Ford's Theatre Reopening - Open Houses

Ford's Theatre will reopen in February 2009 after an 18-month renovation. The National Park Service and Ford's Theatre Society will host two open houses on February 12, 2009, and February 16, 2009. The theatre will be open to the general public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free tickets will be available at the Ford's Theatre Box Office beginning at 8:30 a.m. each day.

On February 12, the site will commemorate Lincoln's 200th birthday with a wreath-laying at 8:45 a.m. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors will enjoy performances on the hour by the Federal City Brass Band, watch presentations of Lincoln speeches by D.C. area students and participate in Ranger-led interpretive programs commemorating Lincoln's presidency.

On February 16, Presidents' Day, visitors are invited to hear a staged reading of the new one-act play "The Road from Appomattox" by Richard Hellesen, watch performances of One Destiny and hear excerpts from the musical "The Civil War," and participate Ranger-led interpretive programs. Washington, D.C.-based bakery CakeLove will be on site at Ford's Theatre during the event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with complimentary cupcakes for visitors to help commemorate the Lincoln Bicentennial. Quantities are limited. Ford's Theatre also will be holding a one-day sale on tickets to its preview week performances of "The Civil War." Tickets will be sold for $20 and must be purchased in person at the Ford's Theatre Box Office on Monday, February 16.

Photo © Carol M. Highsmith

Read more about the renovation of Ford's Theatre