Free Richmond events to celebrate Maggie Walker's 160th birthday

Richmond's Maggie L. Walker, a civil rights activist who became the first Black woman in the U.S. to own a bank, was born 160 years ago this month.

Why it matters: Richmond has over two weeks' worth of free events to celebrate her July 15 birthday starting this weekend.

Here's the breakdown.

Friday, July 5

5-6pm: The Black History Museum is kicking it off at the Maggie Walker statue in Jackson Ward with a storytelling program and a parade to Gallery5.

6-7:30pm: Gallery5 , which has an RPS student art show dedicated to Walker's legacy from 5-9pm, will have music from the Love Movement and more.

July 9-20

Tuesday through Saturday, 9am-4:30pm:

• The Maggie Walker National Historic Site in Jackson Ward has a "160th Birthday Display" with never-before-seen items that Walker owned.

Tuesday through Saturday, 10-11am and 1-3pm:

• You can go on a guided tour of Walker's house that includes audio recordings from her grandchildren about what it was like to grow up there.

Saturday, July 13

8-11am: Richmond's Parks and Rec has a "Volunteer Day of Service" during which participants will meet at Abner Clay Park and do service projects around Jackson Ward like:

• Trash pickup .
• Tree care at the park .
• Work at the Gilpin Community Garden .

2-4pm: Richmond Public Library on 101 E. Franklin St. has a lecture on Walker's life and legacy.

Saturday, July 20

12-4pm: Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church has a pop-up market with workshops and a tour of the BHM. Register by emailing historyroom3@gmail.com.