Ford's Theatre

Ford's Theatre is a unique DC experience as both a historical museum and high quality theatre. I recently visited to watch A Christmas Carol. The production was amazing, I mean really well done. The cast performance, the sound, lighting and stage setup was all topnotch. I would definitely attend again. The museum is also well thought out and the displays are very informative to the history of the theatre building and Lincoln's presidency. Museum admission is included with the purchase of tickets to a theatre production. The theatre also partners with local non-profits on ticket sales for certain productions, which is a great way to give back to the surrounding communities. I can't wait to go back. Thank you!

Amazing piece of living history. The ranger talk in the theatre was so well done. Really brought history to life, especially for my two young boys. The museum did a great job describing the times that lead up to the assassination as well as Lincoln’s presidency. Cannot recommend it enough. Make sure you buy tickets in advance online and ensure your time includes all 4 pieces of the experience: museum, theatre, Peterson House, and aftermath exhibits. Not all times include everything, especially the afternoons on weekends when they are putting on plays.

My family's first time at Ford's Theater. We were at awh with the ambiance and intimacy of the theater. We were seated second role center of the stage. What a beautiful performance by the actors and amazing transitions to the many parts of the Christmas Carole. We will definitely be back for new performances. I highly recommend to all.

What an incredible experience. I had the pleasure of seeing The American Five. I thought this was just a museum stop but to be able to see a live show in this historic theater was incredible! 10/10 will for sure look at what’s playing next time I’m in town! The staff was incredible and kind! Very accommodating to me and my service dog

I really enjoyed this experience though I came at 4 and thought plenty of time to view everything and things actually started to close before 5. Still, it was such a neat experience to feel like I traveled in time to historic locations and tragic events. Wonderful theater and detailed museum across the street.

The theater has changed several times over the years. The building next door is the gift shop. There's been a museum added to the Peterson house, since I was there last, and it's really nice. Always worth seeing.

This is history - the historic site where President Abraham Lincoln was assassined. While it is still a functional theatre for plays, it is also an informative museum to learn about the historic event. Well maintained and managed by the National Park Service. Don't forget to check out the second part of the museum across the street where Lincoln was transferred to after the assassination and passed - more story and exhibition can be found. Just make sure you spare enough time to learn the history. Ticket required and may be available on the spot (which is free).

What a wonderful experience if you’re a history nerd! This is the site of and dedicated to the history of the assassination of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 1865. It is now run by the National Park Service. Make sure you book your reservation ahead of time. Only $3 ticket (like what?!) for the Ford’s Theater Tour include a walk through the museum, a tour of the theater, and a visit to the house across the street where President Lincoln died the morning after the shooting. The National Park Ranger tells the story of the assassination. It was emotional. He was really good! You also get to see the house across the street where Lincoln died. It’s a somber moment as you walk through the room where Mary Lincoln wept and into the room where President Abraham Lincoln passed away. You’ll also see a tower of more than 15,000 books that have been written on Lincoln’s life and legacy. Truly amazing.

Ford's Theater was cemented in American history when President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated there. Much of its historical character has been preserved and in fact they have a wonderful museum that is totally worth visiting on any trip to Washington DC. The theatre is actually owned by the National Park Service and is still a functioning theater to this day. So you can get tickets and watch a show there The museum is very interesting and has a lot of detailed information about the plot, execution, and aftermath of the assassination. They also have the actual gun that was used among other interesting artifacts. They also have a Junior Ranger badge so be sure to ask for it if you have kids! Overall five stars and a unique piece of American history.

Ford's Theatre is one of my favorite places in the city to see a show. The team truly puts so much thoughtfulness in each performance and the productions are top-notch. If you go often, you will end up seeing familiar faces from show to show which is really cool. We were able to take my nine and four year old to the recent showing of the Christmas Carol and they spent the entire show absolutely enthralled which is not an easy feat! They loved exploring the gift shop (and couldn't resist getting some Lincoln memorabilia) and have spent the rest of past week talking and singing in an English accent. The theatre is absolutely beautiful and it always feels exciting to feel like you are sitting in actual, living history. Seating is roomy and comfortable and there truly is not a bad seat in the house. Hot Tip: If it's cold out, leave your coat in your car so you can settle in without a lot of bulk. There is a parking garage that goes directly into the building so you're not left walking around in the freezing winter. It is worth every penny.

I've seen a few shows at Ford's Theatre and each one has been outstanding. First of all, Ford's Theatre is historic and just absolutely beautiful. You really feel like you're stepping into a place of history and you can just wonder which box Lincoln sat in on that fateful night. The theatre itself is cozy and clean, and the temperature was comfortable. Each play that I have seen has been thoughtful, rooted in history, yet relevant to the times. They don't allow food or drink inside the theatre, but they do have concessions that are available for purchase before and after the show, as well as during intermission. They also have a gift shop and bathrooms available. It is easily accessible via Metro with limited street parking nearby.

Ford's Theatre is a unique DC experience as both a historical museum and high quality theatre. I recently visited to watch A Christmas Carol. The production was amazing, I mean really well done. The cast performance, the sound, lighting and stage setup was all topnotch. I would definitely attend again. The museum is also well thought out and the displays are very informative to the history of the theatre building and Lincoln's presidency. Museum admission is included with the purchase of tickets to a theatre production. The theatre also partners with local non-profits on ticket sales for certain productions, which is a great way to give back to the surrounding communities. I can't wait to go back. Thank you!

12/5/2025 - little snow. Great place. I wasn't on Yelp before but I am now. Very clean and organized inside. Down the street from the Hoover FBI building. Great history here! 5 stars.

I was en route to the Air and Space Museum when I came across Ford's Theater, the site of President Lincoln's assassination. Since I've always had a penchant for history, I stopped in to learn more. The museum summarized the battles and policies that characterized the Lincoln administration. It also provided an hour-by-hour breakdown of President Lincoln's last day, as well as the activities of the assassin, John Wilkes Booth, on the same day. The exhibit concluded with a view of the theater balcony where President Lincoln and the First Lady sat, and where the president was assassinated. A park ranger was available to answer questions and provide more context about this historic event.

Ford's Theatre is where history and theatre link arms and say, "Let's give them a show." Before the curtain even rises, the museum downstairs is a must. It is a powerful, beautifully curated look into Lincoln's life, his assassination, and even Booth's timeline. The side-by-side display of their days on April 14, 1865 always gets me. It is haunting, fascinating, and such a meaningful preservation of history. On stage, I have seen incredible historical plays here, plus the annual Christmas Carol, which is honestly a D.C. holiday rite of passage at this point. The staff are warm, knowledgeable, and make the whole experience smooth and special. Whether you are a history buff, a theatre lover, or just want a memorable D.C. night, Ford's Theatre delivers every time.

My friend and I enjoyed an artsy-fartsy day last weekend. ('Sister Act' = AMAZING = 10/10) Ford's Theatre is alnice historical venue in the heart of Penn Quarter in downtown DC. Spacious, great acoustics/sound, organized, and clean. Minus 1 star for the unbearably uncomfortable seats. Major issue for shows/events lasting 2+ hours. __ I eat. @f.hux I thrift. @DCthriftish

Historic theater very intimate inside. You can imagine yourself back in time here. The presidential box is decorated where Lincoln got shot. Lots of history here. I will return to explore the museum more.

DC is wild because you can just take a free tour of the exact place where Abe Lincoln got his top picked back in 1865. The presidential suite where he was just enjoying a play sits there essentially untouched. You can't actually go in there, but you get a clear view of it from where the audience sat. There is a framed picture of George Washington in front of the suite, which I didn't really understand. I mean I'm a huge G-dub fan, but shouldn't they put a picture of Abe there? I'm sure there's a reason but come on... This doesn't really tie into this review at all, but there was an Abe Lincoln quote in the basement of Ford's Theatre that read "It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues." Damn. Ain't that the truth. I'd never heard that one before, but I feel it in my soul. From now on, when someone expresses concern that I pack too many Zyns, I'm going to hit em with "You never heard that Abe Lincoln quote...?" Shoutout to Honest Abe man. What a guy. IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov__

This review leans more toward the historical tour and museum portion, though I do have a show there later this week (Mister Lincoln with Scott Bakula). First, historically: yes, this is "where" Lincoln was shot. Secondly, nothing is original about the building except the brick on the outside. Everything else is rebuilt/a reproduction. The museum has the basic history on Lincoln, the Civil War, his politics, his death. They do have some rare and interesting artifacts, including the derringer John Wilkes Booth used to assassinate Lincoln, as well as his boot, which was cut open by Dr. Samuel Mudd after he somehow broke his ankle. They also have one of the bloodied pillows that held Lincoln's head as he died. My main issue with the museum is how crowded it was. They herd everyone downstairs first, before the theater itself opens, and because you have to walk down stairs, there's a huge bottleneck. So many people are admitted at a time, it's just so congested and hard to enjoy. I didn't spend much time downstairs. The info they present is pretty good . . . but I just couldn't stand that many people in a tiny space. The ranger talk was great. Our ranger was a super Lincoln nerd (even named his cat Lincoln). He was funny, knowledgable, engaging, and gave a great overview of the assassination, what led up to it, and the aftermath. As far as the theater, I got to see the setup for the play I'm seeing later this week. The rows are wide, with a lot of leg room. The seats are wide and comfortable, more comfortable than any seats I've had on Broadway. Not a bad view in the house, even up in the balcony. Entry is 3.50, which is mainly a convenience fee, and the audio guide was five bucks. Many tours include entry into the Petersen House across the street, where Lincoln died. Make sure you buy ahead of time, these sell out.

A great museum self-guided tour. Very interesting and historic. Everyone should visit.

Visited Ford's Theatre and museum on our recent DC trip. Love the experience of being able to actually sit in the theatre and see what it looked like when President Lincoln attended shows. Also highly appreciated seeing the house across the street where the President succumbed to his injuries. The history presented is almost overwhelming. It was fantastic for our history loving group.

This was maybe the best museum we saw in DC. Tons of information and all interesting, in nice sized tidbits. Self guided and you can go at your own pace. It was not totally packed either since tickets are timed entry. The Petersen House museum was also cool too - try and see that if you can. For $3.50 per person, don't miss this.

We were three minutes past the last tour entry due to a matinee show, and they refused to let us join, merry Christmas! Such bad attitude and customer service

You never forget that you're on hallowed ground here as the ghost of the Lincoln assassination reverberates through every timber of this 19th century playhouse. Now of course there's a full scale exhibit on the 16th president in the basement with the theater still remarkably true to its almost 200 y/o patina. We were fortunate to score tickets to a one man show, Lincoln, starring a brilliant Scott Bakula. You're drenched in history here and you'll vacillate between somber and exillerated from minute to minute. Given the gravitas of the location any rating system seems trite. A must see on any DC excursion.

I saw some confusion in recent reviews. To clarify when you buy the tickets online, read the details closely. It should say museum. Mine was for the museum and Peterson House. Total cost was $3.50. I recommend coming here at least 10-15 mins before your reserved time. If you have will call tickets, you can go inside, grab your tickets from one of the cashiers, and head back into line. At your reserved time, you will enter and head down into the basement. You do not need to stand in line. People that stand in line are mostly going to watch a short movie. You can move around as you please. There is a lot of interesting information to read and look at. Don't forget to go into the room where it talks more about John Wilkes Booth and it shows the gun he used to kill Lincoln. You can see the timeline for both Booth and Lincoln on what they were each doing, leading up to the incident. The last place should be the theatre where Lincoln was shot. There is no time limit for the museum and theatre. Someone said an hour but that's completely false. I recommend doing this on your own and not on a tour group.

We watched A Christmas Carol here. The theater is small and intimate. Other than the seats behind some of the structural beams, it'd be hard to get a bad seat. During intermission, they open the museum downstairs. They sell drinks and snacks and have a gift store. There are many parking garage options nearby. Easy parking access is always a plus for downtown and makes it more likely that we'd go again.

I supported the Ford Theatre for almost 23 years. I purchased some tickets on the wrong month and right away realized the error and purchased the tickets for the correct month. It has been about three weeks now and I still have not received my refund as promised which was $940.00. Not only that, but they also removed a seat and did not refund the amount for it or notified me of doing this. I will not be supporting this in the future.

This place is amazing. Nothing that I have ever seen. To top it off, lots of history to educate you in American history. Make sure to get there early and check the website to make sure the theater is available because it isn't always open. This was our last stop before going home, so we had to speed through the museum area. There are about 4 or 5 rooms that highlight Lincoln's life. It ends in details of what Lincoln and Booth did on that horrible day. I would highly encourage taking the audio tour because it gives you bonus information. We did not get to do it but heard people praising it. Make sure to take as many pictures in the theater. I will have to say, the pictures do not do justice but it is still breathtaking. This will be a day to remember for sure. Enjoy your day, because I know I did!!!

History buffs and those that love them, this place is a must do when visiting D.C. At times, I felt like I was transported back in time to that night. The tour guide/historian was an awesome storyteller and answered all of our questions. A+ crew. The tour is self paced, which allows you to check out the exhibits at your own leisure. It's not a lot of walking, and it doesn't take up too much time, so you can definitely squeeze this in if you have about 1.5 hours to kill. Words of advice; do not leave too soon. Walk across the street and checkout the house where Lincoln eventually passed away at. It's a bit eerie but worth the experience.

Worth the wait in line. There is an app to get reservations and tickets in advance. It's accessible from metro stops or the bus services.

I can't believe how many times I've walked past Ford's theater before actually visiting. This week I saw Sister Act there; what an incredibly cool venue!! There's a museum on the first level with amazing context and artifacts, and the theater itself is gorgeous. Staff were so helpful and kind. Such a fun night and great show!!

Tony and I celebrated his 61st birthday by going to Washington DC. One of the many sites in Washington we saw was the Ford's Theater where President Lincoln was assassinated. Tony and I walked 12 miles this particular Saturday as we toured around the city on foot. The Theater was very busy and free to enjoy! There was a lot of tourist and the day was gorgeous weather very warm with a nice breeze off the Potomac River. This is a lovely city that I enjoy! Tony's first trip, my 10th!!! Highly recommend and it's Free to enjoy!

I am deeply disappointed in my recent experience with Ford's Theatre On the night of our visit, my sister experienced a medical emergency and had to leave at intermission with our father. I immediately brought this to the attention of a manager, who told me the box office would be open the following morning and that I should call back then. Since then, I've been bounced around to several departments within the organization, each passing me off to someone else, with no meaningful resolution. I initially requested a refund for two of our four tickets, given that half our party had to leave due to a health emergency. I was later told by Paul Tetreault, the Director of Ford's Theatre, that "buying a ticket is entering into a contract," and that the theatre had fulfilled its obligation by presenting the performance. I explained that I understood that from a policy standpoint--but reality sometimes requires flexibility and empathy. Instead of compassion, I was met with hostility. Paul accused me of being "aggressive" and "terrorizing his staff." He even said, "no one at this nonprofit gets paid enough to deal with this." That's a shocking and unprofessional statement coming from the Director of a nonprofit organization that should pride itself on community and service. I raised my voice out of frustration after being passed around for days, not because I intended to be threatening. After all of this, I received another email--not from Paul, but from the marketing department--offering the same credit Paul had already offered me. I had already made it clear that a credit was not acceptable, as I do not live in the area and will not be returning. A credit to a place I cannot use is meaningless. At this point, given the way I've been treated, I believe a full refund for all four tickets is more than justified. The only person who showed any concern or compassion was Megan in the Membership Department, whom I spoke with on April 7th. She was the first person to ask how my sister was doing and genuinely apologized for the experience. She said she would escalate the matter, and I appreciated that--but no resolution has come. I was deeply disappointed in the way I was treated--especially at such a historic venue like Ford's Theatre, with its national significance. You would think an institution with such a legacy would know how to treat its patrons with dignity and respect.

Great museum exploring the events surrounding Abraham Lincoln's assassination. We visited Ford's Theatre on a Sunday morning and were able to walk in and get tickets. I spent about 40 minutes in the museum reading the plentiful information about the events leading up to the assassination. Afterwards a National Park Service ranger gave an informative 20 minute presentation about the sequence of events on the night of the assassination and answered questions. Overall, it was a great experience, and I would recommend visiting Ford's Theatre if you are interested in this snapshot of history.

The highlight of this experience was Ryan's storytelling on the theater stage. You could tell that he really loves his job and sharing history with others. I learned so many details that I never heard before. Walking around the museum area before entering the theater provided so much information about Lincoln, Booth, and what was going on during the Civil War. I felt that it helped provide a complete picture of what was happening from several viewpoints. I loved that there were parallel timelines of Lincoln's and Booth's activities on that fateful day. After leaving the theater, we walked over to the house where President Lincoln eventually died. The bed was so small. I found the entire experience both educational and moving.

Perfectly preserved, this theatre is a lovely historical museum and living entertainment enter. Though there is that tragic moment in our history that is a huge part of the theatre, it continues to be a living museum and also venue for modern plays and music. The small and intimate stage is a wonderful way to honor the past and continue to celebrate the fine arts! Not a bad seat to be had as it is a small theatre with good acoustics. Definitely love the mezzanine seats, as they provide a full view of the stage. We come every year for La Christmas Carol and the cast and crew do an amazing job as always. It is a tradition in our family to come here to kick off the holidays. Though we are SO looking for to this Spring's schedule that has Little Shop of Horrors coming this March. Will be writing that review as soon as we attend!

We didn't know what to expect when visiting this museum but goodness, we certainly learned more than we ever thought possible! We bought tickets ahead, opted for the audio tour (very helpful!) and was able to start our tour early, despite having timed tickets. I think we spent 2+ hours at this location alone before going across the street to the place of his death. There are stories, history lessons, artifacts (blood-stained pillow, gun that killed him), so many details we knew nothing about relating to his death, and the capture of his murderers, his life, family and time in office. We especially enjoyed the tour in the theatre where you can see the area he was shot and hear the details of how it all went down. Quite fascinating!

Very informative exhibits. It's small enough that you don't feel overwhelmed with information, but big enough that you can walk around and explore. Also very cool to see the main theater area. We came here a few years ago and saw a show held at the theater, and a dramatic "recreation" of the events leading up to the assassination. I would recommend trying to get tickets for that one over the version we went to today which was just a walk around in the museum downstairs and a brief talk in the theater about Booth and Lincoln coming into the theater. Overall, it is a very interesting experience and a good way to get away from the heat. Be warned that you will have to spend about 30 min in the museum downstairs before being able to leave and go up to the theater for the brief presentation. If you have trouble with smaller/dark places, take the first half of the experience slow as the museum can get a little crowded in some spots. Also, we were told that during the summer Lincoln's box is closed to the public, but if you come during the winter in the off season, you may be able to get to walk around in the box. I would recommend coming here a little earlier in the day as the fatigue from the heat made it hard to walk around the museum for the designated 1/2 hour before being able to move on.

This is a Skip It when visiting DC. I would say that it was a lackluster experience. Meh. Some of the staff are a bit rude. The play that they perform is boring and the actors were not very good. They should hire someone to create a better production.

One of those places I'd never been, and with its significance to American history, didn't want to miss it this time. The times tickets are an interesting thing to figure out because different times allow you access to different elements of the experience. The museum (downstairs), the theatre (where you get a 20 minute talk about the theatre), and the house across the street where Lincoln died are all potential elements of your visit. Unfortunately you can't get very close to or go into Lincoln's box, but just being "in the room where it happened" was interesting. So glad I went, actually wish they didn't shoo everyone out of the museum so quickly.

I visited the theater on a Tuesday in late January and was fortunate enough to have a volunteer docent who was very knowledgeable and passionate about the events leading up to President Lincoln's assassination and his last 9 hours in the Peterson House across the street. The docent was dressed in appropriate garb for the era which enhanced her presentation. I would love to return and see a production in the theater.

This is a free museum to visit, it's very popular and get s very crowded. The staff does a wonderful job of handling huge number of visitors. The tour starts with going through the history, life and major events Abraham Lincoln, includes his days as Senator, the civil war and the day he was attacked. The tour's last event is an act in the theater itself, where a park ranger beautifully narrates all the events and timeline of April 15-16, the day Lincoln got shot and the day he passed away. We also got to hear how Booth was captured afterwards. After the theater visit, there's free entrance to the Petersen house, where Lincoln was taken after he was shot. He passed away in this house in the morning hours. This building includes many of the memorabilia, arts and other crafts dedicated to the life and work of Lincoln. Has a huge book tower that includes covers of thousands of books written about Lincoln. Overall this was the most impactful place I visited in DC. I felt huge respect for a man who did so much for our country. It was sad to learn how awfully he lost his life. Everyone visiting DC should stop by this place to pay a tribute to great man, Abraham Lincoln.

We were eating across the street from here and decided to check it out. It was very interesting with lots of pictures and artifacts. Went through the whole tour that took us to the seating area from where you can see the balcony where Lincoln was shot. The tour continues across the street where they took Lincoln and where he died the next morning. You go through the house and into the actual room where the bed he died on is still there (don't know if it's the actual bed or replica). After that it takes you to a wagon or trolley (not sure) and there's a casket and a map that shows their voyage taking him to his final resting place. It's informative and very interesting. I'm glad we came!

I have been to DC so many times, first time finding out the Ford's Theater!! Highly recommend to everyone. You go thru all the history about Lincoln, the rooms and the exhibition. Amazing. FYI: Same-Day Tickets: A limited number of free same-day tickets are available at the Ford's Theatre Box Office beginning at 8:30 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis (info from the website).

Unique historical tour sponsored by the Park Service! Nice museum and the ability to go to the theater. Well worth the time to drop in. Been by there dozens of times and was happy I dropped in.

This was a last-minute stop while we were in Washington DC because we had a little extra time. I will say it was worth the short walk and really packed full of history. The tour itself is pretty amazing and self led. Once you get into the theater itself there is a national park person there to guide you and help explain how everything happened that night in the theater. When you're done, you can walk across the street to the actual place where Lincoln died and physically see the room and the bed where that happened. As you are leaving, there's a stack of books that must be three stories high and it's one copy of every book about Lincoln. That was amazing. I believe they were over 14,000 books in the stack. If you're in Washington DC it's definitely a stop I wouldn't miss.

Great place. its an odd, yet somewhat surreal to be in the place where Lincoln was assassinated. to see the blood stained pillow and the balcony

I totally forgot to post my review of this historic theater which was famously known for President Lincoln's assassination by John Wilkes Booth...Inside you can see where it took place, as you imagine the event that unfolded that day on April 14, 1865. Attached is a screenshot of my initial review...appreciate the preservation of history because as humans we learn through events and lessons learned!

This was a great visit for historical purposes. I went through the museum first, then into the theatre and then to the Peterson house. You have to read/select your ticket option carefully because not all include everything. To get to the museum you go down some steep steps The museum was packed with people, so I did a quick loop and then went up the 50+ steps to the balcony of the theatre. A ranger was answering questions so I sat up there for a few minutes then exited and walked across to the Peterson house to view the actual spot where he died. I did find it funny that the box in the theatre was decorated but had George Washington's photo hanging, not Lincoln's but didn't inquire as to why.

I visited Ford's Theatre for the first time a few weeks ago when I was in DC for the weekend with some friends. A historic site visit to the theatre includes entrance to a small museum in the basement of the theatre, a history talk offered by a National Park Service ranger in the theatre, and entrance to the Petersen House (the house across the street from the theatre where President Lincoln was taken after he was shot and where he died the following morning). You can make reservations for a historic site visit on their website, and you only pay a small fee ($3.50, I think). I learned a lot and enjoyed the visit. Definitely worth visiting if you're interested in history!

What a lovely venue with a fantastic museum ! The original detailing is still in tact. We saw a production of little shop of horrors and holy cow - the talent the singing the production the staging just FANTASTIC! We were so shocked at the quality of the show! We're looking forward to going to more shows!

This has been on my list to do and see and coming to DC for the 3rd time was the charm! Actually it started yesterday with me coming and then me being told the theater was closed which really bummed me but it's not always guaranteed But they told me to come today in the morning and sure enough it was open!! The exhibit and museum areas are incredible and fascinating and to see the actual gun and pillow and to see the where he was tragically shot and also the bedroom/house he eventually died in was surreal and chillin to be there I definitely recommend going and seeing actual history

I have been multiple times. It is a nice explanation of events as they occurred on the Day Lincoln went to the theater in addition to the tour through the house across the street. I encourage everyone to visit at some point.

I brought a group of California middle schoolers to D.C. for a trip to connect with our nation's history, and this afternoon at Ford's Theatre we witnessed something I'll never forget--for all the wrong reasons. In front of the theater was an energetic, joyful street performer--someone we'd seen earlier in the week and who left a genuinely positive impact on our kids. He had them clapping, dancing, and singing along, sparking the kind of joy and connection that should be at the heart of any historical space that claims to be about community, inclusion, and "sparking conversations about the American experience" (Paul Tetreault's own words). And yet, within moments, Paul Tetreault--the director of the theater--stormed out of the building and got in this man's face, yelling at him for doing absolutely nothing wrong on public property. My students were stunned. I was disgusted. I approached to confirm the performer was on public land, and Paul tried to gaslight me, standing three inches from my face in an attempt to intimidate and dismiss me. Once I got him to acknowledge the dancer had every right to be there, he huffed off saying he was "returning to work." Except--he didn't. He crossed the street and started taking photos of us. Creepy and cowardly. Let's be clear: this was a Black man, dancing, smiling, and spreading joy on a public sidewalk. Paul Tetreault's reaction was not only unprofessional, it felt pointed and deeply problematic. When you, as a white man in power, use your position to publicly berate a Black street performer in front of kids, you're not just being a jerk--you're embodying the exact kind of performative "diversity" that institutions like this claim to be dismantling. Paul Tetreault should not be representing a place like Ford's Theatre--a site that is supposed to represent progress, history, and justice. His behavior today was the opposite of all three. Do better. And if you're going to preach diversity, inclusion, and the celebration of voices--start by not trying to silence the ones literally dancing in the street

I avoided posting about Ford's Theatre because it's a hard lesson in world history. The group of people that went after Lincoln...it's a hard lesson..how interesting..I don't know how that could be...I am not myself..we are all part of the whole world...cmon people smile on your brother..everybody get together..try to love one another ....could go to this tourist attraction..you won't be disappointed..you were warned...hang out with the saints and not the sinners.

This place was really interesting and the tour we took was really great as well. Tickets are free if you show up or like 2 dollars or something to reserve online and pick up at the box office. (well worth it) There was a lot to see here and learn about the events surrounding and leading up to Lincoln's assassination. The theater has been remarkably preserved and it's wild to see how to period it still is. At the time of our visit the bottom floor museum was under renovations but it was still great. The ticket can also include a visit to the house across the street where Lincoln died which was underwhelming admittedly but still pretty interesting! This is an important part of American history and should definitely be on your list of places to see in DC!

If you're going to charge that much for tickets for a show at least have comfortable seats. The back of the seats are thin cushions on a plank of wood and the rows are too close together. Hurt my knees and my back. Sister Act is funny though.