President Lincoln, who loved theatre, opera and Shakespeare, visited Ford’s Theatre on at least 10 formal occasions. 

On April 14, 1865, Lincoln and his wife decided to visit the theatre to see the comedy Our American Cousin. John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, snuck into the President’s Box and shot Lincoln with a single-shot Deringer pistol. Booth fled into the night, and Lincoln died the next morning in the Petersen House, a boarding house located just across the street from the theatre. 

“Some think I do wrong to go to the opera and the theatre; but it rests me. I love to be alone, and yet be with the people.”

Abraham Lincoln

Lincoln’s assassination shocked the nation, and Ford’s Theatre remained closed for more than 100 years. 

In 1968, Ford’s Theatre officially reopened as a national historic site and theatre producing live performances. Today, Ford’s offers inspiring theatrical productions, interactive museum exhibits and engaging education programs. Here, you can immerse yourself in America’s past while finding meaningful connections to our world today.

Ford’s Theatre is operated through a public-private partnership with the National Park Service.

History of Ford’s Theatre

Discover the history of Ford’s Theatre and what happened to the building after Lincoln’s assassination. In this virtual exhibit, explore the theatre’s origin as a church in 1861 and how it has changed over the years.

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A History of Our Performances

For almost 50 years, Ford’s Theatre has produced plays and musicals exploring the American experience and celebrating Lincoln’s legacy. With commissions like “The Guard” and Lincoln-based world premieres “The Heavens Are Hung In Black” and “Necessary Sacrifices,” Ford’s Theatre is making its mark on American theatre.

History of our Performances

Lessons from Lincoln

Our Reach

484,274+

Historic Site Visitors

107,895+

Theatre Patrons

95,250+

Student Virtual Field Trips

5,707

Free Student Tickets

Lincoln Medalists

The Lincoln Medal is given by Ford’s Theatre Society to those who, through their body of work, accomplishments or personal attributes, exemplify the lasting legacy and mettle of character embodied by Abraham Lincoln.

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Financial Statements