|
|
Maggie Walker National
Historic Site
1101/2 East Leigh St.
Vistor's Center- 600 N. 2nd St.
Richmond, VA
804-771-2017
http://www.nps.gov/mawa/index.htm
|
|
The Maggie Walker National Historic
Site is located in the Jackson Ward Neighborhood of Richmond, Virginia. The site
commemorates the life of Maggie L. Walker, a progressive and talented African
American woman who, despite many adversities achieved success in a world of
business and finance that was dominated by men. Mrs. Walker founded the St. Luke
Penny Savings Bank & Trust Company in 1903, making her the first woman in the
United States to serve as president of a charted bank that later became known as
the Consolidated Bank & Trust Company. Her home at 1101/2 East Leigh Street is
the centerpiece of the National Historic Site. |
Photo property of Maggie Walker National Historic Site.
|
|
Photo property of Maggie Walker National Historic Site. |
Achievements
When Mrs. Walker was fourteen years old, she joined the local council of
the Independent Order of St. Luke. This fraternal burial society was
established in 1867 in Baltimore. The organization administered to the
sick and aged, promoted humanitarian causes and encouraged individual
self-help and dignity. She served in numerous capacities of increasing
responsibility for the Order; from delegate to the biannual convention to
the top leadership position of Right Worthy Grand Secretary in 1899, a
position she held until her death. Under her leadership, the Order's
membership and numbers of councils were significantly increased throughout
the country and its finances achieved solvency. Through sound fiscal
policies, a genius for public relations and enormous energy, she took a
dying organization, gave it life and helped it thrive. In Mrs. Walker's
1901 Address to the Order she called for the establishment of a
newspaper, a bank, a factory, millinery store in order for the loyal women
of the Independent Order would have an opportunity to spread the word of
the Order and provide women an opportunity for employment and learn about
running and creating businesses.
|
|
In 1902 Mrs. Walker established a newspaper, the
St. Luke Herald to promote closer communication between the Order and the
public. In 1903 she started the St. Luke Penny Savings Bank & Trust Company and
the St. Luke Emporium department store opened in 1905. Mrs. Walker devoted more
then 21 years to the Independent Order of St. Luke. In addition to her work for
the Independent Order of St. Luke, Maggie Walker was active in civic groups. As
an advocate of African American women's rights, she served on the board of
trustees for several women's groups. Among them were the National Association of
Colored Women (NACW) and the Virginia Industrial School for Girls. To assist
race relations, she helped to organize and served locally as vice president of
the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was a
member of the national NAACP board. She also served as a member of the Virginia
Interracial Commission. Mrs. Walker knew that professional successes were only
part of what constituted a full life. She knew that success came not only from
thriftiness and hard work, but also from a commitment to both faith and family.
|
Photo property of Maggie Walker National Historic Site. |
|
Photo property of Maggie Walker National Historic Site. |
Maggie
L. WalkerÕs Home
Maggie L. Walker was already a famous leader in Richmond's Black community
when she and her family moved to 110 East Leigh Street in 1905. Mrs.
Walker began making changes when her family moved into their new home. She
added central heating and electricity and 12 additional rooms to her home.
The Walker family owned the home until 1979, when the National Park
Service purchased the building and all of the contents. The furnishings
throughout the home are original family pieces. Together the house and the
furnishings help us to learn more about Maggie Walker and understand the
world in which she lived. Her community of Jackson Ward, a National
Historic Landmark District, continues to exemplify the success of African
American entrepreneurship. Tours of Mrs. Walker's home are offered at 600
N. 2nd Street Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. To learn more
about Maggie Lena Walker and how to visit Maggie L. Walker National
Historic Site please visit our web site
http://www.nps.gov/mawa/index.htm
|
|
|
