Ford’s Theatre Reopens

Ford’s Theatre will open its doors to host two free and elaborate open houses for the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 am on Thursday, February 12, and Monday, February 16—just in time to celebrate the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. 

Free tickets to the public events will be available at the theatre’s box office beginning at 8:30 am on each of those two days. On February 12, Lincoln’s 200th birthday, visitors can enjoy hourly performances by the Federal City Brass Band from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, watch presentations of Lincoln speeches by DC area students and participate in National Park Service Ranger-led interpretive programs commemorating Lincoln’s presidency.

On February 16, President’s Day, visitors are invited to hear a staged reading of the new one-act play The Road from Appomattox, watch performances of One Destiny, hear excerpts from the Tony-nominated musical The Civil War and participate in Ranger-led interpretive programs.

The 144-year-old theatre and museum was shuttered in August of 2007 for major renovations—the first upgrades since 1968. Among the enhancements: new seats, upgraded sound and lighting systems, improved heating and air conditioning systems, renovated bathrooms, enhanced accessibility with elevators, a spacious new lobby with concessions, a new “parlor” for special events and stage upgrades for casts and crews.

The reimagined museum’s collection of historic artifacts will be supplemented with a variety of narrative devices, including videos and three-dimensional figures. The new Center for Education and Leadership, focusing on the life and legacy of President Lincoln, will open across the street at 514 10th Street. Neighboring Petersen House, where President Lincoln died, has remained open throughout the renovations and will continue to welcome visitors.

Ford’s Theatre operates through a partnership between the National Park Service and the Ford’s Theatre Society. The historic site, where John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln, attracts nearly one million visitors each year.

For more information about the theatre, tours and performances, visit www.fords.org.