In 1865, the year after Abraham Lincoln was assassinated, America began celebrating Lincoln’s birthday on February 12th. Until 1971, both February 12 and February 22 were observed as federal public holidays. In 1971, President Richard Nixon combined the two holidays into one and ever since we have honored all past presidents on the third Monday of February. Special festivities are held in the Washington DC area throughout the weekend.
Special Events for Presidents' Day
Grand Opening Ford's Theatre Center for Education and Leadership- February 12, 2012, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. This free full day of programming begins with a National Park Service wreath laying at 8:45 a.m. in honor of Lincoln’s birthday. The open house features an author discussion with John Stauffer (Giants), ranger talks, performances of Papa Day, Tales of the Lincoln with storyteller Jon Spelman and One Destiny, and special Civil War-era music performed by the Washington Revels. Visitors are welcome to see the Center’s new exhibits and participate in workshops with the Education Department. Tickets will be available beginning at 8:30 a.m.
- February 20, 2012, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Presidents' Day event features an author talk by Tony Horwitz (Midnight Rising and Confederates in the Attic), ranger talks, performances of Papa Day, Tales of the Lincoln with storyteller Jon Spelman and One Destiny, and a behind-the-scenes look at the Center with an exhibit designer from Split Rock Studios. Visitors are welcome to see the Center’s new exhibits and participate in workshops with the Education Department. Tickets will be available beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Lincoln Memorial, - February 12, 2012, noon. 23rd & Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC. Honor Abraham Lincoln at a Presidential wreath laying ceremony and a dramatic reading of the "Gettysburg Address."
Newseum Exhibit: “Every Four Years: Presidential Campaigns and the Press”
Feb. 17, 2012 - Jan. 27, 2013. Opening just in time for Presidents Day, the exhibit explores how media coverage of presidential campaigns has evolved from William McKinley’s 1896 front-porch campaign to Barack Obama’s 2008 Internet campaign, as candidates and reporters tangle over issues, images and control of the story. The exhibit also features interactive activities and an original video production on televised campaign ads, shown on a 100-foot-wide video screen in the Newseum’s Big Screen Theater.
George Washington Birthday Parade
February 20, 2012. See the country’s largest Presidents' Day Parade in Old Town Alexandria through the streets where Washington once walked. See photos of the parade. Spend the day exploring historic sites in Old Town Alexandria, the historic Virginia town that was an important port during the colonial, revolutionary and Civil War periods.
White House Visitor Center
February 20, 2012, 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Program details to be announced. No reservations necessary, but programs are limited to 25. Call (202) 208-1631 for additional information.
Mount Vernon
February 18-20, 2012. Celebrate George Washington's birthday with three days of special events at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. Presidents’ Day weekend is a great time to explore the 500-acre estate and learn more about the life of the first president of the United States. See this schedule of Presidents' Day Events at Mount Vernon.
Madame Tussauds US Presidents Gallery
February 20, 2012. Madame Tussauds Washington DC houses a US Presidents Gallery, which features wax figures of all 44 US Presidents. The interactive attraction brings historical figures and events to life through wax figures that visitors can touch, see and hear.
A Birthnight Ball at Gadsby's Tavern Museum
Each year, the Saturday night before President’s Day, a Birthnight Ball is held at Gadby's Tavern in Alexandria, Virginia. The ball is complete with toasts, dinner, a historical program and George Washington's favorite 18th century dances. Gadsby's Tavern is one of the few 18th century taverns still in use in the United States. George Washington, John Adams, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson frequently attended dances, theatrical performances and meetings here. Reservations are required as this event always sells out!
Alexandria's Annual George Washington Classic 10K Race
February 18, 2012. Get your running shoes laced up and celebrate George Washington’s Birthday at Alexandria's Annual George Washington Classic 10K Race.
Revolutionary War Reenactment
February 19, 2012. The Fort Ward Museum located at 4301 W. Braddock Road, in Alexandria, Virginia, stages “Historic Camp and Tactical Demonstrations throughout the day including a Revolutionary War skirmish between the “Redcoats” and the Colonials.” See Photos of the Revolutionary War Reenactment.
Presidents' Day Events at Colonial Williamsburg
Throughout the weekend, the restored 18th-century Revolutionary capital of Virginia offers theatrical programs and interpretive characters telling the inspirational stories of our nation's founding men and women. Hear the stories and meet with America's forefathers, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.
