Two teachers look a laptop as they work together on a lesson plan.
Photo by Gary Erskine.

Lesson Plans

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Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Jump to: Grades 4-5 | Grades 7-8 | Grades 11-12

Grades 4-5

Young children stand behind and a railing and look at a tower of books.
Photo by Gary Erskine

The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

Photo courtesy of the Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan
Colored drawing of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth. Booth stands next to Abraham Lincoln in a theatre box and shoots a derringer at his head. In his other hand he holds a dagger. A man in a union army uniform stands to try to stop him.
Library of Congress, LC-USZC4-1155

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan
Colored pencil drawing of John Wilkes Booth assassination President Lincoln. Booth stands at the back of the presidential box and shoots his derringer at Lincoln's head. The other occupants look at Booth in shock.
Library of Congress, LC-DIG-pga-11188.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan

The Investigation

Detective McDevitt standing in an alley with brick buildings in the background holding a white 4 by 6 photo of John Wilkes Booth.
Photo by Niew Bharyaguntra.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan
An actor stands dressed as an 1860s detective, holding a notepad. Behind him on a brick wall is posted a reward poster for the capture of Lincoln's assassin.
Eric M. Messner as Detective James McDevitt in the Ford’s Theatre History on Foot walking tour, Investigation: Detective McDevitt. Photo by Gary Erskine.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan
A series of objects laid out on a wooden table: A map book, a pickax, a necktie, a knife and sheath, a revolver, a saddle and comb.
Photo by Carol Highsmith.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan

Lincoln’s Legacy

Abraham Lincoln, wearing his signature beard and dressed in a suit, is seated for a formal portrait. He is photographed from the waist up and looks directly into the camera.
Photo courtesy of the Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan
Image of an oil painting of the mortally wounded President Lincoln being carried across 10th Street to the Petersen house.
Lincoln Borne by Loving Hands by Carl Bersch.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan
Black and white photograph of the exterior of Ford's Theatre and the rest of 10th street as it looked in the 19th century.
Photo courtesy of Library of Congress.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan

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Grades 7-8

A group of four children talk while looking at an exhibit in the Ford's Theatre Museum.
Photo by Gary Erskine.

The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

Photo courtesy of the Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan
Colored drawing of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth. Booth stands next to Abraham Lincoln in a theatre box and shoots a derringer at his head. In his other hand he holds a dagger. A man in a union army uniform stands to try to stop him.
Library of Congress, LC-USZC4-1155

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan
Colored pencil drawing of John Wilkes Booth assassination President Lincoln. Booth stands at the back of the presidential box and shoots his derringer at Lincoln's head. The other occupants look at Booth in shock.
Library of Congress, LC-DIG-pga-11188.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan

The Investigation

Detective McDevitt standing in an alley with brick buildings in the background holding a white 4 by 6 photo of John Wilkes Booth.
Photo by Niew Bharyaguntra.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan
An actor stands dressed as an 1860s detective, holding a notepad. Behind him on a brick wall is posted a reward poster for the capture of Lincoln's assassin.
Eric M. Messner as Detective James McDevitt in the Ford’s Theatre History on Foot walking tour, Investigation: Detective McDevitt. Photo by Gary Erskine.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan
A series of objects laid out on a wooden table: A map book, a pickax, a necktie, a knife and sheath, a revolver, a saddle and comb.
Photo by Carol Highsmith.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan

Lincoln’s Legacy

Abraham Lincoln, wearing his signature beard and dressed in a suit, is seated for a formal portrait. He is photographed from the waist up and looks directly into the camera.
Photo courtesy of the Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan
Image of an oil painting of the mortally wounded President Lincoln being carried across 10th Street to the Petersen house.
Lincoln Borne by Loving Hands by Carl Bersch.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan
Black and white photograph of the exterior of Ford's Theatre and the rest of 10th street as it looked in the 19th century.
Photo courtesy of Library of Congress.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan

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Grades 11-12

A group of teachers and students stand in a circle.
Teachers and students at the May 2023 retreat for the National Oratory Fellows.

The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln

Photo courtesy of the Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan
Colored drawing of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth. Booth stands next to Abraham Lincoln in a theatre box and shoots a derringer at his head. In his other hand he holds a dagger. A man in a union army uniform stands to try to stop him.
Library of Congress, LC-USZC4-1155

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan
Colored pencil drawing of John Wilkes Booth assassination President Lincoln. Booth stands at the back of the presidential box and shoots his derringer at Lincoln's head. The other occupants look at Booth in shock.
Library of Congress, LC-DIG-pga-11188.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan

The Investigation

Detective McDevitt standing in an alley with brick buildings in the background holding a white 4 by 6 photo of John Wilkes Booth.
Photo by Niew Bharyaguntra.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan
An actor stands dressed as an 1860s detective, holding a notepad. Behind him on a brick wall is posted a reward poster for the capture of Lincoln's assassin.
Eric M. Messner as Detective James McDevitt in the Ford’s Theatre History on Foot walking tour, Investigation: Detective McDevitt. Photo by Gary Erskine.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan
A series of objects laid out on a wooden table: A map book, a pickax, a necktie, a knife and sheath, a revolver, a saddle and comb.
Photo by Carol Highsmith.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan

Lincoln’s Legacy

Abraham Lincoln, wearing his signature beard and dressed in a suit, is seated for a formal portrait. He is photographed from the waist up and looks directly into the camera.
Photo courtesy of the Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan
Image of an oil painting of the mortally wounded President Lincoln being carried across 10th Street to the Petersen house.
Lincoln Borne by Loving Hands by Carl Bersch.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan
Black and white photograph of the exterior of Ford's Theatre and the rest of 10th street as it looked in the 19th century.
Photo courtesy of Library of Congress.

What Happened at Ford’s Theatre on April 15, 1865?

10 minutes or less (video with discussion questions)

Praesent ut ligula non mi varius sagittis. Suspendisse faucibus, nunc et pellentesque egestas, lacus ante convallis tellus, vitae iaculis lacus elit id tortor. Aenean ut eros et nisl sagittis vestibulum. Suspendisse eu ligula. Morbi vestibulum volutpat enim.

Open Lesson Plan

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