Ford’s Theatre 'History on Foot Walking Tours' Return in March

From March through August 2011, Ford's Theatre Society presents its History on Foot walking tours "Investigation: Detective McDevitt" and "A Free Black Woman: Elizabeth Keckly." Led by costumed actors playing historical characters from Civil War Washington, the tours guide patrons from historic Ford's Theatre (511 10th Street NW) to different sites throughout downtown, Washington, D.C. Beginning Wednesday, March 23, 2011, Ford's offers the assassination conspiracy walking tour "Investigation: Detective McDevitt" with two tours on April 15, the anniversary of Lincoln's death. The popular tour "A Free Black Woman: Elizabeth Keckly" will begin on April 2, 2011. Both tours transport visitors on a 1.5 mile interactive historical journey through the city during the era of President Lincoln. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

"Investigation: Detective McDevitt"
written by Richard Hellesen; directed by Mark Ramont
Learn about the investigation surrounding the Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy from someone who was there. Join Detective James McDevitt as he re-visits and re-examines the sites and clues surrounding the death of our nation's 16th president. This tour lasts approximately two hours and makes at least eight stops. The distance walked is 1.4 miles from Ford's Theatre to the White House. Tours start March 23 and are offered on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 6:45 p.m. and on Saturdays at 10:15 a.m. in March, April, and May. For the months of June, July and August, tours are Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 6:45 p.m. Additional tours will be held April 15 at 10:15 a.m. and 6:45 p.m., July 2 at 10:15 a.m. and 6:45 p.m., and July 3 at 6:45 p.m.

"A Free Black Woman: Elizabeth Keckly"
written by Jennifer L. Nelson; directed by Patrick Torres
Join Elizabeth Keckly, who bought her freedom after 35 years of slavery and became First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln's dressmaker and confidante. Listen as Elizabeth tells of her friendship with the Lincoln family, her work as a seamstress to Washington's elite, and her dedication to helping former slaves make a new life in the nation's capital. The tour lasts 90 minutes with a distance walked of approximately 1.5 miles. Tours are offered at 11:15 a.m. on Saturdays April 2, 9, 16, 23, May 7, 14, June 4 and 11; at 7:00 p.m. on May 21 and 28; and at 7:15 p.m. on June 18, 25, July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, August 6, 13, 20, and 27.

Tickets
Tickets for History on Foot are $15 for individuals and $12 for groups of 20 or more. Individual tickets can be reserved through Ticketmaster at (800) 551-SEAT or by visiting www.fords.org. Groups of 20 or more may reserve tickets by calling (202) 638-2367. April and May tour dates are currently on sale at fords.org. Tickets for summer will become available mid-March.

Ford's Theatre Society
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 captivated 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.

Since 2004, Ford's Theatre Society has been recognized by the critics and theatergoing public for the superior quality of its artistic programming. With works from the nationally acclaimed "Big River" to the world premieres of "Meet John Doe" and "The Heavens Are Hung In Black," Ford's Theatre is making its mark on the American theatre landscape.

In addition, through the leadership of Chairman Wayne R. Reynolds and Director Paul Tetreault, the mission of Ford's Theatre Society has been expanded to include education as a central pillar of the organization. As Ford's Theatre looks to the future, the health of the organization will be defined and determined not only by the quality of the productions on the stage but also by the success of its educational programming in teaching about the life, presidency and lessons of leadership of Abraham Lincoln.

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

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