Night View of the future 512 Tenth Street building located in the same block and just south of the Center for Education and Leadership and the Peterson House.

Lincoln’s Legacy, Our Legacy

Ford’s Theatre is steeped in history, and we are always looking forward.

President Abraham Lincoln’s legacy as a great American has never been more important, or more relevant. Ford’s Theatre Society is focused on finding new ways to bring Lincoln’s legacy to life for the 21st-century learner through intensive on-site educational programs, deeper theatre experiences and open civil discourse with the public.

Lincoln’s Legacy, Our Legacy: Ford’s Theatre’s Campaign for the Future  will raise $52 million to transform Ford’s Theatre into a vibrant, visible and accessible destination to explore leadership principles and find new ways to bring Lincoln’s legacy to life for current and future generations. Here, we will foster the vital voices of artists, patrons, scholars, educators and students.

Be Part of History. Make the Match.

At a time when many are seeking spaces that value truth, empathy and civic responsibility, your support speaks volumes. In the video below, you’ll see how we’re building on Ford’s commitment through the new Frances and Craig Lindner Center for Culture and Leadership — a space designed to deepen public understanding, foster civil dialogue and inspire the next generation of engaged citizens.

Watch how your gift makes a difference:

Ford’s Theatre is more than a historic site — it’s a living, working theatre and civic hub where Lincoln’s ideals continue to guide and inspire. With your help, we’ll build a future as bold as the legacy we honor.

And thanks to the generosity of The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, your gift today will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $250,000 — doubling your impact as we advance Lincoln’s “unfinished work.”

Give $250 or more and you will:

  • Help unlock our $250,000 in matching funds
  • Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence
  • Be invited to our Community Open House Donor Breakfast on September 27
  • Join a movement that fosters empathy, leadership and civic unity for generations to come
Make Your Matched Gift Now

Ford’s Theatre Society Announces the Grand Opening of the Frances And Craig Lindner Center For Culture And Leadership

Five people prepare to cut a red ribbon with a large pair of scissors.
Phil Mendelson (Chairman of the DC City Council), Craig Lindner, Frances Lindner, Paul R. Tetreault (Director of Ford’s Theatre) and Nina Albert (Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development) at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the Frances And Craig Lindner Center For Culture And Leadership. Photo by Jati Lindsay.

Ford’s Theatre Director Paul R. Tetreault announced the opening of the Frances and Craig Lindner Center for Culture and Leadership at Ford’s Theatre (located at 512 Tenth Street NW, Washington, D.C.) on Thursday, March 27, 2025. The new Center completes the Ford’s Theatre campus with a dedicated space for learning, connection, conversation and civic engagement and will also provide rehearsal and education studios to support its programming and theatrical initiatives.

Media Release

Get Involved

Join us in advancing Lincoln’s “unfinished work.”

Contact Us Donate Now

Our Vision

We will support our nation’s educators, broaden theatrical offerings and reimagine and reinvigorate the ways our patrons and the broader D.C. community engage with history at Ford’s Theatre.

Three young boys and two adults gather at a table in the Ford’s Theatre Museum where they put together puzzles of Abraham Lincoln’s face. A Ford’s Theatre staff member sits at the table to assist.

Education

We will support our nation’s educators, cultivate the next generation of leaders and strengthen the ways American history is taught across the country while deepening our ability to inspire and teach on the Ford’s campus.

A side view of the stage and seating at Ford’s Theatre. On the left is the Presidential Box with an American flag, a framed picture of George Washington and American flag bunting draped over the box.

Theatre

We will broaden theatrical offerings and deepen the ways we use art as a catalyst for connection and learning.

A side exterior view of historic Ford’s Theatre, a three-story brick building with five arched windows on the second and third floor. The bottom floor is white and has five arched entryways.

History

We will reimagine and reinvigorate the ways our patrons and the broader D.C. community engage with history at Ford’s Theatre.

Campaign Gallery

Five people prepare to cut a red ribbon with a large pair of scissors.

Phil Mendelson, Craig Lindner, Frances Lindner, Paul R. Tetreault and Nina Albert at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the Frances And Craig Lindner Center For Culture And Leadership. Photo by Jati Lindsay.

Three white woman stand on a balcony and point to Ford's Theatre across the street.

Photo by Norwood Photography.

Overhead view of people mingling on a balcony with Ford's Theatre in view across the street.

Photo by Norwood Photography.

Three people hold up books about Abraham Lincoln in a room full of books.

Photo by Norwood Photography.

A white man and a white woman stand in front of a plaque that reads, "Spiegel Family Lounge."

Photo by Norwood Photography.