A large line of union soldiers wearing blue uniforms charge forward, rifles over their shoulders, bayonets fixed. The flag-bearers carry the American Flag in the center. Several solders have fallen and are left behind on the ground.
Battle of Antietam / Thulstrup. , ca. 1887. Dec. 19. Retrieved from the Library of Congress LC-DIG-pga-04031.

Battle for Freedom: Exploring Antietam

May 11, 2024

8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Recommended for ages 12 and older. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
This program will include some walking across varied terrain, and steps on and off the motorcoach. For any questions about accessibility, please contact [email protected].
Register Here

The Battle of Antietam is remembered as the single bloodiest day of the Civil War, but it was also a watershed moment during events that resulted in the end of slavery. Join us as we walk this hallowed ground to explore the experiences of the men who fought in this battle, its impact on the civilian population and its place in the broader historiography of the Civil War and American history.

Join Ford’s Theatre Educators and history-lovers for a full-day bus tour from Ford’s Theatre to Antietam National Battlefield. Our tour will be led by renowned Civil War scholar and Ford’s Theatre Advisory Council Member Kevin M. Levin and National Park Service Ranger Keith Snyder.

Cost: Free

Participants will take away:

  • A deeper understanding of how the battle shaped Lincoln’s strategy on issuing the Emancipation Proclamation.
  • A nuanced and human perspective on how this pivotal battle impacted one small town and the nation as whole.
  • Participants seeking professional development credit may request a letter certifying 5 hours.

Itinerary

8:30 a.m. – Bus Departs from Ford’s Theatre Center for Education and Leadership (514 10th Street NW, Washington D.C.)

10 a.m. – Arrive Antietam National Battlefield. Tour and orientation in Visitor’s Center

10:45 a.m. – Bus Tour of Antietam National Battlefield including: cornfield, Bloody Lane, Burnside Bridge and National Cemetery. We will break for a picnic lunch (boxed lunches provided) around noon.

2 p.m. – Bus Departs from Antietam National Battlefield.

3:30 p.m. – Arrive at Ford’s Theatre, Washington, D.C.

Know Before You Go:

  • Space is limited to 20 participants.
  • Boxed lunches will be provided.
  • Round trip transportation is provided on a motorcoach equipped with a lavatory.
  • Information about parking and transportation to Ford’s Theatre can be found here.

What to Bring:

  • Please dress for the weather. This tour will go on, rain or shine.
  • Picnic blanket for lunch
  • Bug spray
  • Sunscreen
  • Water Bottle
  • Snacks

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services [MA-252940-OMS-23].