News Release
NPS
Subscribe
 |
What is RSS
|
Contact: Stephanie Pooler, 804-240-9349
Two weeks of tours, exhibitions, and events to celebrate Richmond’s pioneer Black banker Maggie Walker
RICHMOND, VA.— July 2025 marks the 161st birthday of Maggie Lena Walker, Richmond's pioneering Black banker, community leader, and a woman of faith, hope and courage. July 11-20 the public is invited to experience a series of community events, volunteer service, special tours and exhibitions commemorating her life and legacy. Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site hosts the birthday celebration in partnership with the descendants of Maggie L. Walker, St. Luke Legacy Center, Library of Virginia, Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities and many more community partners.
On Friday, July 11 the celebration commences with specialized house tours and kids’ activities at Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site. Tours will highlight Maggie Walker’s passion for supporting her community as a labor of love through her family, employees and faith. Kids’ activities and crafts from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will honor the 130th anniversary of the Independent Order of St. Luke’s Juvenile Department, founded by Mrs. Walker in 1895. House tours will be offered at regularly scheduled times: Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tours are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, with a maximum capacity 10 participants.
On Maggie Walker’s birthday – Tuesday, July 15 - park rangers will offer a Jackson Ward walking tour, meeting at the Maggie Lena Walker Memorial Plaza at 9:30 a.m. The first floor of Mrs. Walker’s home at 110 ½ E. Leigh Street will be on display as an open house from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
On Saturday, July 19, Richmond Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities will lead a “Maggie Walker Day of Service,” performing community service projects in the Jackson Ward neighborhood. Volunteers will assemble at 8:00 a.m. in the courtyard of Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site at 600 N. 2nd Street. Registration is required for prospective volunteers.
Below is a highlight of community partner events. A partner list, descriptions of all events and volunteer registration can be found at Maggie L. Walker 161st Birthday Celebration - Maggie L Walker National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service).
- Saturday July 12 - Evergreen Cemetery Clean Up
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Richmond Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities
(50 Evergreen Road, Richmond, VA 23223)
- Tuesday, July 15 - House to Highway: Reclaiming a Community History Exhibition on display
Library of Virginia
(800 E. Broad St. ,Richmond 23219)
Maggie Walker Bus Tour with Gary Flowers
5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Reservation is required St. Luke Legacy Center
(900 St. James Street Suite 100 Richmond, VA 23220)
- Saturday July 19 - Maggie Walker’s Day of Service
Reservation is required
Richmond Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities
(600 N. Second St. Richmond, VA 23219)
###
About the National Park Service Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of more than 400 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
NPS
Last updated: June 18, 2025