Ford’s Theatre Society Celebrates Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday

The Ford's Theatre Society celebrates Abraham Lincoln's birthday with special programming throughout the month of February. Beginning January 29, Ford's Theatre offers a series of special Saturday programs for families with children ages six and up. Join Lincoln family insider Elizabeth Keckly as she describes the White House antics of Lincoln boys Tad and Willie in "Papa Day," or listen as storyteller Jon Spelman explores the legends of Abe Lincoln's life in "Tales of the Lincoln." On Fridays, February 4 and 11, Washington-area young people present a selection of Lincoln's greatest speeches as part of the Target Oratory Festival on the Ford's Theatre stage. On February 7 at 7 p.m., historian Nora Titone will lead a discussion and book-signing for her book "My Thoughts Be Bloody" about the family rivalries that shaped John Wilkes Booth's character and career.

Visitors also may tour the Ford's Theatre Museum to explore 1860s Washington and Lincoln's presidency, and experience an interpretive Ranger program about the events that led up to and include the assassination of President Lincoln in the theatre.

"Papa Day"
By Jennifer L. Nelson
Saturdays, January 29-February 19, at 10:30 a.m.

In "Papa Day," dressmaker, former slave and Lincoln family friend Elizabeth Keckly shares a series of gentle and humorous stories about life in the Lincoln White House. Come to know Abraham Lincoln as a playful and loving parent who enjoyed spending time with his young sons and their pets. Danielle A. Drakes (A Free Black Woman: Elizabeth Keckly) reprises the role for this special program.

Tickets to "Papa Day" can be reserved free of charge at the Ford's Theatre Box Office. Advance reservations are also available through Ticketmaster (fees apply) at (800) 899-2367 or www.fords.org. Seating is available on a first-come basis.

"Tales of the Lincoln" with Jon Spelman
Saturdays, January 29-February 19, at 11:30 a.m.

People around the world have been captivated by Abraham Lincoln and the stories that spring from his life. Discover how the teenaged Abe won a "talking contest" against a grown man, how he used "t-mail" to communicate with generals during the Civil War, and how his vivid dreams often predicted the future. Celebrated storyteller Jon Spelman explores the varied tales of Abraham Lincoln the man, leader and legend in his one-man show.

Tickets to "Tales of the Lincoln" can be reserved free of charge at the Ford's Theatre Box Office. Advance reservations are also available through Ticketmaster (fees apply) at (800) 899-2367 or www.fords.org. Seating is available on a first-come basis.

Target Oratory Festival
February 4 and 11, 2011
Programs at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Much of Abraham Lincoln's power came from his ability to communicate his ideas to the people of the United States. Students from Washington-area schools will perform some of Lincoln's most famous speeches including his First and Second Inaugural Address, his House Divided speech and the Gettysburg Address. This event is sponsored with support from Target. Tickets to the Target Oratory Festival can be reserved free of charge at the Ford's Theatre Box Office. Advance reservations are also available through Ticketmaster (fees apply) at (800) 899-2367 or www.fords.org.

Discussion and Book-Signing: "My Thoughts Be Bloody" by Nora Titone
Monday, February 7, at 7 p.m.

Historian Nora Titone will read excerpts from and lead a discussion about her book, My Thoughts Be Bloody at Ford's Theatre on Monday, February 7, at 7 p.m. A fascinating look at the intense sibling rivalry between Edwin and John Wilkes Booth, My Thoughts Be Bloody explores how conflicting political viewpoints, strained family relationships and divergent career paths were integral to shaping John Wilkes Booth's character, and the anger that led to the infamous American tragedy at Ford's Theatre. The free 60-minute program includes a question-and-answer session led by Titone. A book-signing will follow in the Ford's Theatre Lobby at 8 p.m. Tickets are required and may be reserved in person at the Ford's Theatre Box Office (free of charge), at www.fords.org or through Ticketmaster at (202) 397-7328 (Ticketmaster fees apply). Seating is available on a first-come basis. The Ford's Theatre Museum will open to event ticketholders at 6 p.m. The Theatre will open for seating at 6:30 p.m.

Note: Limited space is available for media wishing to cover the My Thoughts Be Bloody discussion event. Media must be credentialed and should contact Lauren Beyea at (202) 434-9543 by noon on Friday, February 4.

Ford's Theatre
Since it reopened its doors in 1968, more than a hundred years after the April 14, 1865, assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, Ford's Theatre has been one of the most visited sites in the nation's capital. Ford's Theatre has enthralled visitors because of its unique place in United States history, and its mission to celebrate the legacy of Abraham Lincoln and explore the American experience through theatre and education. For its accomplishments, the organization was honored in 2008 with the National Medal of Arts, the highest award given by the U.S. government to artists, arts institutions and arts patrons.

Ford's Theatre Society works to present the Theatre's nearly one million visitors each year with a high quality historical and cultural experience, enhancing the vibrancy of this historic site, an important tool for promoting the ideals of leadership, humanity and wisdom espoused by Abraham Lincoln.

For more information on Ford's Theatre and the Ford's Theatre Society, please visit www.fords.org.

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