Scape Now News and Views

Some historical sites are somber by the nature of the events commemorated. In the midst of downtown Washington, D.C., on a busy but less traveled 10th Street, NW, stands a red brick building. Ford’s Theatre has been through several refurbishings and remodelings, most recently reopening in February 2009. Perhaps surprisingly, it is operated by the National Park Service. Today it is an active theatre, as it has been since 1968.

Built in 1833 as a church, by April 14, 1865, this structure had morphed into a theatre. Five days earlier, General Lee had surrendered his army to the Union and, on this night, a relieved President Abraham Lincoln was relaxing in a balcony seat observing a performance. Surely you already know the story of the assassination by John Wilkes Booth and the ensuing course of history.

Interestingly, immediately after the assassination, Congress directed that the building never be used again for purposes of public entertainment. The structure served various government functions until the 1930s and was unused thereafter until Congress agreed to fund the restoration. What this National Historic Site offers you is the opportunity to transport yourself into the setting, to observe the building and the nearby Peterson House where President Lincoln died, and to see artifacts and interactive exhibits that enable you to vividly imagine the events of that evening. Many items related to that fatal night are on display.

With an ironic title, given the theatre’s history, the musical “Little Shop of Horrors” is set to open on March 12. Asia Nine is around the corner, ready and willing to serve hungry theatre patrons. Make sleeping arrangements through .

The emotional turmoil and events from that evening in April 1865 still affect us today. Visiting Ford’s Theatre is a moving experience well worth your time.

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