Ford's Theatre
National Historic Site

On the night of April 14th, 1865, John Wilkes Booth shot President Abraham Lincoln who had been attending a play at Ford's Theatre. The President was carried to a small bedroom in the back of the Petersen House, a boarding house across the street from the theatre, where he died in the early morning hours. Today, Ford's Theater and The House Where Lincoln Died (The Petersen House) are preserved by the National Park Service as Ford's Theatre National Historic Site.

Acreage: 0.29, all federal.

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VISITATION:

1.1 million. Highest in March, April, and May; lowest in January and September.

LOCATION:

Washington, DC

ADDRESS:

Ford's Theatre NHS

511 10th Street NW

Washington, DC 20004

TELEPHONE:

(202)426-6924

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

Daily: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed December 25

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

Summers generally hot and humid. Winters are generally cold with variable precipitation.

DIRECTIONS:

Ford's Theatre is located at 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC. Between E and F Streets.

TRANSPORTATION:

Metro (the closest station to the theatre is Metro Center), bus, taxi, personal vehicle (no parking on premises, public transportation recommended), Tourmobile.

FEES, COSTS RATES:

Free

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:

Visitor Center/Exhibits:

Theatre, Lincoln Museum, Bookstore (in museum) and the House Where Lincoln Died (Petersen's Boarding House).

Programs, Activities:

Generally, fifteen minute narratives at quarter past the hour, for the first three hours and the last three hours of operations(9-5) (9:15, 10:15, 11:15, 2:15, 3:15, and 4:15).

The theater is subject to closure during matinees and rehearsals. Matinees generally run on Thursday and Sunday afternoons. The museum and Petersen Boarding House remain open throughout.

Food, Supplies:

Local restaurants are within walking distance of the park.

Other Concessions, NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

The Parks and History Association Bookstore (www.parksandhistory.org) is located in the museum. Many books are available with special emphasis on the Civil War and the Lincoln Assassination. For further information call 202-426-0179.

Accessibility:

The Orchestra level of the theater as well as the museum are wheelchair accessible.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

Visiting various museums and exhibits, joining in guided programs.

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

Reservations are not taken. Commercial filming permits are arranged through Public Affairs at (202)619-7222.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Most guide books recommend at least forty-five minutes to visit the site. Check our list of closings or call 202-426-6924 to determine if the theatre will be open during your visit.

SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS:

Various types of interpretive programs and educational programs are presented at the site.

VISITOR IMPACTS:

Information on theater closings for matinees or rehearsals are available by calling the site at 202-426-6924. At times the theater may need to close with little notice due to the requirements of a live stage.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:

FBI Building, National Portrait Gallery, Old Post Office Tower, the National Mall, and etc.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Write Ford's Theatre NHS, 511 10th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004 or call (202) 426-6924.
or e-Mail us at: NACC_FOTH_Interpretation@nps.gov [Should read NACC_FOTH_Interpretation@nps.gov]