57% of 17-year-old students do not know when the Civil War was fought.

Ford’s Theatre teaches visitors about Lincoln and Civil War history. These lessons are needed now more than ever. As curriculums and budgets are tightened in our schools, students are losing a grasp on critical American history.

Organizations such as Ford’s Theatre aren’t letting history die. Families and young students can engage with history through plays and walking tours. Or—as 347 students just did this past February—they can recite some of Lincoln’s most famous speeches during an oratory festival in honor of Lincoln’s birthday. These programs combine the two strengths of Ford’s Theatre -- history and the performing arts -- to create unique experiences that engage students with the arts while also exposing them to the Civil War history that happened at and around Ford’s Theatre.

Ford’s Theatre is working hard and in creative ways to keep Lincoln’s legacy of tolerance, equality and acceptance alive, while sharing valuable American history that is disappearing from our schools. Pledge your support today.