News Release

Maggie L. Walker's 159th Birthday Celebration

Date: July 5, 2023
Contact: Rebecca Toy, [phone]

RICHMOND, Va. – On Friday, July 14 through Sunday, July 16 Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, the Black History Museum, the City of Richmond, and Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church invite the public to celebrate the life and legacy of Maggie L. Walker and the Jackson Ward community in which she lived. This special event, which is free and open to the public, includes an exhibit about Maggie Walker’s life, youth activities, and volunteer opportunities reflecting Walker’s commitment to community service.

The Black History Museum and National Park Service will host a presentation at the Black History Museum (122 W Leigh Street, Richmond) on Friday, July 14, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This event will include a special exhibit celebrating Walker’s accomplishments, a viewing of Our Inspiration: The Story of Maggie Lena Walker, and a reception. For more details and to register for this event, please visit: https://bit.ly/mlwbirthday.

On Saturday, July 15, the National Park Service and City of Richmond will host a series of service projects honoring Mrs. Walker’s commitment to her community. From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. the public is invited to volunteer for garden beautification, tree preservation, or sidewalk clean-up in Jackson Ward. All service projects begin at the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site (600 N 2nd Street, Richmond). For details, and to sign up for this opportunity, please visit HandsOn Greater Richmond (handsonrva.org).

Additionally, on Saturday, July 15, Third Steet Bethel A.M.E. Church invites youth to participate in a special hands-on learning day beginning at noon at the church (614 N. 3rd Street, Richmond). This offering will include a tour of Walker’s home, a reenactment of her 1901 speech at Third Street Bethel, games, and arts and crafts. For details and to sign up for this portion of the program please visit https://bit.ly/TSBMaggieLWalkerBirthdayCelebration. On Sunday, July 16, Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church will also lead a service honoring Walker’s legacy at 11 a.m. at the church.

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 racial discrimination and gender bias. Her story of leadership and self-determination continues to resonate with and inspire people around the world. For more information about the event, 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 Service Since 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