Due to the government shutdown, the Ford’s Theatre Museum and Petersen House are closed. The Aftermath Exhibits, Atlantic Lobby and Penny Café and Gift Shop will remain open. More info.

Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress, LC-DIG-npcc-29922.

History Talks: Inside the Petersen House

date April 14, 2026
6 p.m. ET
Virtual | Free
Accessible
Register

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.