The Art of Memory: A Civil War Walking Tour

Historian Kevin M. Levin leads a guided exploration of how Washington, D.C., has commemorated the Civil War and the Union cause. The walking tour and museum experience follows monuments along city streets, beginning at Ford’s Theatre and concluding with an in-depth examination of the Robert Gould Shaw Memorial at the National Gallery of Art.

The program covers approximately two miles and does not return to its starting point. It offers an opportunity to consider the history and meaning of Civil War memorials while visiting sites connected to that memory.

When: Saturday, November 7, 2026

Showtimes: 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Tickets: Free

Guide: Kevin M. Levin, a historian of Civil War memory

Accessibility: Accessible

Route: The tour includes a two-mile walk along city streets between Ford’s Theatre and the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, ending at the National Gallery of Art.

Starting location: Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20004

Ending location: National Gallery of Art, 6th St. and Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20565

Transportation: Public transit is highly recommended. Ford’s Theatre is near the Metro Center and Gallery Place/Chinatown stations, while the National Gallery of Art is near the Archives and Judiciary Square stations.

Parking: An independent parking garage is located directly next to Ford’s Theatre.

What to bring: Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a water bottle.

Educator resources: Classroom teachers may request a letter certifying two hours of professional development, along with educational resources for adapting the program into a student field trip.