Three men and three woman sing on a stage in formalwear. Behind them a band accompanies.

Susan Egan, Michael Urie, Bernadette Peters, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Emmy Russell and Josh Groban perform at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala, June 9, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

Annual Gala

In a landscape rich with arts and culture organizations, Ford’s Theatre is unique. Not only is Ford’s an official national historic site dedicated to preserving President Abraham Lincoln’s memory, but it is a living tribute to the indelible mark our 16th President left on the country. By honoring his legacy through a culturally-significant museum, celebrating his love of theatre through award-winning productions and instilling his principles in future generations through educational programs for students and teachers, Ford’s Theatre brings President Lincoln’s ideals to life. At the heart of Lincoln’s efforts was a desire to bring people together and unite the nation.

Today, Ford’s Theatre ennobles that sentiment through its renowned Annual Gala, an opportunity for government officials, philanthropists and legendary figures in American culture to come together through the performing arts in support of this timeless institution.

Funds raised from the Annual Gala support the artistic and educational efforts of Ford’s Theatre, enabling nearly 700,000 visitors each year to find inspiration and encouragement in the achievements of one of our nation’s most beloved presidents.

For more information, please contact us at [email protected].

Lincoln Medalist Morgan Freeman at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala on June 3, 2012. Photo by Margot Schulman. — Lincoln Medalist Morgan Freeman at the *Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala* on June 3, 2012. Photo by Margot Schulman.

Celebrating 43 Years of the Lincoln Medal

The presentation of the Ford’s Theatre Lincoln Medal is a highlight of the annual gala performance. The Lincoln Medal is presented to individuals who, through their body of work, accomplishments or personal attributes, exemplify the lasting legacy and character embodied by President Lincoln. Past recipients have included: Dr. Maya Angelou, Julie Andrews, Morgan Freeman, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Hon. John Lewis and Elie Wiesel.

See Medalists

Videos from the Gala

Nancy Pelosi accepted the 2024 Ford’s Theatre Lincoln Medal on June 9, 2024, at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.

Stephen A. Schwarzman accepted the 2024 Ford’s Theatre Lincoln Medal on June 9, 2024, at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.

Photos from the Gala

A young woman in a blue dress hands a medal to an older man in a suit. A screen behind them reads, "Stephen A. Schwarzman, Ford's Theatre 2024 Lincoln Medal."

Valarie Allman and Lincoln Medalist Stephen A. Schwarzman at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala, June 9, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

A man plays the piano and sings, while behind him a large group of singers accompany him.

Josh Groban and the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala Ensemble perform June 9, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

A woman in a gold dress hands a medal to a woman in a yellow dress.

Bernadette Peters and Lincoln Medalist The Honorable Nancy Pelosi at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala, June 9, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

A man in a suit standing inside a house reaches his hand out a window to hold the hand of a woman in a black and silver dress.

Michael Urie and Susan Egan perform at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala, June 9, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

Three men and three women hold hands on the Ford's Theatre stage.

Michael Urie, Mychal Threets, Michelle Ross, Ricci Yuhico, Richard Reyes-Gavilan and Susan Egan at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala, June 9, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

A man in a suit stands at a podium and speaks

Ray Dempsey at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala, June 9, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

A man in a suit and bowtie stands in front of a band and gives a speech.

Paul R. Tetreault at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala, June 9, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

A man in a suit stands and gives a speech in front of a band.

Jon Meacham at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala, June 9, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

A woman in a blue dress stands at a podium and gives a speech. Behind her a series of photos show the same woman performing athletics and receiving an Olympic gold medal.

Valarie Allman at the Ford’s Theatre Annual Gala, June 9, 2024, in Washington, D.C. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

Annual Gala

Celebrating 43 Years of the Lincoln Medal

Videos from the Gala

Photos from the Gala

Sponsors