Peterson House DC

Peterson House DC

While touring Ford’s Theatre, we learned that Lincoln actually died the following morning at the Petersen House across the street.  I did not remember that from the history books in school.

Naturally, we had to go across the street and tour the Petersen House as well, right?  That’s exactly what we did!  It was another fascinating stop where we learned a lot more about former President Abe Lincoln.

I love the old house tours where you get to see how people lived back in the day.  My son isn’t as interested in these as he is the museums and battlefields.  But I love them.

This one was a bit small compared to others I’ve seen.  But it was a small house compared to the plantations I’ve visited.  It was another nice learning experience for the both of us.  I really enjoyed this stop.

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About Peterson House DC

The Petersen House was purchased by William and Anna Petersen in 1849.  As was common in that time, they rented out rooms.  As a boarding house, it helped pay the bills.

The building became a law and newspaper office in 1871, after the Petersen’s heirs sold the house.  Naturally, visitors were interested in it because of Lincoln’s death.  Some prominent citizens of the area at the time arranged for it to become collector Osborn Oldroyd’s Lincoln Museum in 1893.

The government moved the Lincoln Museum across the street into Ford’s Theatre though in 1932.  At that time, the Petersen house was converted into a historic house museum and the National Park Service took over the following year.

The Petersen House and Aftermath Exhibits are currently closed due to Covid 19.  It is usually open daily from 8:30am – 5pm.

The Petersen House is located at 516 10th St. NW, Washington DC 20004.  Phone: (202) 347-4833.  Admission is free as part of the Ford’s Theatre tour.  The Ford’s Theatre tour is technically free, but you should pay the $3 reservation fee to ensure you’re able to get in during busy times.

You can also purchase the $5 audio guide to listen to the history while you walk through.

Summary

My son and I both loved this stop, along with Ford’s Theatre.  We are both fascinated by historic places like this, and we learned a lot while we were here.

I think the most memorable for my son was the single shot Derringer he saw at the Lincoln Museum in Ford’s Theatre.  But for me, it was the book tower in the Aftermath Exhibits.  The book tower reached all three floors and was made of books about Abraham Lincoln.  Just wow!

I absolutely loved the book tower.

If you’re into our country’s history, this tour is an absolute must do if you’re in the DC area.  I highly recommend it to all visitors of the area.

Have you been there?  I’d love to hear what you thought of it.  What was your favorite part?

Please drop a few lines in the comments box below and let me know how your visit went.

In the meantime, safe travels!

~Kris M.

P.S.  If you happen to use travel journals, be sure to check out the travel journal I created for my future Washington DC Road Trips.

Written by Kris M.