
Public Programs
Join us for a virtual event exploring leadership, creativity and Lincoln’s legacy. Or take an intimate, guided tour and explore the Lincoln assassination story in more depth.
We regularly offer patrons the chance to delve deeper into Lincoln’s legacy.
Through our Cabinet Conversation series, you can join a live virtual conversation about leadership, creativity and Lincoln’s legacy. Or participate in an online challenge and perform Lincoln’s words on your own.
When we are able to safely return to our on-site programming, you’ll be able to follow an actor playing Detective James McDevitt on a walking tour of downtown Washington, D.C., as he investigates the Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy. Or join one of our passionate guides for an intimate tour of one of our historic spaces.
We also occasionally offer special events in the historic theatre, including play readings, author talks and oratory performances by students and teachers.
Upcoming Events

Ford’s Theatre and the Lincoln Assassination
Thu., February 9, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. ET
What was Washington, D.C., like for President Lincoln and some of the people he met and knew here? Explore his assassination at Ford’s Theatre and consider President Lincoln’s legacy.

Abraham Lincoln: Redeemer President, with Allen C. Guelzo
Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.
Princeton University’s James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions and Ford’s Theatre will host renowned historian Allen C. Guelzo in conversation with Lucas Morel of Washington and Lee University and Richard Brookhiser of National Review.

Lincoln’s Second Inaugural Address: A Close Reading
Thu., March 9, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.
Dig into the language of this famous speech and uncover new meaning and deeper understanding in this guided close-reading.

Abraham Lincoln Institute Symposium
March 25, 2023 at 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
The Abraham Lincoln Institute and Ford’s Theatre Society present a free symposium focused on the life, career and legacy of President Abraham Lincoln.

Virtual Investigation Detective McDevitt
Thu., April 13, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. ET
Assist Detective James McDevitt as he investigates the assassination of President Lincoln.

Ford’s as a Place of Memory: 1865-Today
Thu., May 11, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. ET
After President Lincoln was assassinated at Ford’s Theatre on April 14, 1865, an angry public threatened to burn the building to the ground. But Ford’s Theatre still stands over 150 years later.

Cabinet Conversations
Conversations on Creativity, History and Leadership
Join us live as we stream interviews with scholars, artists and other thought leaders as they think aloud about the future of the arts, civics and history.