Ford's Theater

Haunted Places in District Of Columbia > Haunted Theaters

Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., is widely known for its historical significance as the site where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865. Over time, visitors and staff have reported various paranormal experiences, establishing the theatre's reputation as haunted. Many believe that the ghost of President Abraham Lincoln haunts the theater, especially around the time of his assassination. Some people claim to have seen a figure resembling Lincoln in the presidential box where he was shot, and a few report a sense of coldness or strange feelings when standing in the area. Visitors and staff have reported hearing unexplained footsteps, particularly near the president's box or in the upper galleries. Some have described hearing heavy footsteps or even a faint voice that sounds like Lincoln’s. Over the years, numerous reports have mentioned unusual sounds, including the sound of creaking floors and doors opening and closing without anyone present. These occurrences are often attributed to the restless spirits that might still linger in the building. Some ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts believe that John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Lincoln, still haunts the theater, possibly due to the tragic and violent nature of his actions. There have been reports of cold spots or uneasy feelings when near areas associated with Booth. Some people have seen shadowy figures in the theater, often near the stage or balcony. These figures are sometimes described as looking like spectators or even historical figures from the time. Ford’s Theatre is a place with rich history and tragedy, and its reputation for being haunted contributes to the mystique of the site. These stories enhance the theater's appeal and its ties to American history, regardless of belief in the paranormal.

Ford's Theater paranormal

Photo by: Marianne Donley
Location submitted by: sdonley on 06/10/2012 DBA Approved: Y

Larger Map
Get Directions

511 Tenth St, NW
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: (202) 347-4833
Open to the public: Yes

https://www.fordstheatre.org/

Lat: 38.8965443
Lon: -77.0258392

PANICd#: 1111

Publication date: 06/10/2012

Last visited: 06/18/2013

In 1861 theatre manager John T. Ford leased out the abandoned First Baptist Church on Tenth Street to create Ford's Theatre.

Database Summary:

Demographic Rank: 6
History: 2
Stories: 2
Claims: 6
Evidence: 0
Resources: 7
Retrievals: 31668
Vistor Rating: 4.0
Votes: 3

Rate this Location
<- Get Location Badge Code

Videos for this location on PANICd/Our Haunted Travels Videos:

Ghost Report: Unveiling the Haunting Secrets of Ford's Theatre

History

History information is some background and history about the location. This is meant to be a basic summary. Below the history records you will find sources in which you can click on to find out more information. There may be multiple history records per location.

Added by: sdonley on 07/24/2019 DB#:407
Source(s):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZSfsrNahsc

Ford's Theatre celebrates the legacy of President Abraham Lincoln and explores the American experience through theatre and education. A working theatre, historical monument, world-class museum and learning center, Ford's Theatre is the premier destination in Washington, D.C., to explore and celebrate Lincoln's ideals and leadership principles: courage, integrity, tolerance, equality and creative expression.

Ford's Theatre History
In 1861 theatre manager John T. Ford leased out the abandoned First Baptist Church on Tenth Street to create Ford's Theatre. Over the next few years, the venue became a popular stage for theatrical and musical productions. On April 14, 1865, Abraham Lincoln visited Ford's for his twelfth time for a performance of Our American Cousin. At this performance, Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth; he died the next morning in the Petersen House, a boarding house located across the street. Ford's Theatre remained closed for more than 100 years.

Ford's Theatre officially reopened in 1968 as a national historic site and working theatre. It is operated through a public-private partnership between Ford's Theatre Society and the National Park Service.

Ford's Theatre Today
Through its inspiring theatrical productions, live historic interpretation and engaging education programs, Ford's Theatre offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in America's past while revealing meaningful connections to today.

Over the last several years, Ford's has been engaged in a dramatic expansion and renovation. In 2009, Ford's reopened a restored and renovated theatre along with a re-imagined museum, illuminating the world of Civil War Washington and the years of Lincoln's presidency. In 2012, Ford's opened the new Center for Education and Leadership, expanding the pathways for connecting with Lincoln's legacy.

As a working theatre, Ford's produces renowned plays, vibrant musicals and newly commissioned works that captivate and entertain while examining political and social issues related to Lincoln's legacy. With works from the nationally acclaimed Big River to the world premieres of Meet John Doe, The Heavens Are Hung In Black, Liberty Smith and Necessary Sacrifices, Ford's Theatre is making its mark on the American theatre landscape.

With the opening of the new Center for Education and Leadership, Ford's Theatre has become a major center for learning, where people of all ages can examine Lincoln's multi-faceted Legacy through exhibits, workshops, seminars and speakers as well as community outreach programs.

The new Ford's Theatre experience will inspire audiences from around the world to become compassionate leaders in their own communities, empowering them to live out Lincoln's principles in their own lives.

Added by: sdonley on 06/10/2012 DB#:135
Source(s):
http://www.fordstheatre.org/home/about-fords

Paranormal Claims

Here are the paranormal claims for this location. These have been found through Internet research, reports from members, or reports from personal interviews. To add a claim, please contact PANICd.com, and we will review and add your information.

Claim #	Added	Added By	Claim
1531	06/10/2012	sdonley	Footsteps have been heard rushing toward the box where Lincold sat with his wife.
1532	06/10/2012	sdonley	Gunshots and screams have been heard around Lincoln's box.
1533	06/10/2012	sdonley	The apparition of Mary Todd Lincoln has been seen at the railing of the box and pointing at the stage.
1534	06/10/2012	sdonley	An icy presences has been reported on a specific part of the stage.
1535	06/10/2012	sdonley	The apparition of Booth has been seen hurrying across the stage.
1536	06/10/2012	sdonley	The appartion of President Lincoln has been reported in various parts of the theater.

Additional Resources

This is a collection of Internet resources for this location. This section will house links to other websites that contain information related to history, claims, investigations, or even the location's website.

About.con Information Added: 06/10/2012 By: sdonley	Paranormal information about this location on About.com.
Wikipedia Added: 06/10/2012 By: sdonley	Wikipedia page about this location.
DC Ghosts Added: 06/11/2022 By: sdonley	Fordâ€™s Theatre in Washington, D.C. on 10th Street NW, is one of the oldest stage theatres in the country. And today, as well as being a museum it still hosts popular plays for those who appreciate the dramatic arts. However, the theatre has a dark cloud that still looms over the stage.
Trolly Tours Added: 06/11/2022 By: sdonley	Learn about Ford's Theatre in Washington DC with our complete guide featuring historical facts, interactive map, pictures, and things to do nearby.
Ford's Theatre (Washington DC) : All You Need to Know Before You Go (with Photos) Added: 06/11/2022 By: sdonley	Yes. The ticket for Peterson house across the street is good anytime after your ticket 11:35 time. If there is a line you can go to other places and come back later. Ford theatre is air conditioned and I don't think the...
Abraham Lincoln's Legacy Lives Added: 06/11/2022 By: sdonley	Explore Ford's Theatre NHS, discover Abraham Lincoln's life in Washington, D.C., the struggle for a united country, and the motivation behind Lincoln's assassination. The National Park Service and the Ford's Theatre Society present a variety of programs year round.
Ford's Theatre Website Added: 06/11/2022 By: sdonley	All visitors must maintain appropriate face coverings in accordance with current CDC guidelines on site. The site of Lincolnâ€™s assassination, Fordâ€™s Theatre offers museum exhibits, live theatre and immersive learning.

Ford's Theater

Database Summary:

History

Stories & Folklore

Lincoln Assassination Rocking Chair

Paranormal Claims

Additional Resources

Recently Added Locations