Fords Theater
Jan 20th, 2011, 09:43 AM
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Fords Theater
I've searched, googled and Im still confused. Went on line to pre-purchase tickets to see the Ford Theater on our upcoming April trip to DC. There are a few combinations of different options:
Entry
Museum
Ranger Program
Theater Walk Through
Can anyone tell me what the differences are? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you
Entry
Museum
Ranger Program
Theater Walk Through
Can anyone tell me what the differences are? Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you
Jan 20th, 2011, 11:25 AM
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Since the renovation of Ford's Theatre a couple of years ago, entry is now by a timed ticket which can be obtained at the theatre or in advance through the Ford's Theatre website.
Museum entry means that you may self-tour the excellent museum in the basement of the theatre. On my first visit there after the renovation, I spent about 90 minutes in the museum. I was reading EVERYTHING, so most people could tour the museum in less time.
Ranger Program means that you may enter the theatre itself and a Park Service Ranger will give a talk about the history of the theatre and the events of the night that Lincoln was assassinated. This talk lasts about 30 minutes.
Theatre Walk Through is exactly that--you may walk through the theatre and see the box where Lincoln was sitting when he was assassinated, but there is no talk by a Park Ranger.
These three entries are sometimes combined so that you can see the Museum and do a Ranger Program or see the Museum and do a Walk Through. Since Ford's Theatre is a working theatre, the touring schedule depends on the rehearsal and performance schedule at the theatre.
Museum entry means that you may self-tour the excellent museum in the basement of the theatre. On my first visit there after the renovation, I spent about 90 minutes in the museum. I was reading EVERYTHING, so most people could tour the museum in less time.
Ranger Program means that you may enter the theatre itself and a Park Service Ranger will give a talk about the history of the theatre and the events of the night that Lincoln was assassinated. This talk lasts about 30 minutes.
Theatre Walk Through is exactly that--you may walk through the theatre and see the box where Lincoln was sitting when he was assassinated, but there is no talk by a Park Ranger.
These three entries are sometimes combined so that you can see the Museum and do a Ranger Program or see the Museum and do a Walk Through. Since Ford's Theatre is a working theatre, the touring schedule depends on the rehearsal and performance schedule at the theatre.
Jan 20th, 2011, 03:40 PM
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Included with your "entry" (whether for the walk-thru or the ranger program) is a walk through the Petersen House across the street from the theater where Lincoln actually died in a back bedroom.
I've visited Ford's theater several times over the years and would strongly recommend the ranger program, and if you have time - the museum.
Tickets are limited on a first-come, first-served basis for each program, and are free at the theater box office. They make it sound like they are free on the website, but the website purchase actually charges a service fee of something like $3.50 per ticket. If you pass by the theater in the morning, you can stop in and probably easily get tickets for one of the ranger programs later in the day. I've dropped by the theater at 1:15 pm and been able to get 4 tickets for the 3:00 ranger program. I may have been lucky, but it's worth a try. On the other hand, if you have a specific day that you want to visit, and you don't want the worry, then buy them ahead of time on the web.
I've visited Ford's theater several times over the years and would strongly recommend the ranger program, and if you have time - the museum.
Tickets are limited on a first-come, first-served basis for each program, and are free at the theater box office. They make it sound like they are free on the website, but the website purchase actually charges a service fee of something like $3.50 per ticket. If you pass by the theater in the morning, you can stop in and probably easily get tickets for one of the ranger programs later in the day. I've dropped by the theater at 1:15 pm and been able to get 4 tickets for the 3:00 ranger program. I may have been lucky, but it's worth a try. On the other hand, if you have a specific day that you want to visit, and you don't want the worry, then buy them ahead of time on the web.
