FORD’S THEATRE CELEBRATES LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY IN FEBRUARY

EVENTS INCLUDE TARGET ORATORY FESTIVAL WITH STUDENTS, TALES OF THE LINCOLN WITH STORYTELLER JON SPELMAN, THE LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATE PLAY THE RIVALRY, AND A NATIONAL PARK SERVICE WREATH LAYING CEREMONY

 
Washington, D.C.— Ford’s Theatre Society and the National Park Service celebrates Abraham Lincoln’s birthday with special February programming. On Friday mornings, February 5, 12 and 19, Washington-area young people present a selection of Lincoln’s greatest speeches as part of the Target Oratory Festival. On February 12 at 8:45 a.m., National Park Service Park Rangers will commemorate President Lincoln’s birthday with a Wreath-laying Ceremony on the historic steps of Ford’s Theatre. On February 13, 15 and 20 visitors are invited to explore the many legends surrounding Abraham Lincoln’s life in Tales of the Lincoln with storyteller Jon Spelman. Visitors also may tour the recently renovated Ford’s Theatre Museum, experience an interpretive Park Ranger program about the events that led up to and include the assassination of President Lincoln in the theatre. Visitors may also visit the Petersen House (the House Where Lincoln Died), dependent upon schedule. Through February 14, visitors may attend a performance of “The Rivalry,” which explores the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates. To further enhance the visitor experience, Park Rangers and Volunteers will be dressed in Civil War-era period clothing, throughout the month of February.
 
Ford’s Theatre also will hold a one-day sale for 20% off tickets to performances of “Little Shop of Horrors” (March 12-May 22), and half-off tickets to its popular History on Foot walking tour “A Free Black Woman: Elizabeth Keckly” (tours begin Saturday, April 3). Tickets must be purchased in person at the Ford’s Theatre Box Office on Monday, February 15. Little Shop discount does not apply to seats in the dress circle. Offer not valid on previously purchased tickets. For more information on “Little Shop of Horrors” or History on Foot walking tours, visit fords.org.
 
The original overcoat worn by Abraham Lincoln the night he was assassinated will be reinstalled in its Ford’s Theatre display case on February 12. The coat recently underwent conservation by a textile conservator. The coat will be displayed through the end of June.
 
Tickets to the Target Oratory Festival
Tickets are free and required for all visitors ages two and older. Tickets to the Target Oratory Festival will be available beginning at 8:30 a.m. on February 5, 12 and 19, at the Ford’s Theatre Box Office.
 
Tickets to Tales of the Lincoln
Tickets are free and required for all visitors ages two and older. Tickets for Tales of the Lincoln may be reserved in advance in person at the Ford’s Theatre Box Office or via Ticketmaster at (202) 397-SEAT or ticketmaster.com. There is a $1.50 convenience fee for reserving Tales of the Lincoln in advance. Tickets purchased through Ticketmaster will also be subject to Ticketmaster fees. The Ford’s Theatre convenience fee will be waived for the program taking place on President’s Day, February 15.
 
Tickets to “The Rivalry”
Tickets to “The Rivalry” range from $10 to $53. They may be purchased in person at the Ford’s Theatre Box Office or via Ticketmaster at (202) 397-SEAT or ticketmaster.com. This production is appropriate for ages 12 and up.
 
Tickets to Ranger Programs
Tickets are free and required for all visitors ages two and older. A visit to the Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site may include visiting the redesigned museum, experiencing an interpretive Park Ranger program, and visiting the Petersen House (the House Where Lincoln Died). The Ford’s Theatre Box Office opens at 8:30 a.m. for distribution of same-day tickets. Advance reservations may be made via Ticketmaster (202) 397-SEAT or at Ticketmaster.com. The Ford’s Theatre convenience fee will be waived for Programming on President’s Day, February 15. Ticketmaster fees still apply.