Episode 21: Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site

Curator's Choice

This week we are at the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site in Richmond, Virginia, speaking with Ethan Bullard. We learn all about the wonder woman Maggie Walker: A strong black woman who was the Nation's first black female bank president, a civil rights activist, an advocate for social progress for women, an educator, a philanthropist, and a downright inspiration.
Ever heard of the graphotype, addressograph, or metered mailing machine? I had not, but we learn all about how they function, what they are, and how Maggie utilized them to spread her word. We also discuss the hockey-puck-sized pocket bank used as a fundraising device for loans for black youths seeking education.
Episode Links:

• Official Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site webpage: https://www.nps.gov/mawa/index.htm

• "Maggie L. Walker's story" orientation film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR3CexPZXEk

• Virtual tour of Maggie's Home: https://artsandculture.google.com/exhibit/in-her-footsteps-a-virtual-tour-of-maggie-l-walker-s-home-maggie-l-walker-national-historic-site/awLS_Z9D-zGYLw?hl=en

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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers