Ford's Theaters NPS

Ford’s Theatre is the historic site where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Today, it remains an active playhouse and, along with the Petersen House across the street—where Lincoln passed away—serves as a museum honoring his life, legacy, and impact on American history. The museum offers powerful exhibits that explore Lincoln’s role in the Civil War, his personal life, and the events surrounding his assassination. Highlights include four U.S. presidents reciting the Gettysburg Address, detailed accounts of the eight conspirators—including Mary Surratt, the first woman executed by the federal government—and the dramatic story of John Wilkes Booth’s capture and death. You’ll also learn how the Lincoln Memorial was conceived and built as a lasting tribute. One striking takeaway is the idea that, without Lincoln’s leadership, the Potomac River might have become the dividing line between two separate nations. Operated by the National Park Service, the Ford’s Theatre Museum is free to visit and an essential stop for anyone exploring Washington, D.C. 

511 10th Street NE Washington, DC (202) 347-4833