Petersen House
Step into history at the Petersen House, where President Lincoln died after being shot at Ford's Theatre. A solemn, preserved site.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Petersen House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into history at the Petersen House, where President Lincoln died after being shot at Ford's Theatre. A solemn, preserved site.
"A poignant and essential visit for understanding a pivotal moment in American history."
Combine with Ford's Theatre
Your ticket often includes access to Ford's Theatre and its museum. Plan to visit both for a complete historical experience. :ticket:
Check Special Event Dates
The Petersen House hosts holiday events with unique tours and markets. Check their schedule for festive fun! :christmas_tree:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Room Where Lincoln Died
Second Floor Bedroom
Step into the solemn room where President Lincoln passed away, a poignant moment in American history.
Ford's Theatre Campus
Adjacent to Ford's Theatre
Experience the full historical context by visiting the Petersen House as part of the Ford's Theatre National Historic Site.
Historic Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Admire the preserved 19th-century architecture of this significant boardinghouse.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Know Your Petersen House
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Combine with Ford's Theatre
Your ticket often includes access to Ford's Theatre and its museum. Plan to visit both for a complete historical experience. :ticket:
Check Special Event Dates
The Petersen House hosts holiday events with unique tours and markets. Check their schedule for festive fun! :christmas_tree:
Book Tickets in Advance
For a guaranteed visit, especially during peak times or special events, booking tickets ahead is recommended. :calendar:
Engage with Docents
The docents are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions to learn more about the history! :speech_balloon:
Tips
from all over the internet
Combine with Ford's Theatre
Your ticket often includes access to Ford's Theatre and its museum. Plan to visit both for a complete historical experience. :ticket:
Check Special Event Dates
The Petersen House hosts holiday events with unique tours and markets. Check their schedule for festive fun! :christmas_tree:
Book Tickets in Advance
For a guaranteed visit, especially during peak times or special events, booking tickets ahead is recommended. :calendar:
Engage with Docents
The docents are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate. Ask questions to learn more about the history! :speech_balloon:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Petersen House for its profound historical significance and the respectful preservation of the site where President Lincoln died. The knowledgeable docents and the opportunity to combine the visit with Ford's Theatre are frequently highlighted as positive aspects. Some visitors note that the experience can be somber, as expected, and recommend booking tickets in advance.
"Really beautiful house with rich history. Definitely worth a visit. There is a nice park next door. Also, they had Apple cider, cookies, and a few really nice vendors outside. My 3 year old loved it!"
Brittany Cavicchioni
"Enjoyed the Christmas self-guided tour yesterday. In addition to the fabulous tour of the house, EVERYone of the dioceses was incredibly special. Their personalities shined bright and made the tour and visit so special. They truly educated us and we learned a lot. The storyteller could really spin the tales about the "little people", gnomes, etc. Our "old man" historian was a kick in the pants playing the "old man" and verbally sparing with us. The young man from ASU was a great sport as we teased him and bounced our questions off of him! All in good humor but a great addition to the fabulous tour! The Christmas carolers added to the Christmas spirit and we're amazingly talented!"
Trisha Morrison
"Generally great park. For the next year they are working on the sewer bio filter, so be prepared for stink. Some days are much stinkier than others."
P Pike
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Petersen House is conveniently located across from Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C. It's easily accessible via public transportation, with several Metro stations nearby, including Metro Center and Gallery Place-Chinatown. Many visitors find it convenient to walk from these stations. :subway:
Parking in the immediate vicinity of the Petersen House can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation or rideshare services. If you must drive, look for parking garages in the downtown D.C. area. :car:
Yes, the Petersen House is centrally located and within walking distance of many other D.C. landmarks, including the National Mall, the White House, and the National Archives. :walking:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, tickets are generally required to visit the Petersen House as part of the Ford's Theatre National Historic Site. It's highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially during busy periods or for special events. :ticket:
Admission to the Petersen House, Ford's Theatre, and the museum typically costs around $11 per person. This combined ticket offers access to multiple historical sites. :moneywithwings:
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the official Ford's Theatre website for the most up-to-date information. Generally, it's open daily, but hours may differ on holidays or during special events. :clock:
The Petersen House is part of the Ford's Theatre campus and is typically visited as part of a self-guided or ranger-led experience. While you can explore at your own pace, the historical context is greatly enhanced by the information provided. :scroll:
While the standard admission fee applies, keep an eye out for special free events or holiday programming, particularly around Christmas, which have been noted in the past. :gift:
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Petersen House is historically significant as the boardinghouse where President Abraham Lincoln was taken after being shot at Ford's Theatre and where he died on April 15, 1865. It's a place of profound national mourning and remembrance. :flag-us:
Inside, you can see the preserved bedroom where Lincoln died, as well as other rooms furnished to reflect the period. The house offers a somber yet insightful glimpse into the events surrounding Lincoln's assassination. :camerawithflash:
The Petersen House is a place of historical solemnity. While children can visit, the content may be more suited for older children and adults who can grasp the historical context. There is a park nearby which might be more engaging for very young children. :child:
Restrooms and a gift shop are available as part of the Ford's Theatre National Historic Site complex. You can purchase souvenirs and learn more about Lincoln and the Civil War era. :shopping_bags:
A visit to the Petersen House itself can take about 30-60 minutes, depending on how much time you spend reflecting in each room. When combined with Ford's Theatre and the museum, you should allocate at least 2-3 hours for the entire experience. :timer:
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary, but generally, non-flash photography is permitted inside the Petersen House to preserve the artifacts and the solemn atmosphere. Always check for posted signs or ask a staff member. :camera:
The exterior of the Petersen House offers a classic historical facade. Inside, the bedroom where Lincoln died is a significant, though somber, photo opportunity. The surrounding area near Ford's Theatre also provides good vantage points. :cityscape:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the broader historical context rather than dwelling on the details of the assassination for younger children. There's a park nearby that can offer a more relaxed space for kids to play. For younger children, the holiday events at the Petersen House, which have included carolers, cookies, and art activities, might be more appealing and engaging.
+1 These events offer a lighter, more festive atmosphere while still being connected to the historic site. Always gauge your child's interest and sensitivity to historical topics before planning your visit.🏛️ History Buffs
Beyond the immediate site, exploring the Petersen House as part of the Ford's Theatre National Historic Site allows for a comprehensive understanding of the assassination's context and aftermath. Delving into the exhibits at the museum and understanding the architecture and historical period of the house itself will provide a rich and rewarding visit for anyone passionate about 19th-century American history and the Civil War era.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Lincoln Assassination and the Petersen House
He was laid in a back bedroom on the first floor, where he remained unconscious for several hours. Despite the efforts of physicians, Lincoln succumbed to his injuries early on the morning of April 15, 1865. This room has been preserved as a memorial, offering visitors a profound and somber connection to this tragic event. The house itself provides a tangible link to the nation's grief and the end of a transformative presidency.
+2Today, the Petersen House is managed by the National Park Service as part of the Ford's Theatre National Historic Site. Visitors can tour the house, including the room where Lincoln died, and learn more about the assassination and its aftermath in the adjacent museum. The experience is often described as deeply moving and educational, offering a quiet space for reflection on a critical moment in U.S. history.
Visiting the Petersen House: What to Expect
Inside, you'll be guided through the rooms, with the highlight being the back bedroom where President Lincoln passed away. The atmosphere is respectful and quiet, encouraging contemplation. Docents and interpretive materials provide historical context, detailing the events of that fateful night and the impact of Lincoln's assassination on the nation. Many visitors find the docents to be exceptionally knowledgeable and engaging, enhancing the educational value of the visit.
Beyond the historical significance, the Petersen House experience is often complemented by its surroundings. The proximity to Ford's Theatre allows for a comprehensive understanding of the events. Additionally, during certain times of the year, like the holiday season, the house may host special events, adding a festive layer to the historical visit.
+1
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