So back on Labor day weekend I was itching to do something as my husband and I visited my family in Richmond, Virginia. No one was feeling like going too far, so I took Bryan and my dad out to the Maggie L. Walker historic site for a tour. My mom and I had visited a couple years ago and were highly impressed. My husband and dad agreed with this opinion once they saw the importance this site has.
Maggie L. Walker was the first female, African American bank founder, and the bank was the longest continuously running African American operated bank in the US, 1903-2009. Plus she did amazing things in her community through the Order of St. Luke and her connections with other prominent individuals during her lifetime. The site includes her home as well as several nearby buildings, and her house is a gem among them. She presented a completely modern, elegant face to the world through her home, which had electricity, indoor plumbing, and eventually an elevator, all before 1930! It's heartbreaking that Walker isn't better known to the world considering this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all she did during her lifetime.
This picture is from the NPS site
There's a fantastic virtual tour you can see here at the NPS website, but I recommend a visit in person if you're able!
Next up, I cover some some stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway I've never visited here in North Carolina. Plus a blog about some interests that lie closer to home, and updates on art. Til next time!
Love,
Lydia