Maggie L. Walker National Historical Site
The Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site honors a woman who dedicated her life to advancing the civil rights of women and African Americans.
Walker grew up in Virginia during the post-Civil War era. She was born in Richmond in 1864 to parents Elizabeth Draper and William Mitchell.
Walker’s mother was born a slave. She supported her family as a laundress after her husband died.
Walker was a school teacher until she married Armstead Walker Jr. in 1886. They lived with sons Russell and Melvin at 100 ½ East Leigh Street, remaining even after Armstead’s untimely death in 1915.
The house was located in the central region of the African American business and social life in Richmond.
Walker became a prominent figure in Richmond during this time. For most of her life, she was a member of The Order of St. Luke, which promoted humanitarian causes and worked to improve life for women and African Americans.
She established a newspaper in 1902, called The St. Luke Herald, to help improve communications and relations between the Order and the public.
Walker founded The St. Luke Penny Savings Bank in 1903. She served as the bank’s first president, becoming the first African American woman to charter a bank in the United States.
The bank later merged with The Consolidated Bank and Trust Company, and Walker served on the board as a chairman.
Today, visitors come from around the state and country to explore the home of Maggie L. Walker.
Location
The Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site Visitor Center is located at 600 North 2nd Street, Richmond, Virginia, 23219.
Free parking is available on 2nd Street.
Richmond is a two hour drive from Washington, D.C., and an hour and forty minute drive from Virginia Beach.
Hours and Admission
During the summer months, the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site is open Tuesday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Summer dates are March 1-October 31.
During the winter months, the Visitor Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Summer dates are from November 1 to February 28.
Admission to the site is free. Groups of 10 or more are asked to make a reservation.
Things to Do
Guided tours take visitors through the halls of Maggie L. Walker’s home. Tours generally last about 60 minutes in length and are offered on a first come, first serve basis.
An introductory film is offered at the Visitor Center, titled The Maggie Lena Walker Story.
Several special events are offered throughout the year. Visit the National Park Service’s website for an official schedule of events.