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