Ford’s Theatre Campaign and Renovations are on Track

    Theatre to Reopen within Six Months



    WASHINGTON, Aug. 14 /EMWNews/ -- Renovations at Ford's

Theatre are about two thirds complete, enabling the reopening of one of

Washington's most visited historic sites in time for the bicentennial of

President Abraham Lincoln's birth on February 12, 2009.



    "We are thrilled that renovations are on schedule and are excited to

report that, in six months time, our doors will open once again to inspire

young and old alike by celebrating the life and legacy of our greatest

president," said Wayne Reynolds, chair of Ford's Theatre Society Board of

Trustees. "Visitors will experience a whole new Ford's Theatre -- learning

about President Lincoln and sharing his love for the performing arts."



    When the theatre reopens, visitors from across the nation and around

the world will experience conveniences and luxuries previously not

available. These include new seats, upgraded sound and lighting systems,

improved heating and air conditioning systems, renovated restrooms,

enhanced accessibility with elevators to the various levels, a spacious new

lobby and entrance to the theatre, a new board room for special events and

updated stage capabilities for casts and crews. These upgrades will make

the theatre more audience-friendly and compliant with the Americans with

Disabilities Act.



    As part of its grand opening celebration and in honor of the

bicentennial, Ford's Theatre will host the world premiere of a specially

commissioned play, The Heavens Are Hung in Black by James Still, which will

run for the month of February. A rededication ceremony will also take place

in the theatre.



    Renovations began in August 2007, when the 144-year old theatre and

museum were closed to the public. In October 2007, Ford's Theatre Society

announced the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Campaign to support the

multi-year major renovation and expansion of the Ford's Theatre "campus."



    "We are grateful to our donors and appreciative of their generosity,"

said Rex W. Tillerson, chair of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Campaign

and chairman and chief executive officer of Exxon Mobil Corporation.

"Because of their support, our campaign is right on schedule. To date,

we've raised more than $32 million of our $50 million goal."



    The "campus" will consist of the renovated theatre and a re-imagined

museum, as well as the neighboring Petersen House (where President Lincoln

died) and the new Center for Education and Leadership. The Petersen House

has remained open throughout the renovations and will continue to welcome

visitors. The new Center for Education and Leadership will be housed in a

building recently purchased by Ford's Theatre Society, at 514 Tenth Street

NW and directly across the street from the theatre. Here, students of all

ages will be able to explore and celebrate the life and legacy of President

Lincoln. Meetings with architects and designers to discuss the plans for

the new Center have been initiated and construction is expected to begin

after completion of the renovations to the theatre and the museum.



    "We're thankful to our donors for enabling us to achieve our mission to

honor our sixteenth president by celebrating his love of the arts and

dedication to our country through theatre and education," said Paul

Tetreault, director of Ford's Theatre.



    The Ford's Theatre renovation and expansion project has been made

possible primarily through donations from private sources--individuals,

foundations and corporations -- as well as $8.9 million in federal funding.

As the lead corporate donor, ExxonMobil has awarded the campaign a $5

million Leadership Circle grant, and BP America Inc. has joined them with a

$2 million pledge. More recently, the Leadership Circle has expanded to

include the State of Qatar with a $2.5 million donation, as well as $1

million dollar donations each from Foster Wheeler; Sheila C. Johnson,

Founder of Salamander Hospitality, LLC; T. Boone Pickens Foundation; The

Paul Singer Family Foundation and Toyota.



    The following corporations, individuals and foundations have also

generously provided gifts of $500,000 or greater to this project: The

Adelson Family Charitable Foundation, American Airlines, AT&T, BAE Systems,

Carl Lindner, General Dynamics, The Freed Foundation, The J. Willard and

Alice S. Marriott Foundation, Raytheon Company, Southern Company and

Sunoco, Inc.

    About Ford's Theatre Society



    Ford's Theatre Society is a not-for-profit corporation created to

produce live entertainment on Ford's historic stage and offer educational

opportunities for the general public. In 2006, the theatre and neighboring

Petersen House welcomed nearly one million visitors. It is the mission of

the Ford's Theatre Society to celebrate the legacy of President Lincoln and

explore the American experience through theatre and education. For more

information, log on to http://www.fords.org.