Plan Your Visit to Historic Ford’s Theatre

Washington, DC, is packed with history about the United States of America. While most people come to tour the museums, memorials, art galleries, Capitol Building and Arlington Cemetery, there’s another site I highly recommend: Historic Ford’s Theatre. It’s the place where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865 by John Wilkes Booth.

Today, Ford’s Theatre is still a place where shows are performed. But it’s also a National Historic Site. Below the theatre is a museum where you can learn more about the life of Abraham Lincoln and the challenges he faced during his presidency.

Here’s a rundown to help you plan your visit to historic Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC.

Tickets and Directions to Ford’s Theatre

If you want to visit Ford’s Theatre while in Washington, DC, you MUST book your tickets as far in advance as possible. Especially if you have a large family or group. I was trying to book tickets for eight people, roughly 1.5-2 months in advance and there was only one time available for the day we had available. Granted, it was in early April during Cherry Blossom Festival and spring break. But do what you can to book early.

I recommend booking your $3 tickets online. If you call Ford’s Theatre to book over the phone, they charge a $4 service fee per ticket. You can manage your tickets online and show them on your phone when you arrive at the theatre. No need to print anything out.

RELATED POST: Take a guided tour of the Washington, DC, monuments at night

Ford’s Theatre is located five blocks east of the White House, and two blocks north of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History on the National Mall. The metro is a great way to get around Washington, DC, and the Metro Center and Gallery Place/Chinatown metro stations are near Ford’s Theatre.

If you’re driving a car, there’s a parking garage next door you can use. It’s not affiliated with the museum, but it is available. There are a couple other parking garages in the area.

The Downstairs Museum about Lincoln’s Presidency

Your self-guided tour begins as you walk down stairs to the basement area below the theater. They’ve setup several exhibits and artifacts to help you understand the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. Learn about his stance and efforts to abolish slavery and the Civil War that was fought to keep the nation together.

One exhibit I found especially interesting is about the Gettysburg Address. Although I learned the words to it in my early school days, the museum puts it into context and thus it becomes even more powerful. There’s a short video of several more modern-day U.S. Presidents reciting the words of the address. Take the time to digest the simplicity and power of Abraham Lincoln’s words.

In addition to learning more about President Lincoln, I gained insights into the life of his assassin. John Wilkes Booth was an actor. President Lincoln enjoyed attending the theater. At one point, President Lincoln watched a performance where Booth was starring. Creepy. 😳

Another exhibit area offered a timeline of two people on the day of the assassination: President Lincoln and John Wilkes Booth. Learn about how each of them spent that fateful day. The side-by-side rundown was quite interesting.

The Actual Gun and Booth of Lincoln’s Assassination

Before heading up the stairs to walk through the actual theater space, take pause at one last exhibit. There, on display, is the small gun used by Booth to assassinate President Lincoln. Should they display weapons of death like this? I think that’s a valid question – but I was interested to see it in person to really understand the moment.

After seeing the gun, make your way up the stairs toward the theater. As you walk through a long hallway, there are signs on each side that walk you through the historic day for both Lincoln and Booth – Similar to an exhibit I mentioned earlier.

RELATED POST: Explore the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum outside of Boston

Once in the main theater entrance, you can enter on the main level to see where the President’s booth was in relation to the stage. Climb the stairs to the upper level for another view of the theater and box.

After taking in the scene, exit the theater, but don’t go just yet.

The Petersen House and Aftermath of the Assassination

After President Lincoln was shot, he was taken to a home across the street. Known as the Petersen House, it’s where President Lincoln was tended to and where he eventually died from the wound.

A tour of the Petersen House is included and one you shouldn’t miss. Not just because of the option to see the room where President Lincoln passed, but exhibits about the aftermath of his death.

An elevator takes you to an upper room where you can learn about not just the president’s funeral, but the hunt for his assassin.

After reading the various exhibits, make your way down the round staircase and marvel at the number of books that have been written about President Lincoln. It’s mind boggling that there so much to say about one person.

If you need to grab a souvenir, the little gift shop is on the ground floor. After that, your self-guided tour is complete and you’re off to your next adventure in the nation’s capital.

The Details

Address: 511 10th St. NW Washington, DC 20004

How long to spend: Plan on 60-90 minutes for your visit.

Cost: Admission tickets are $3 per person and include access to the museum, theater walk-through, Petersen House and the Aftermath Exhibits.

Hours: Tours are every 30 minutes, starting at 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The site is closed on Tuesdays.

Website: https://www.fords.org/

Phone: (202) 347-4833

PIN THIS