Plan Your Visit

Maggie L. Walker

National Park Service Collection

 

"Let us put our money out as usury among ourselves and reap the benefit ourselves. Let us have a bank that will take the nickels and turn them into dollars."--Maggie L. Walker, 1901

The Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site is located in the Jackson Ward community of Richmond, Virginia. Interstate and city signs direct visitors to the site at the corner of Second and East Leigh Streets. Street parking is available.

Maggie L. Walker had already achieved some measure of business success when she and her family moved into the home at 110 ½ East Leigh Street in 1905. This residence, along with neighboring buildings, comprises the NHS that was established by Congress in 1978. 

Visitors are directed to the park's visitor center at 600 North Second Street, just around the corner from her residence. There a short film and exhibits place Maggie L. Walker's life and extraordinary achievements within the context of American history. A small book store offers an assortment of objects and publications that connect to the African American and women's history themes.

The visit to the Walker home is guided by NPS personnel and is limited to only 15 at a time due to space constraints. Before touring the home visitors are taken through an exhibition space that recounts Maggie Walker's life from her youth, characterized by poverty and family misfortune, through her rise as the Right Worthy Grand Secretary of the Independent Order of St. Luke, a fraternal organization that she led until her death. The tour then proceeds to the 28- room Walker home that is restored to its 1930 appearance using original Walker family furnishings.

Visitors should allow at least 90 minutes to tour the site.