Ford’s Theatre (511 10th Street NW) has begun rolling out an exciting cadre of commemorative events surrounding the 150th Anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination on April 14, 1865 and the end of the Civil War and you can be a part of it.
Last month, the theatre began showing the emotional drama “The Widow Lincoln,” about First Lady Mary Lincoln in the aftermath of her husband’s death. The play runs through Feb. 22 but will be followed by much additional programming you can take advantage of, including the musical “Freedom’s Song: Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War,” a jewel box exhibition “Silent Witnesses: Artifacts of the Lincoln Assassination” which showcases items Lincoln carried or that were in the theatre on that fateful night, a commemoration of Lincoln’s second inaugural address, educational programming, panel discussions, walking tours and more.
Events will culminate on April 14 and 15th when the theatre will lead an around-the-clock event in DowntownDC marking Lincoln’s assassination and death. An overnight candlelight vigil will be held on 10th Street NW with participation from living historians and more to recreate the street scene from 1865.
DowntownDC property managers and neighbors are invited to directly participate in the illumination event. In 1865, buildings in Downtown were illuminated to celebrate the end of the Civil War. The theatre is orchestrating a coordinated effort to recreate those illuminations on the night of April 14th in Downtown and hold an overnight vigil for Lincoln. On April 15th, the day of Lincoln’s passing, bells will toll to commemorate his death.
Downtown organizations already participating in Ford’s Theatre 150th commemorative events include the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery (600 7th Street NW). For those interested in participating or who would like more information on Ford’s Theatre 150th events, contact Special Programming Manager Shayla Roland at sroland@fords.org.
Visit the Ford’s Theatre website for more information.