Maggie L. Walker NHS

Maggie Lena Walker devoted her life to civil rights advancement, economic empowerment, and educational opportunities for Jim Crow-era African Americans and women. Walker was the first African American woman to found a bank. As a bank president, newspaper editor, and fraternal leader, Walker served as an inspiration of pride and progress. Today, Walker’s home is preserved as a National Historic Site, a tribute to her enduring legacy of vision, courage, and determination. Visitors to the site can explore the various rooms of the house, including Walker’s bedroom, kitchen, and office. The site also features a museum that tells the story of Walker’s life and work. Through exhibits and programs, the National Historic Site celebrates Walker’s accomplishments in the heart of the former capital of the Confederacy.