Legacy in the Making: A Day of Advancing the Unfinished Work  

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, this symposium will explore the enduring relevance of the principles articulated in the Declaration of Independence and their continued influence on the American identity, values, and civic responsibilities. Drawing inspiration from President Abraham Lincoln’s personal conviction in these ideals, this program will engage thought leaders, historians, scholars, and public figures to discuss the ways in which Lincoln’s vision, and the founding principles of the nation, shape the current landscape of American democracy.  

Together, we will illuminate the critical opportunities and responsibilities we have to continue the work that Lincoln and the founding generation began, and find practical avenues to actively contribute to building a more perfect union 

Let us strive on to finish the work we are in, ensuring that the founding ideals live on in our actions today and into the future. 

What to Expect: 

• The Symposium will take place in the Frances and Craig Lindner Center for Culture and Leadership, located at 512 10^th St NW.  

• Session formats may include interactive workshops, panel discussions and presentations. 
• General Admission Registration includes all five symposium activities.

• Attendees may opt-in for a guided tour of the Ford’s Theatre Museum at 12 p.m., before the symposium sessions begin.

• Ford’s is pleased to host participants for a cocktail reception in the Malek and Carlucci Legacy Hall following the final session. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks will be provided. 

Program

12 – 1 p.m. – Pre-Symposium Guided Tour of Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site 

1 – 5 p.m. – Symposium
(Sessions will be 60-75 minutes long, with short breaks in between. Session order is subject to change.) 

Women in the Wings: Reading American Life Narratives
Life narratives allow a multilayered insight into the lives and times experienced by historical figures. Through guided exercises, participants will consider the intersection of personal voice with historical moments through reading selections from three First Ladies who demonstrated a commitment to founding principles of the nation.  

With Malice toward None: Confronting Political Violence in a Digital Age
Political violence happened at Ford’s Theatre and its legacies continue to impact our world today. Explore how such acts manifest in our digital spaces, and, importantly, ways to combat such violence through individual action and government policy.   

Dreams of the Future: Imagining American Democracy with Jefferson, Adams, and Lincoln
When the founders gathered to imagine a new nation, how did they navigate differing dreams and ideals? How did Abraham Lincoln interpret their vision and infuse it with his own civic imagination?   In this session we will ask ourselves, what do we, the people today, imagine for our future? 

5 – 6 p.m. – Post-Symposium Cocktail Reception 

Cabinet Conversations: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

The story of America’s founding remains one of contention, evolution and aspiration. President Lincoln considered the Declaration of Independence and Constitution as “an apple of gold” and “the picture of silver subsequently framed around it.” What do these documents reveal about the elasticity of our democracy, and what “unfinished work,” as Lincoln described, remains for us today?   

Revisit the founding ideals of the United States and trace the complex path from the Declaration of Independence to the Constitution in this thought-provoking conversation with leading scholars and experts. Together, we’ll explore how the framers’ ambitious yet imperfect vision for liberty and equality has been interpreted, challenged and expanded through the lens of constitutional law and how the arts shape and foster national memory. 

Cabinet Conversations will take place in the Frances and Craig Lindner Center for Culture and Leadership before the 7 p.m. Performance of 1776. Registration for Cabinet Conversations and performance tickets are sold separately. To purchase tickets for 1776, please click here.

History Talks: Lesser-Known Players 

There were over 1000 witnesses in the theatre on April 14, 1865, many of whom left compelling accounts of the historical tragedy and went on to live fascinating lives. Shine a spotlight on the Lesser-Known Players in the story of President Lincoln’s assassination. Names like Major Rathbone, Laura Keene, and Dr. Leale may ring a bell, but what about Johnny Burroughs who worked at the theatre, Carl Bersch an artist who lived across the street, or Jeannie Gourlay who was also in Our American Cousin that fateful night?  Together we’ll learn more about some of those who witnessed the assassination and its lasting impact. 

This 60-minute program invites Civil War and Lincoln enthusiasts to meet the bystanders, artists, performers, and everyday Washingtonians whose lives were forever shaped by that tragic moment. 

History Talks is a webinar series that investigates facets of Abraham Lincoln’s complex legacy and its relevance to today. These engaging talks, designed for history enthusiasts of all ages, feature compelling visuals with content experts delving into Lincoln’s legacy and the world of Civil War Washington. 

History Talks: Inside the Petersen House

Step across the street from Ford’s Theatre and into one of the most poignant moments in American history. After Abraham Lincoln was shot on April 14, 1865, soldiers carried the wounded president to the Petersen House, where he died the next morning. The testimonies given by the residents living at the house, who witnessed the president’s final hours, transport us to that tragic night.

This 60-minute program is ideal for those familiar with Lincoln’s assassination who are eager to uncover deeper stories of Civil War Washington.

This program is part of History Talks, a webinar series that investigates facets of Abraham Lincoln’s complex legacy and its relevance to today. These engaging talks, designed for history enthusiasts of all ages, feature compelling visuals with content experts delving into Lincoln’s legacy and the world of Civil War Washington.

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 at the Center for Education and Leadership on Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 12 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.

Ford’s Theatre and the Lincoln Assassination | Public Virtual Field Trip

Learn the story of Lincoln’s assassination from the place where it happened. Explore the world of Civil War Washington, D.C., the events leading up to the night of the assassination, and consider its lasting legacies. During this program, participants will look closely at historical and contemporary images including maps, photographs and illustrations. This program is effective for students looking for an introduction to the Lincoln assassination story. 

This 60-minute program is recommended for grades 5 and up.

Public Virtual Field Trips are free and offered on specific dates and times. This multi-point connection is a great opportunity to come together and learn from Ford’s Theatre Educators with students from across the country. Public Virtual Field Trips are hosted on Zoom and interaction will take place mainly through the chat and Q&A features.

Virtual Investigation: Detective McDevitt | Public Virtual Field Trip

Assist Detective James McDevitt as he investigates the assassination of President Lincoln. Revisit sites and reexamine clues from April 14, 1865. In this interactive, theatrical program, participants will interact with historical characters portrayed by an actor, examine primary source images and hear witness statements to determine who is guilty of this heinous crime.

This 60-minute program is recommended for grades 5 and up.

Public Virtual Field Trips are free and offered on specific dates and times. This multi-point connection is a great opportunity to come together and learn from Ford’s Theatre Educators with students from across the country. Public Virtual Field Trips are hosted on Zoom and interaction will take place mainly through the chat and Q&A features.