Academic Programs –> Lincoln Memorial, Ford's Theater, & Petersen's Boarding House

Lincoln Memorial, Lincoln Cottage, Ford's Theater, & Petersen's Boardinghouse

Students discuss symbolism in the architecture of the Lincoln Memorial. Students prepare to recite part of the "I Have a Dream" speech from the location where Dr. King stood. On the porch of Lincoln's cottage, students think about why Lincoln spent his summer there and what he did. Students analyze a painting in the Cottage visitor's center.

Pre-trip lesson: Students explore Abraham Lincoln’s life and presidency, examining in particular his leadership and decisions during the Civil War and with respect to the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.  In addition, students learn about the timing and circumstances of his assassination, and visit the very spot where his life was taken.  Finally, students consider the important role that the Lincoln Memorial has played as a symbolic venue in the struggle for civil rights, hosting such historical events as Marian Anderson’s concert and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s famed “I Have a Dream” speech.    Trip: This trip takes place over two days. On the first day, students visit the Lincoln Memorial, where they discuss Lincoln’s legacy and the role of the Memorial in historical events such as Marian Anderson’s concert and Dr. King’s speech. Students then travel to the Lincoln Cottage where the former President lived for nearly one-fourth of his presidency. Students receive a tour of the home and discuss the effects of the Civil War on Lincoln and his family. On the second day, students also visit two destinations. First, they visit the renovated Ford’s Theater, where they use the interactive exhibits and artifacts to examine Lincoln’s presidency from his inauguration in 1861 to his assassination in 1865. Then, students walk through Petersen’s Boardinghouse, where the president was taken after being shot at Ford’s Theatre, and where he ultimately passed away.   Post-trip lesson: As a culminating activity, students create short biographies of Lincoln using photos, maps, and other images, as well as their own written text, to describe major events in Lincoln’s life. Students also test their knowledge of Lincoln and 19th century U.S. history as they compete in a collaborative review game and take written assessments. Academic Standards: Reading (5.LD-O.7); Social Studies (5.5.3); Mathematics (5.NSO-C.15)

To see select archived trips to the Lincoln Memorial and Ford's Theatre, click on the links below.