Ford's Theatre and Lincoln Museum

Click on photos for larger view

No Pamphlet or Ticket

September 25th, 2005

Ford's Theatre and Lincoln Museum Washington DC

This event was ticket-less and I didn't find any pamphlets.  The theatre was where Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the US was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth in 1865.  After the assassination, the government bought the building and it was used as a storehouse/offices and museum.  Then, June 9, 1893, a tragedy occurred. Excavation in the basement for the installation of an electric plant weakened the foundations of the structure and caused the three floors to collapse. Employees of the Record and Pension Bureau were at work when the crash occurred. Twenty-two persons were killed and 68 injured in the catastrophe. The interior of the building was restored the following year. On July 1, 1928, the building was transferred from the War Department to the Office of Public Buildings and Public Parks of the National Capital and utilized for storage purposes. That office was absorbed by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, by Executive order of June 10, 1933. This allowed the theater to be once more and it was reopened (reconstructed to be exactly like the original in 1968. The theatre basement was transformed into a small museum to honor Mr. Lincoln.  Inside you can see things like the derringer, the blood stained coat of Mr. Lincoln and even less horrifying items like white house items the Lincoln's used.  The museum tells the story of the trial and follows all the conspirators. Admission: Free to all.  Small gift shop.  No food or beverages. Short tour; can be done in less than 30 minutes. Restrooms available; Hours depend on theatre showings.  You will have to call to make sure it's open for viewing.  Shows are still performed in the theatre. I do not think anyone is allowed to use Mr. Lincoln's "box" though.  Location: 511 10th Street, NW – between E and F Streets , Washington, DC

Top Left to Right: Balcony where Lincoln was shot, Derringer used by Booth and Dagger, Entrance to Ford's Theatre (very unassuming), Door to the box opened by Booth, and finally: Lincolns Clothing and Blood Stained sleeve

  Photos copyrighted to www.dahoovsplace.com E-mail: dahoov2@cox.net