Last updated: June 18, 2021
Place
513 North Adams Street
NPS Photo/Maggie L. Walker NHS
Quick Facts
Location:
Jackson Ward, Richmond, Virginia
Significance:
Home of Rosa D. Bowser
OPEN TO PUBLIC:
No
MANAGED BY:
Private Home
513 North Adams Street is the former home of Mrs. Rosa D. Bowser. Born in 1855, in neighboring Amelia County, she relocated with her parents to Richmond after the Civil War. She graduated from one of the earliest classes at Richmond Colored Normal and High School and would embark upon a career as a noted educator and nationally known club woman. Bowser developed night classes and led summer teaching institutes throughout the state of Virginia for African American educators. She would later become a founder and president of the Virginia State Teachers Association.
Mrs. Bowser also led parenting classes and became a powerful figure in the National Association of Colored Women’s clubs. She also became an elected leader with a separate faction of the Independent Order of St. Luke. Bowser was also integral in raising money for the opening of the Richmond Hospital and Training School for Nurses. Her son, Dr. O.B.H. Bowser, who also resided with his family at this home, was a 1901 graduate of the medical school of Howard University. He would help found, along with others, the African American-owned Richmond Hospital and Training School for Nurses which continues over a century later as Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital. Mrs. Bowser was honored before her death in 1931 by having the first African American branch of the Richmond Public Library named in her honor. Her former home is a private residence.
Mrs. Bowser also led parenting classes and became a powerful figure in the National Association of Colored Women’s clubs. She also became an elected leader with a separate faction of the Independent Order of St. Luke. Bowser was also integral in raising money for the opening of the Richmond Hospital and Training School for Nurses. Her son, Dr. O.B.H. Bowser, who also resided with his family at this home, was a 1901 graduate of the medical school of Howard University. He would help found, along with others, the African American-owned Richmond Hospital and Training School for Nurses which continues over a century later as Bon Secours Richmond Community Hospital. Mrs. Bowser was honored before her death in 1931 by having the first African American branch of the Richmond Public Library named in her honor. Her former home is a private residence.