Ford’s Theatre Virtual Resources and Events
In addition to offering limited, in-person entry to the Theatre and Museum, Ford’s Theatre Society continues to produce virtual events, resources and programs that at-home visitors can enjoy.
* Cabinet Conversations: Creativity, History and Leadership
Join us for bi-weekly live discussions with artists, historians and thought leaders. Learn more at https://www.fords.org/visit/virtual-events-and-special-tours/cabinet-conversations.
* Virtual Play Readings
Launched in July, the Ford’s Theatre virtual play reading series has included Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson, Necessary Sacrifices by Richard Hellesen and Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage. Readings are streamed on the Ford's Theatre website, Facebook Live, YouTube and Twitter. Upcoming dates and readings to be announced.
* Distance-Learning Programs
The Ford’s Theatre education team continues to offer structured public webinars and interactive events on Zoom that are appropriate for history fans of all ages, including students in grades 3+. These programs explore Abraham Lincoln in Civil War Washington, Lincoln’s assassination, the investigation into the assassination conspiracy, the history of Ford’s Theatre and the Petersen House, and much more. They are offered regularly on Tuesdays and Thursdays as well as by appointment.
Exploring Lincoln in Washington
Oct. 13 at 1 p.m.
Ford’s Theatre and The National Mall and Memorial Parks explore what Washington, D.C. was like for President Lincoln and how the city has grown and changed over time. Examine places that mattered to Lincoln during his lifetime and places where he matters to us today, including the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and Ford’s Theatre. In this interactive program, participants will look closely at historic and contemporary images of Washington D.C. including maps, photographs and illustrations. This session is 45 minutes. Recommended for grades 3 and up.
Guided Virtual Tours
Oct. 15 and 22 at 1 p.m.
Ford’s Education takes you on a virtual tour of Ford’s Theatre and Civil War Washington. Learn about what Washington, D.C., was 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. In this interactive program, participants will look closely at historical and contemporary images including maps, photographs and illustrations. This session is 40-minutes plus time for Q&A. Recommended for grades 3 and up.
Reacting to Lincoln's Assassination
Oct. 20 and 27 at 1 p.m.
How did people around the United States feel after the death of President Abraham Lincoln? What did they say? Ford’s Education examines primary sources to reveal how individuals reacted to a time of uncertainty following Lincoln’s assassination. In this interactive program, participants will look closely at historic documents and engage multiple perspectives. Recommended for grades 5 and up.
Ford's Theatre After the Assassination
Oct. 29 at 1 p.m.
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. Ford’s Education explores what happened to the building after the assassination, who occupied it, and how it came to be a working theatre once more. Inthis interactive program, participants will look at historic images of Ford’s Theatre and the Petersen House from the 1860s through today. Recommended for history lovers of all ages and students grades 5 and up. 40 minutes.
Inside the Petersen House
November Dates to Be Announced
The Petersen House is known as the place where President Lincoln died. But have you ever wondered about the people who lived there? Ford’s Education introduces you to the people who lived in the Petersen Boarding House and their neighbors. Learn how the house became a national historic site and museum. Explore primary sources and first-person perspectives as we go inside the Petersen House. Session is 30 minutes plus time for Q&A. Recommended for grades 3 and up.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
