Reading American Life Narratives: First Ladies

America celebrates its Semiquincentennial in 2026. There is no better way to get up close and personal with United States history than through the life narratives of American people. Join us for a three-hour community workshop to explore unique insights into American history through life narratives of First Ladies. Short selections from the life narratives of four former First Ladies from colonial America to the twentieth century will be examined and discussed: Mary Lincoln, Julia Grant, Lady Bird Johnson and Nancy Reagan. Whether private or public, these narratives allow a multilayered insight into their lives and the history they experienced, challenging us to consider the intersection of personal voice with historical moments — and our own reaction to them. Through guided exercises, participants will be introduced to four key entry points into reading selected passages of letters, diaries and memoirs.

Are You an Educator? Classroom teachers may request a letter certifying 3-hours of Professional Development and a packet of resources to help you apply this program to your classroom! 

Facilitator: MaryBeth Matthews

MaryBeth Matthews has over 30 years in higher education, teaching in-person and online classes in literature and writing. She served as the Vice Dean/Department Chair of the Communication, Arts & Humanities Department at the University of Maryland Global Campus.

MaryBeth’s love of teaching and extensive background in the humanities informs her dedication to creating and supporting innovative public programs in literature, art, history and culture. She has presented online and in-person events on historical and cultural topics for the nonprofit Meetup group, Washington, DC History & Culture.

MaryBeth holds a BA and MA in English Literature from California State University, East Bay; a PhD in English Literature from the University of South Florida, Tampa; and a Certificate in Museum Studies from Northwestern University.

Cabinet Conversation: Echoes from the Steps

History often highlights a few names, but lasting change in American democracy is powered by many voices. Explore some of the unsung heroes of the civil rights movement, the challenges of preserving their stories, and the enduring inspiration of the “I Have a Dream” speech at the Lincoln Memorial. Join us for this enlightened conversation with Dr. Dayo F. Gore, associate professor of Black Studies at Georgetown University, playwright Chess Jacobs and director Aaron Posner from the Ford’s Theatre World Premiere production of The American Five.

Conversations on Creativity, History and Leadership

Join us live as we stream interviews with scholars, artists and other thought leaders as they think aloud about the future of the arts, civics and history. With each conversation, we connect the lessons of the Civil War, Lincoln’s presidency, theatre, arts and education to our contemporary life.

Tapas for Teachers!

Start the school year with inspiration, connection — and tasty eats! Tapas for Teachers is your chance to meet fellow educators and explore classroom-ready programs from Ford’s Theatre and D.C.’s leading cultural institutions.

Location, Transportation and Parking:

Tapas for Teachers will take place in the new Frances and Craig Lindner Center for Culture and Leadership located at 512 10th Street NW, directly across the street from Ford’s Theatre.

We recommend taking public transportation. Ford’s Theatre is located just a few blocks from both the Gallery Place/Chinatown (Yellow, Green and Red lines) and Metro Center (Blue, Orange, Silver and Red lines) Metro Stations. Check out www.wmata.com to plan your trip.

There are several paid-parking lots in the immediate vicinity of the theatre, and metered street parking. For more information, visit Parking and Metro — Ford’s Theatre

Who Will Be There?

Arlington National Cemetery
Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum
DC History Center
Ford’s Theatre
Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Library of Congress
Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum
National Children’s Museum
National Mall and Memorial Parks
PBS LearningMedia
President Lincoln’s Cottage
Surratt House Museum and Research Center
Tudor Place Historic House and Garden
White House Historical Association
And More!

From Quill to Curtain: Crafting Plays Inspired by History

This three-part workshop series invites writers of all levels to explore the craft of playwriting through the lens of historical figures and events. Participants will develop narrative structure, use of primary sources and character development while considering how the past connects to the present.

Facilitated by Howard University Professor of Dramaturgy and Playwriting Denise Hart, each session will build on the last and the series will culminate with a sharing of excerpts from participants’ works.

A commitment to all three sessions is strongly encouraged. The series will be held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on January 17, 31 and February 14, 2026.

Workshop facilitator

Denise J. Hart, is Professor of Playwriting and Dramaturgy at Howard University. She is the recipient of the 2024 Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts Full Professor award for Scholarly Research and Creative Endeavors. Hart is the recipient of several international playwriting honors and awards: This Joy, (former finalist in the Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights competition and the Lark Fellowship,) Nothing to Lose (finalist 2018 Bay Area Playwrights). Production dramaturge credits include: Putnam County Spelling Bee, Jitney, Milk Like Sugar, Sweet Charity, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone and Day of Absence. As a scholar presentation coach, for six years, Hart coached internationally recognized scholars, artists and activists for appearances on the Lone Star Emmy nominated Blackademics TV, which airs on PBS.

This program was made possible in part by a grant from the National Park Foundation. 

Civil War Washington Forts: An Interpretive Hike of Civil War Defenses of Washington

Saturday, November 8, 2025

When the Civil War broke out, Washington, D.C. was surrounded by slave-holding states and confederate sympathizers. In the summer of 1861, 68 forts were hastily built to defend this city. These forts remain part of our city today. The 2-mile outdoor hike will take educators from Fort DeRussy to Fort Stevens and Battleground National Cemetery.

Where: Rock Creek Park Nature Center, 5200 Glover Rd NW,
Washington, D.C. 20015. Near the intersection of Military Road and Glover Road.

Parking and Transportation: Free parking is available at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center. A yellow school bus will be provided to transport participants from Fort Stevens back to the Nature Center. Click here for directions and information about public transit options.

What to Bring: Please bring a water bottle, wear good walking/hiking shoes and dress for the weather.

Are You an Educator? Classroom teachers may request a letter certifying 1-hour of Professional Development and a packet of resources to help you transform this program into a field trip for your students!

From Lincoln to MLK: A Walking Tour on the National Mall

The National Mall is home to iconic memorials that recognize pivotal American leaders, and in turn, these sites have served as stages for definitive moments in American History. Join Ford’s Theatre and National Mall and Memorial Parks as we explore the legacies of the nation’s founding, the Civil War and the Civil Rights movement through an interpreted tour of the Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorials. Together we’ll consider how we commemorate our nation’s history through our memorial landscape.

This tour is offered in conjunction with the Ford’s Theatre production of The American Five, onstage September 19, 2025 – October 12, 2025.

Where: This guided, one-mile walking tour begins at the Lincoln Memorial and ends at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. The route is along paved roads and each stop is accessible.

Parking and Transportation: Limited street parking is available around the National Mall. We recommend participants take public transportation.

What to Bring: Please bring a water bottle, wear good walking/hiking shoes and dress for the weather.

Are You an Educator? Classroom teachers may request a letter certifying 1-hour of Professional Development and a packet of resources to help you transform this program into a field trip for your students!