![A group of men and women gather around a park ranger as he point something out on a memorial plaque.](https://fords.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/CWW-banner-2880x1400-1.jpg)
Education Programs
Looking to bring your students to see where history happened or to see a performance? Looking for a professional community of dedicated teachers?
Our programs empower teachers, inspire students and strengthen civic and classroom learning.
The Ford’s Theatre Education team offers a host of in-person and virtual programs for teachers and students. Check out our offerings below!
Our Programs
![Young children stand behind and a railing and look at a tower of books.](https://fords.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/kids-book-tower-banner-2880x1400-1-1024x498.jpg)
Field Trips
Plan a historic site visit to learn about the events of April 14, 1865, and the lasting impact of Lincoln’s assassination on our nation.
![A street view of the lobby and the historic Ford’s Theatre. The lobby, on the left, is a modern building with large glass windows and a large sign reading “Ford’s Theatre.” The historic theatre, to the right, is a three-story brick building with a series of arched entrances.](https://fords.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/mackenzie-exterior-4-2880x1400-1-1024x498.jpg)
Virtual Field Trips
No matter where you are, you can learn about President Lincoln’s assassination and Civil War Washington through our distance-learning programs.
![A Black teenager dressed in a suit and tie stands a podium on a stage and gives a speech.](https://fords.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/stand-up-be-heard-2880x1400-1-1024x498.jpg)
Stand Up, Be Heard
The Stand Up, Be Heard program is a transformative initiative that empowers young people to confidently express themselves through civic engagement, research, historical thinking and public speaking.
![A teacher stands in front of a class of students with raised hands in a classroom filled with books and games.](https://fords.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/bowie-calloway-class-2880x1400-1-1024x498.jpg)
Lincoln Leadership Workshop
In our free, hands-on Lincoln Leadership Workshop, students step into the role of a leader, defining what leadership means to them.
![Logo for "Sister Act," with the title in purple and red with a lipstick instead of the letter i. The background is a stained glass window.](https://fords.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sister-act-header-2-2880x1400-1-1024x498.jpg)
Student Matinees
Ford’s Theatre offers weekday student matinees and lessons to complement your curriculum.
![A row of children dressed mostly in white shirts and black pants stand in a line on a stage.](https://fords.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/oratory-festival-2012-banner-2880x1400-1-1024x498.jpg)
Oratory Residency and Festival
Working with a Ford’s Teaching Artist, students bring Lincoln’s words to life through a group performance.
![20 teachers are seated at tables of four. They listen to a speaker who is standing near a whiteboard. On the white board are several big sheets of paper, each with a different discussion prompt (illegible from the camera’s vantage at the back of the room.](https://fords.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/01-challengingracismworkshop2019-sarahjencks-photo-1024x768.jpg)
Teacher Preview Workshops
Our Teacher Preview Workshops offer resources to teachers to engage deeply with their students about our current productions.