The capital of Virginia, Richmond is a beautiful historic city where travelers find an array of great museums, gardens, attractions and restaurants. Best things to do in Richmond, VA with kids include the Science Museum of Virginia, the Virginia Aviation Museum and Richmond National Battlefield Park.


1. Virginia Museum of History and Culture

Virginia Museum of History and Culture
© Virginia Museum of History and Culture

Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for Virginia’s storied history at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture. Owned and operated by the Virginia Historical and Philosophical Society, the museum was established in 1831 as a private and entirely non-profit institution. While the museum has several incredible exhibits to explore, the featured gallery entitled “The Story of Virginia” and beautifully encapsulates the 16,000-year history of Virginia through over 500 artifacts, letters, diaries, and maps. As a whole, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture is home to over 19 million objects and artifacts, so make sure to leave enough time to thoroughly enjoy the museum’s galleries.

428 N Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia 23220, Phone: 804-340-1800


2. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
© Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is dedicated to collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting art and the study of arts in order to enrich the lives of the community. The museum is home to a distinguished permanent collection of more than 33,000 works of art from a range of cultures around the world, including Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and Modern and Contemporary American art, as well as French Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art.

The museum offers a variety of educational programs and community outreach projects for students and adults of all ages, as well as guided tours, private tours, and group tours through the museum. There are two dining facilities at the museum – the fine dining Amuse Restaurant and the casual, light-filled Best Café that overlooks the reflecting pool and the Robins Sculpture Garden. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is one of the top Richmond attractions.

200 N. Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-340-1400


3. Maymont, Richmond, Virginia

Maymont, Richmond, Virginia
© Maymont

Maymont is a beautifully preserved estate and garden that is open to the public to enjoy. Donated by James and Sallie Dooley, the estate, which stands as an expression of Gilded Age luxury and opulence, features the magnificent Maymont Mansion, elaborate Japanese and Italian gardens, a nature and wildlife center, and a children’s farm. Begin with a visit to Robin’s Nature & Visitor Center where you will find a wealth of information about the history of the estate, the gardens, and the other delights to experience.

Then take a stroll through the manicured gardens, which are home to beautiful Italian, Japanese, and Specialty Gardens, as well as a gorgeous arboretum. Explore the local wildlife at the Nature Center or at the unique Children’s Farm where you can pet a goat or enjoy a picnic on the lawn.

1700 Hampton Street, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-358-7166

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4. Things to Do in Richmond: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden

Things to Do in Richmond: Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
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Spanning more than 50 acres, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is open to the public year-round and offers an array of spectacular flora, specialty and themed gardens, and a classic conservatory. Themed gardens include Asian Valley, Cochrane Rose Garden, Cherry Tree Walk, and a Children’s Garden, where visitors can learn all about the garden’s collections, enjoy the world-class botanical displays, and take in the striking surrounding natural beauty. If you are wondering what to do in Richmond with kids, this is a great place to visit.

Savor delicious cuisine at one of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s two restaurants — the Garden Cafe or the Robins Tea House – both of which boast beautiful settings and fresh, seasonal menus. Take a memento of the gardens home with you from the gift shop, which stocks a range of items, from gardening books and home décor trinkets to seeds and gardening tools.

1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-262-9887


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5. Virginia State Capitol

Virginia State Capitol
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Located in Richmond, the Virginia State Capitol is the seat of the state government of Virginia and home to the General Assembly, the oldest continuously operating legislature in the Western Hemisphere. Designed by Thomas Jefferson, the Capitol was constructed in the Monumental Classical style, which paved the way for the design of countless government buildings after that. It was completed in 1788 and has since been designated as a National Historic Landmark.

There are several exhibitions and displays at the Capitol, as well as a 20-minute visually interactive film about the Virginia’s central role in American history called Keepers of the Flame. Visitors can enjoy guided tours through the buildings of the Capitol.

1000 Bank Street, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-698-1788

More weekend destinations: Things to Do in Virginia Beach.


6. Virginia Holocaust Museum

Virginia Holocaust Museum
© Virginia Holocaust Museum


Dedicated to preserving the sobering history of the Holocaust, the Virginia Holocaust Museum welcomes visitors year-round to learn about one of the most horrific moments in history. The goal? To honor those who fought to survive, and to serve as a reminder of what should never happen again. Founded in 1997, the museum has become of the most visited museums in Virginia thanks to a core exhibit that features over 300 artifacts and stories of local Holocaust survivors. Hear stories that will tell the chilling realities of this tragic time in our world’s history and watch films about what life was like in concentration camps.

2000 East Cary Street, Richmond, Virginia 23223, Phone: 804-257-5400


7. Science Museum of Virginia

Science Museum of Virginia
© Science Museum of Virginia

The Science Museum of Virginia is dedicated to inspiring the community to take an interest in science and use it to enrich their lives. The museum features a wealth of outstanding experiential exhibits, dynamic displays, interactive technologies, and hands-on programs that challenges visitors to open their minds to new ideas. The Science Museum of Virginia is one of the best things to do in Richmond, VA with kids.

Permanent exhibitions include displays that focus on space, electricity, health, and the earth; they are laid out in vast gallery spaces. The museum is home to The Dome, a 76-foot amphitheater housing Virginia’s largest movie screen that screens a range of space and science-related films.

2500 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-864-1400



8. Agecroft Hall, Richmond, VA

Agecroft Hall, Richmond, VA
© Agecroft Hall

Overlooking the James River in Richmond, Agecroft Hall is a beautiful replica of the original Elizabethan manor house that rested on the banks of the River Irwell in Lancashire, England. Standing as a tribute to our rich history, Agecroft Hall was built in a combination of Tudor and 20th century styles, incorporating many features and decorative elements of the original house in England. Its interior features opulent furnishings, period paintings, and ornate wood panelings.

The manor house is surrounded by magnificent Elizabethan-style gardens, including an intricate knot garden, aromatic rose gardens, and stately boxwoods. The museum offers a variety of educational programs and workshops, including Life on the Manor, and Fauna and Flora.

4305 Sulgrave Road, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-353-4241


9. Real Richmond Food Tours

Real Richmond Food Tours
© Real Richmond Food Tours

Experience the best of Richmond’s cuisine with a Real Richmond Food Tour. Hailed by top gourmands and aficionados, Richmond’s burgeoning food scene encompasses the spirit of the city, and Real Richmond’s two-and-a-half-hour walking tour takes you into its very heart.

Tours include visits to several popular eateries with tastings and samplings of their best fare. Tour goers will also get an introduction to the history and culture of the city and a look at some of the most beautiful architecture.

Some of the featured tours include Both Sides of Broad: The Art & Soul of Richmond, Fan of the Food: Eateries & Art, Carytown/Museum District: Butchers, Bakers & Beyond, and Shockoe Slip: Capital of Cuisine. Private and custom-designed tours can also be arranged.

More VA destinations: Things to Do in Roanoke, Virginia.


10. Poe Museum

Poe Museum
© Poe Museum

The Poe Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the life and works of a famous literary master, Edgar Allan Poe, and it is also home to the world’s finest collection of his works. Known as “America's Shakespeare,” Edgar Allan Poe was a master of a variety of literary genres, ranging from short stories and fiction to lyric poetry and horror stories.

The museum’s collection includes first editions, manuscripts, letters, and memorabilia from his life and provides a closer look at his life in early nineteenth century, Richmond. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, and visitors can enjoy self-guided tours or pre-arranged private guided tours.

1914-16 East Main Street, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-648-5523


11. What to Do in Richmond: Historic Tredegar

What to Do in Richmond: Historic Tredegar
© Historic Tredegar

One of the three locations for the American Civil War Museum, Historic Tredegar is located near Brown's Island and Belle Isle on downtown Richmond's riverfront. It also shares a site with the Richmond National Battlefield Park Visitor Center. The Historic Tredegar is a private museum associated with the American Civil War Museum based on the location of the Tredegar Iron Works, once the third-largest iron manufacturer in the United States.

During the American Civil War, the works played a vital role in the production of iron and artillery for the Confederate States of America and today stands as a National Historic Landmark.

500 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-649-1861


12. Church Hill

Church Hill
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The greater Church Hill area is a historic, compact collection of neighborhoods with well-preserved 1800s architecture, gas-lit cobblestone streets, famous landmarks, and wonderful parks. It is where Richmond was born in 1773, on the banks of the James River, today just a walking distance from the city’s vibrant downtown. It is great area to explore on foot, with fantastic views of the city’s skyline, great restaurants, a sense of history, and cool, green spaces in which to relax and unwind. There is much to do and see in Church Hill. Walk along the James River, follow the Capital Trail, check out Shockoe Bottom, and eat in some great restaurants while watching people passing by.


13. Richmond National Battlefield Park

Richmond National Battlefield Park
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Richmonds National Battlefield Park embodies the complex involvement Richmond had in the Civil War. The park is home to a number of different battlefields, miles of elaborate original fortifications, a critical industrial complex, and the Confederacy's largest hospital. The vast park covers more than 80 square miles with 13 separate battle sites and four modern visitor’s centers in the City of Richmond, Henrico, Hanover, and Chesterfield counties.

Visitors can explore the park by walking, driving, and taking guided tours to special events and museum exhibits. The establishment also hosts a variety of talks, tours, living history demonstrations, and special events, which are presented year-round throughout the park by experienced staff. Committed to education, the park also runs some hands-on educational activities and trips for students and learners.

470 Tredegar St, Richmond, VA 23219, Phone: 804-226-1981


14. L'Opossum, Richmond, VA

L'Opossum, Richmond, VA
© L'Opossum

Located in Oregon Hill with contemporary-retro 1970s décor, original paintings, and an eclectic ambiance, L'Opossum is an offbeat eatery owned by Chef David Shannon that offers diners a unique menu of French fare with a Southern spin. If the quirky décor doesn’t catch your attention, the elaborate menu will; it boasts dishes like the Melange of Manikintowne Mesclun, Polyamorous Hippie Three-Way (toasted poppadums with quinoa tabbouleh, hummus and babaganoush), and Skillet-Seared Foie Gras Springs a Leak.

Just as delightful desserts and a range of libations are also on offer, and the tongue-in-cheek eatery is open for dinner Tuesday through to Saturday.

626 China Street, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-918-6028


15. What to Do in Richmond: The John Marshall House

What to Do in Richmond: The John Marshall House
© The John Marshall House


The John Marshall House is famous for being the home of “the greatest man never to be President” for forty-five years. Known as the “Great Chief Justice,” John Marshall is best remembered for turning the Supreme Court into an influential and respected branch of the United States Government.

The house, which has been meticulously restored, is now open to the public and features a vast collection of furnishings and memorabilia, aiming to showcase the life and times of this great man. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the house, take a stroll through the beautifully maintained garden, explore the modern museum shop, or even try their hand at the game of quoits, which was John Marshall’s favorite game.

818 East Marshall St., Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-648-1889


16. Garnett's Cafe, Richmond, VA

Garnett's Cafe, Richmond, VA
© Garnett's Cafe


Garnett's Café is a classic neighborhood sandwich shop situated in the heart of the Fan District that serves homemade sandwiches, salads, and freshly baked desserts. Sandwiches and salads are made to order with fresh ingredients. The restaurant features a range of regional and national craft beers by the pint or pitcher, as well as a nice selection of French and Virginia wines.

Open for lunch and dinner, this cozy little eatery features a long counter for stay-in diners and offers picnic baskets for takeaway meals that can be enjoyed in the park across the street.

2001 Park Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-367-7909

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17. Wilton House Museum

Wilton House Museum
© Wilton House Museum


Wilton House Museum serves as both an excellent example of Georgian architecture and as a representation of life in Virginia since the 18th century and the ways in which it continues to shape life in America today. Built in 1753 for the illustrious Randolph family, the house was the centerpiece of a 2,000-acre plantation with a rich history; it played host to the likes of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.

The estate has since been immaculately restored and is now the headquarters of the Virginia Dames and the site for a variety of educational exhibits, community and public programs, and annual events. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays and National holidays.

215 S. Wilton Rd, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-282-5936


18. Virginia House

Virginia House
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Virginia House is a beautifully preserved English manor house owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society. Relocated to Richmond in 1925, the original house was designed by Alexander and Virginia Weddell in the form of a sixteenth century English manor house with modern amenities. It rests atop a hill overlooking the James River. The house features an exquisite collection of English and Spanish antiques, fine china and silver, Oriental carpets, and silk drapes and is surrounded by close to eight acres of manicured gardens and landscapes designed by Charles Gilette.

Guided solo and group tours of the estate can be arranged, and individual rooms in the manor house can be rented for special occasions such as weddings.

4301 Sulgrave Rd, Richmond, Virginia


19. Virginia War Memorial

Virginia War Memorial
© Virginia War Memorial


The Virginia War Memorial is a memorial dedicated to the soldiers who fell during some of history’s major wars. The Shrine of Memory has the names of close to 12,000 soldiers who died during the Second World War, Korea, Vietnam, and the Persian Gulf War engraved on its walls, while the Memory Statue is located at the southern end of the Shrine. Designed by Leo Friedlander this majestic monument stands 23 feet tall.

The Torch of Liberty lies at the base of the statue and represents everlasting patriotism while a memorial of flying flags representing the divisions in combat flies at the south end of the memorial. Guided tours of the Virginia War Memorial can be arranged, and admission is free of charge.

621 S. Belvidere Street, Richmond, Virginia, Phone: 804-786-2060


20. Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site

Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site
© Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site


Learn more about Maggie L. Walker, one of America’s pioneer civil rights activists who grew in recognition and acclaim during the Jim Crow era. The commander of a fraternal organization named the Order of St Luke, Maggi Lena Walker is credited for helping the IOSL grow to more than 100,000 members across 24 states, and for leading them in a manner that boosted racial pride, created advancements for women, and helped uplift the economy. The historic site preserves the family home of Maggie Walker, where she and her family lived from 1905 until her passing in 1934. By 1978, the home became a national historic site and is today regularly visited. Visitors can see Ms. Walker’s belongings, the original furnishings of the home, and learn many stories from her legacy.

600 N 2nd Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, Phone: 804-771-2017


21. Richmond International Raceway

Richmond International Raceway
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Pay a visit to one of the world’s popular motorsports facilities at the Richmond Raceway. Regarded as “America’s Premier Short Track”, the Richmond International Raceway is home to NASCAR races like the NASCAR Cup Series, the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series, as well as the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Apart from watching exciting races, the raceway is also open to tours from Monday to Friday on non-race weeks. Tours will take fans through the special locations in the raceway including a walk on the track itself, pits, and other such areas that fans wouldn’t normally be able to see. Tours depart from the administrative office every hour, but the raceway encourages visitors to book their tours ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Browse VA beaches

600 E Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 2322, Phone: 804-228-7500


22. The Valentine

The Valentine
© The Valentine


For more than a century The Valentine has been working hard to preserve, interpret, and collect items from Richmond’s glorious 400-year history. Nestled in the very heart of the city’s historic downtown district, The Valentine welcomes locals and tourists alike to peruse its many exhibits and soak in unique and diverse stories from Richmond’s illustrious past. Visits to The Valentine aren’t limited by just the galleries as they also host several popular tours. Discover the city on foot while you hear about precious moments of time through the Richmond History Tours, stop by the 1812 Wickham House to see preserved piece of the 1800s, or take a guided tour of The Valentine’s in-house exhibits and collections.

1015 East Clay Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219-1527, Phone: 804-649-0711


23. Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System)

Pony Pasture Park (James River Park System)
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A gorgeous addition to the James River Park System is the Pony Pasture Rapids Park. Popular amongst locals and visitors alike, the park is a beloved urban paradise in the city and a great place to enjoy a beach-like atmosphere without actually having to drive to the beach. Soak up some sun while resting on one of the park’s many granite boulders, splash around in the river to cool off, or slide around amongst the rapids when the tide rises. On land, visitors can also utilize more than a mile’s worth of multi-use paths and trails great for walking, running, or biking. It’s not uncommon to see artists creating gorgeous paintings or snapping great photographs either.

7200 Riverside Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23219, Phone: 804-646-8911


24. Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia

Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia
© Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia

Come to the Black History Museum to hear incredible stories from black history, see beautiful works of art by black artists, and to learn more about the distinct, beautiful, and timeless culture for African Americans. The Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia has spectacular learning opportunities and multi-dimensional means of sharing key moments in history. While there are many great exhibits, some of the highlights of the museum include the Black History Timeline, the Civil Rights gallery, the Jim Cros, Massive Resistance, Desegregation, and the Richmond 34 galleries.

122 West Leigh Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220; Phone: 804-780-9093


25. Children’s Museum of Richmond

Children’s Museum of Richmond
© Children’s Museum of Richmond

One of the best ways for kids to learn is through play, and at the Children’s Museum of Richmond, there is no shortage of undeniably fun activities that are designed to teach kids critical skills, language development, and even social skills. At the museum, children, and even their caregivers, can participate in great learning opportunities and activities. Some of the exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Richmond include the Little Farm, the Hospital and Ambulance Gallery, and the Living Tree House. The museum also hosts annual events that are great for locals and visitors alike such as the Legendary Santa event and the Snow Ambassador Scholarship. This non-profit organization even hosts annual tuition raffles for families in need.

2626 West Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220, Phone: 804-474-7062


What is Richmond, Virginia known for? What to do.

What are the top attractions to visit in Richmond, Virginia?


The top attractions to visit in Richmond, Virginia according to local experts are:



Attraction Spotlight: Children's Museum of Richmond

The Children’s Museum of Richmond offers hands-on activities and educational experiences across four Richmond area locations. The museum’s activities and exhibits center around three main themes, Play, Learn and Impact. Play happens at each of the four locations, Central (downtown Richmond), Chesterfield, Fredericksburg and Short Pump.

Over 70 interactive and educational exhibits offer learning opportunities through role-play and exploration. Exhibits include the Living Tree House, a multi-level climbing and play exhibit that includes live animals such as turtles, frogs and mice, and engages both the muscles and the mind. The Dairy Cow is a life sized replica cow that can be milked, this exhibit is partnered with the Wegman’s Grocery exhibit where children can take their carts through a store and make shopping choices which teach them about food and nutrition.

The Silver Diner is a replica 1950’s diner where children play with organizational and sequencing skills. Water Play teaches problem solving and math skills as small boats make their way through a water maze. The Dino Dig Pit is an updated version of the sandbox, with dinosaurs to unearth beneath the sand. The Ant Farm is a self-directed maze that places kids in a life sized ant farm. Future Me allows children to explore careers through the use of an interactive touch screen which matches personal interests and goals.

The Children’s Garden is an outdoor organic vegetable garden. Kids learn to make a connection about where their food comes from and spend time in nature. Each location has a Book Nook where kids can enjoy quiet time and read on their own, or listen to a story time. Through the Book Bank program, children may take home one book of their choice per year from any Book Nook.

History: The Children’s Museum of Richmond began with the name Richmond Children’s Museum in 1977 when the museum was granted the opportunity to rent downtown Richmond’s Navy Hill School building, thanks to the permission of the City of Richmond School Board. The museum opened there in 1981 with the exhibit “Boxes, Blocks and Blueprints.” Almost 20 years later, in 2000, the museum opened a new 44,000 square foot building on West Broad Street, 6 times the size of its original space. It now operates four facilities across the greater Richmond area. While each site has a few location-specific exhibits, most exhibits can be found at each site.

Ongoing Programs and Education: Programs at CMoR have had significant positive community impact. A partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University has involved over 26 graduate students who conduct research on child development at the museum through Seymour’s Living Lab. Over 48,000 books were donated to underserved communities through the Book Bank program. Scholarships and the Access for All programs have offered over 10,000 children free or reduced admission.

Special Nights for Special Needs is a once-monthly program offering free museum admission and specially tailored programming to families of children with special needs. Events open to the public include the annual “Christmas in July,” which includes hands-on crafting activities, live music performances, and even “snow” in the museum’s backyard. Star Wars Day included live music and dance demonstrations by students from the Passion Academy and balloon-twister lightsabers.

The Central, Chesterfield and Short Pump locations offer Summer Camps themed on engineering, science, or Legos. “10 Minute Talks” is a series of short talks where community organizations are invited to speak about their services. Past participants have included the Children’s Hospital of Richmond on the benefit of vaccines, the Virginia Home for Boys and Girls on their therapeutic services, and Connecting Hearts in Virginia, a non-profit advocating for foster care. The 10 Minute Talks are sponsored by Commonwealth Parenting, a partner of the museum that provides support for families, and skills to caregivers of children of all ages. CMoR is available for facility rental and birthday parties.

Group field trips can be arranged for children in kindergarten through third grade. All field trips align with Foundation Blocks for Learning, the NAEYC Standards and the Virginia Standards of Learning. For children in pre-school or daycare, CMoR brings field trips off-site with thoughtfully designed play and learning programs. Fundraisers for the museum have included the Fredericksburg tricycle race, Trikes for Tykes, the Birdies for Charity golf classic and the annual Twilight Carniball.

2626 West Broad St. Richmond, VA 23220, Phone: 804-474-7062


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Attraction Spotlight: Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site

Maggie Lena Walker’s Richmond, Virginia home is a National Historic Site and museum and is open to the public for tours. The exhibit follows Walker’s life from childhood to her death in 1934. A Richmond area bank president, community leader and civil rights activist, Maggie L Walker was among the most influential Virginia citizens in the early 1900’s.

The home is located in the historically black Jackson Ward neighborhood of Richmond. The historic site consists of 6 buildings, many repurposed as national park offices, one of which serves as the exhibit hall for the Maggie Walker historic site, and one of which is the Maggie Walker House itself. The home is a brick townhouse built in the Victorian Gothic style. The front of the home is decorated with a Colonial style porch and fabric awning.

Furnishings and décor in the home’s interior are a combination of Walker’s personal belongings, as well as period items from the 1920’s and 1930’s. Additional collections at the museum include artwork and personal items belonging to the Walker family, and the Walker family papers, a significant collection of photographs as well as Ms. Walker’s business papers, correspondence, speeches and diaries. The collection also includes a number of papers and artifacts from Walker’s business headquarters at St. Luke’s Hall.

History: Maggie Lena Walker (1867-1934) was the daughter of a slave who later became a bank president, newspaper owner and civic leader devoting much of her life to the civil rights advancement and economic and educational empowerment of her fellow African Americans. Maggie Walker was the leader of a fraternal organization named the Independent order of St. Luke. Under her leadership, the organization grew to over 100,000 members in 24 states, and in 1902, opened the St. Luke’s Penny Bank, making her the first African American woman to have founded a bank in the United States.

The organization opened a newspaper, the St. Luke Herald, and department store under her guidance, and became a catalyst for economic advancement and civil rights achievement. She was on the board of the National Association of Colored Women and served as both vice president and board member of the NAACP. The townhome, built by George W. Boyd in 1883, was where Maggie Walker lived with her family from 1905 until her death in 1934. When the Walker family purchased the home in 1904 they made several changes, including the addition of electricity and central heating.

The home went from 9 to 28 rooms as several bedrooms and enclosed porches were added. In 1928, an elevator was installed to assist Ms. Walker with access to the second floor. Although her health was declining and she was in a wheelchair at this point in her life, she remained active in the IOSL organization until her death in 1934. The home was registered as a National Historic Landmark in 1975 and opened to the public as a museum in 1978. Maggie Walker’s descendants donated the home and all its contents to the people of the United States in 1979. The site is now managed by the National Parks Service.

Ongoing Programs and Education: Park rangers provide one-hour tours of the exhibit hall and home. Prior to the tour, a 12-minute film recounts the life and history of Maggie L Walker and her impact on the Civil Rights movement in Richmond, Virginia and beyond. Hands-on interactive tours for children follow Virginia’s Standards of Learning. Field trips and group tours for all ages may be arranged. For those who cannot make it to the home, the Travel Trunk program brings classrooms to life with a visit of a trunk full of memorabilia and history from the museum. The Maggie L Walker Summer Youth Leadership Institute follows Ms. Walker’s vision of self-improvement and offers a two-week leadership program for Richmond area youth ages 14-18.

Past and Future Exhibits: “The St. Luke Hall: A Beacon of Black Business” tells the story of the Independent order of St Luke and its achievements and growth under Maggie Walker’s leadership. “A Woman of Fine Presence: Maggie L Walker’s Style” explores Ms. Walker’s sophistication and pride through a series of portraits and photographs. “History at Sunset” was a walking tour that began at a dedication of a Maggie L. Walker statue in downtown Richmond, then proceeded through a tour of the home and a celebration of her 153rd birthday, closing at the Evergreen Cemetery where she lies to rest.

What’s Nearby: The Maggie L Walker home and museum is located in Richmond’s historic Jackson Ward neighborhood. Podcasts are available for self-guided walking tours of the history of Jackson Ward.

3215 E Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23223, Phone: 804-771-2017


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