Ford’s Theatre Reopening and Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Celebration

The year 2009 marks 200 years since Abraham Lincoln’s birth as well as the grand reopening of the recently renovated Ford’s Theatre. To celebrate these two events, Ford’s Theatre will present an array of public and private events honoring Abraham Lincoln’s life and legacy.

Ford’s Theatre Performances
The theatre will present the world premiere of The Heavens Are Hung In Black, a play offering audiences a glimpse into the man who was Abraham Lincoln. The Theatre also will present The Civil War, a song cycle that gives voice to the men and women affected by this American tragedy.

February 12: Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commemoration
On February 12, Ford’s Theatre will commemorate Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday with a series of public programs. The day will begin with a morning wreath-laying by National Park Service Rangers. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ford’s Theatre will present an array of performances in Lincoln’s honor. Area students will perform some of Lincoln’s great speeches, and the Federal City Brass Band will play some of Lincoln’s favorite music on Civil War-era instruments. National Park Service Rangers will offer interpretive programs commemorating Lincoln’s presidency throughout the day. The theatre will be open to the general public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

February 16: Ford’s Theatre Open House and Lincoln Birthday Celebration
On President’s Day, February 16, Ford’s Theatre will host an all-day open house. Events will include new Ranger-led interpretive programs, a reading of the new one-act play The Road From Appomattox by Richard Hellesen, a performance of One Destiny and songs from The Civil War. The theatre will be open to the general public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Ford’s Theatre Grand Reopening Celebration
On the evening of February 11, Ford’s Theatre will host a special performance to officially reopen the Theatre. Filmmaker George Lucas will receive the Lincoln Medal in honor of his accomplishments, which exemplify the character and lasting legacy of President Abraham Lincoln. This VIP celebration is by invitation only for Campaign donors and other invited guests. For more information or to become a donor to the Campaign, please contact Michelle Keegan at (202) 434-9552.

Living Lincoln Series
This free Monday-night series will explore the many aspects of President Lincoln’s personality and life through lectures, panels, play readings and performances. Highlights of the series include Lincoln as Humorist with Conan O'Brien, President Lincoln as Commander-in-Chief created by Pulitzer Prize-winning author James M. McPherson, an exploration of Lincoln through art as told by actor Sam Waterston and historian Harold Holzer, a panel on Lincoln and Race headed by Dr. Edna Medford of Howard University, and a reading of a new musical, Lincoln in Love, based on the film Young Mr. Lincoln. Dates for the series are: Feb. 16, Feb. 23, March 2, April 13, April 20, April 27, May 3, May 11 and May 18. Free tickets can be reserved through Ticketmaster at (202) 397-SEAT or by clicking here. Ticketmaster fees apply.

Timed Tours
Ford’s Theatre is open for tours daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except when the venue is closed for rehearsals and matinee performances). In an effort to assist with lines and wait times, Ford’s Theatre has instituted a timed entry system for visitors. Each visitor two years of age and older wishing to enter the site must present a timed entry ticket.

The Ford's Theatre Box Office opens at 8:30 a.m. for distribution of same-day, timed tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Individuals are limited to six tickets per person for same day tickets. Individual tickets are also in available in advance for a $1.50 convenience fee through Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster fees apply). Groups of 20 or more can reserve advance tickets by calling the Ford’s Theatre group sales office at (202) 638-2367 or by visiting Ticketmaster (Ticketmaster fees will apply).

Advance timed entry tickets are currently available through May 24 and from July 1 to August 31. For more information about timed entry, please click here.

Ford’s Theatre Museum Reopening
Scheduled to reopen in summer 2009, the newly renovated museum will use 21st-century technology to transport visitors to 19th-century Washington. The museum’s remarkable collection of historic artifacts will be supplemented with a variety of narrative devices.