News Release

Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site and Library of Virginia to Host Program on Park's Administrative History

After six years of restoration and refurbishment, the National Park Service welcomed its first wave of visitors to the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site on July 14, 1985, one day before Walker's birthday.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: August 26, 2022

Contact: Andrea DeKoter, [phone]

Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site and Library of Virginia to Host Program on Park’s Administrative History

RICHMOND, Va. – On Wednesday, September 14, the public is invited to join Dr. Megan Shockley and staff from the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site at the Library of Virginia for a presentation on the site’s recently completed administrative history. This free program begins at noon and is open to the public.

Titled Community, Preservation, and Perseverance: The History of the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, Dr. Shockley’s talk will explore key developments in the site's nearly 50-year history that highlight the relationship between the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site – the nation’s first public site dedicated to preserving and interpreting the legacy of an African American woman - and the wider public. From the beginning of its story as a potential historic site, the Walker house benefited from the vision of local community leaders and National Park Service staff. Throughout the last few decades, community collaboration has positioned the Walker house as an example of successful partnerships to promote the history of Maggie Walker beyond the boundaries of Richmond and throughout the world.

The mission of the National Park Service is to protect and preserve some of the nation’s most valued cultural and natural resources. As part of that responsibility, administrative histories are written to ensure records of the park’s history are maintained, and to provide guidance for future management decisions. More information about this process can be found at Administrative Histories | Park History Program (nps.gov)

The first African American woman to charter a bank and serve as its president, Mrs. Walker dedicated herself to a life of civic engagement, challenging both racial discrimination and gender bias. In the mid-1970s, Walker's descendants and community leaders led the effort to preserve her Jackson Ward home, culminating with the establishment of the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site. Since 1985, the home has been open to the public as a furnished house museum where Walker's story of leadership and self-determination continues to resonate with and inspire people around the world. 

For more information about the park, please call the visitor center at [phone], visit www.nps.gov/mawa or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MaggieL.WalkerNHS

About the National Park ServiceSince 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of over 420 national park sites in the United States and its territories. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with millions of people every year. Learn more at www.nps.gov