Students perform on stage as part of the Ford's theatre oratory festival. Five girls stand in front holding each other's hands above their heads. A dozen student kneel behind them.
Photo by Gary Erskine.

John T. Ford Society

Engrave your name in history.

The John T. Ford Society ($1,250-$24,999) is a special group that provides critical philanthropic support to Ford’s Theatre and our mission to honor President Lincoln’s legacy with our renowned theatrical productions, virtual and in-person educational programs and immersive museum exhibitions.

Membership is the best way to carry on President Lincoln’s legacy at Ford’s, while enhancing all of your experiences with exclusive access, personalized service and incredible benefits.

Please explore all of our membership levels below or contact a personal representative at [email protected].


John T. Ford Society Membership Levels

A 30-year-old couple stands in front of a colorful drawn comic illustration of Abraham Lincoln in the Aftermath Exhibits. They smile at the camera as they hold champagne.
Andrew and Kathleen McKenna. Photo by Reflections Photography, Washington, D.C.

Patron Level Membership

$1,250-$2,999 annual contribution
Members enjoy exciting events, personal service and behind-the-scenes access all while providing crucial support for Ford’s Theatre programs.

Benefits

In addition to all the benefits at the Friends of Ford’s Theatre Star Level, Patron Level members receive:

  • Ability to purchase House Seats – the best seats in the Theatre, available exclusively for John T. Ford Society members!
  • One parking voucher (see membership representative for details)
  • Invitation to one VIP Opening Night performance
  • Invitation to Annual John T. Ford Society Reception with Ford’s Theatre Director

Interested in enhancing your philanthropic leadership with Ford’s Theatre? Upgrade to a Visionary Level membership and support the legacy of President Lincoln.

Ten cast members stand in costume on stage facing the audience during curtain call for “A Christmas Carol.”
The 2012 cast of A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre. Photo by Gary Erskine.

Visionary Level Membership

$3,000-$4,999 annual contribution
Become a philanthropic leader at Ford’s Theatre and experience even more personalized service. 

Benefits

In addition to all the benefits at the Patron Level, Visionary Level members receive:

  • Invitation to two VIP Opening Night performances and one post-show reception
  • Additional private, after-hours guided tour (by appointment)
  • Additional parking voucher (two total, see membership representative for details)
  • Opportunity to invite two additional guests to select events
  • Recognition of support on John T. Ford Society letterhead

Interested in enhancing your philanthropic leadership with Ford’s Theatre while receiving invitations to additional behind-the-scenes opportunities? Upgrade to a Luminary Level membership and support the legacy of President Lincoln.

A woman in a red sweater gives a tour to four people in the Ford’s Theatre Museum.
Photo by Gary Erskine.

Luminary Level Membership

$5,000-$9,999 annual contribution
With a higher-level commitment, you will be able to be part of the impact you create for our community. 

Benefits

In addition to all the benefits at the Visionary Level, Luminary Level members receive:

  • Invitation to one Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala event (based on availability)
  • Invitation to three VIP Opening Night performances and two post-show receptions
  • Ability to exchange VIP Opening Night tickets to another night of the same production
  • Complimentary Star Level gift membership
  • Invitation to observe a personalized Ford’s education initiative or exclusive show rehearsal (contact membership for more information)

Interested in personalized benefits tailored to your specific interests in history, education or theatre?  Upgrade to a Benefactor Level membership and invest further in the mission of Ford’s Theatre.

Cast members wave and bow in a line on stage at Ford’s Theatre following a performance.
The Ford’s Theatre cast of Timberlake Wertenbaker’s Jefferson’s Garden. Photo by Gary Erskine.

Benefactor Level Membership

$10,000-$24,999 annual contribution
Featuring personalized benefits, this membership experience is for patrons interested in history through new and unique experiences.

Benefits

In addition to all the benefits at the Luminary Level, Benefactor Level members

  • Dinner with Director Paul R. Tetreault, artists and scholars (contact membership for more information)
  • Ability to dedicate a seat in our historic theatre with an engraved seat plaque (one-time benefit during first year of membership at this level)
  • Invitations to all VIP Opening Night performances and post-show receptions
  • Personalized benefits, tailored to you, providing greater access to the theatre, history and education programs at Ford’s Theatre

Interested in joining a select group of influential donors that receive exclusive insider experiences and benefits? Upgrade to join our Abraham Lincoln National Council.

Access Our Best Seats

Members in the John T. Ford Society receive exclusive access to house seats, the best seats in the theatre. Please contact the Membership Team at (202) 434-9545 to order house seats.

Membership Installments

Ford’s Theatre makes membership even more affordable by offering a payment plan option. Choose a monthly payment plan to lower your membership payments. Membership starts at $105/month!