The new Ford’s Theatre Center for Education and Leadership will open in February 2012, according to a recent announcement by the director of the Ford’s Theatre Society, Paul R. Tetreault. Constance Milstein serves on the theatre’s Board of Trustees.
To celebrate the Center’s opening, the Ford’s Theatre Society will host a series of events honoring Abraham Lincoln’s legacy and leadership, including the world premiere of Necessary Sacrifices, a newly-commissioned play about Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln; two free public open houses featuring tours, author discussion and performances of the Soceity’s Tales of the Lincoln, One Destiny and Papa Day; and more.
The Center for Education and Leadership is located directly across the street from Ford’s Theatre and was acquired by the Ford’s Theatre Society in 2007. Renovations began in July 2010 and will be completed for the February opening. The building houses two floors of permanent exhibits; a Leadership Gallery for rotating exhibits; education studios to be used for workshops, after-school programs and teacher development; and a state-of-the-art distance-learning lab.
“With the addition of the Center for Education and Leadership,” Tetreault said, “learners of all ages can delve deeper into our compelling American history through new exhibits, engaging videos and creative programming offered by the Ford’s Theatre Society Education Department. We are thrilled to usher in this new chapter in the history of Ford’s Theatre and to showcase how Lincoln’s leadership and legacy resonates in our world today.”