Pro-tips for Field Trips: Ford’s and Your Curriculum
One of my favorite parts of my job at Ford’s Theatre is working with teachers and students on their field trip. It’s exciting to be in the place where history happened! And when you’re actually standing there, in Ford’s Theatre, the dramatic story of Lincoln’s assassination makes sense.
Questions are answered: Who? What? Where? When? Why? And then the answers are muddled again as you explore the layers, nuance and complexity of history. When students discover new parts of the Lincoln story and make connections between the details it makes my day!
A field trip to Ford’s Theatre is a great way to teach the Lincoln assassination, what Washington was like during the Civil War, Lincoln’s presidency, Reconstruction and even historical memory and legacy. Here’s how to make place-based learning a memorable #BestTripEver for your kids this year.
Visit in the fall
Ford’s is a popular stop for tourists in D.C. Beat the crowds by bringing your students in the off-season. Best months are October, November, January and February. Our busiest months with groups and families are March, April, May and June.
Small groups rock
Keeping your group to 40 or fewer people will make it easier to move through the site together, especially in small spaces like the Petersen House and museum. (FYI: 40 is also the maximum capacity of a school bus!) Want to bring your whole grade? Consider scheduling separate trips on different days, or rotating morning and afternoon with another field trip site. We’re happy to work with you.
Know the schedule
Know the scheduleFord’s Theatre is a four-part campus and a working theatre with performances and rehearsals. Parts of the campus are closed or not included with certain entry times. Check our schedule online so you know exactly what is included in your visit.
Free tickets and transportation options
Are you local? We waive ticket fees for public and public charter schools in the District, Maryland and Virginia (the DMV). Title 1 schools and schools with more than 40 percent who qualify for FARMs also get free tickets. Ford’s also provides transportation for qualified schools within the Interstate 495 Capital Beltway.
Plan your trip to Ford’s today!
Alexandria Wood is Education Programs Manager at Ford’s Theatre. When you apply for a field trip, she’ll be the one who emails you back. Follow Alex and the Ford’s education team on Twitter @xela415 and @FordsEdu.
