Biden to Establish National Monument Honoring Frances Perkins
Biden to Honour Labor Trailblazer Frances Perkins with New National Monument
Newcastle, Maine – President Joe Biden will travel to Maine on monday to establish a national monument honoring Frances Perkins, the pioneering labor secretary who played a pivotal role in shaping the New Deal and championing workers’ rights.
The monument, located on Perkins’ family homestead in Newcastle, will be managed by the National Park Service and serve as a testament to her enduring legacy.
“Frances Perkins accepted the position as the first female Cabinet member only after President Franklin D. Roosevelt agreed to support her goals to improve working conditions for all people,” saeid interior secretary Deb Haaland. “She worked tirelessly to see them to fruition, and she set a standard of excellence that is a beacon for all of us who serve.”
Perkins, a driving force behind landmark legislation like the Social Security Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act, left an indelible mark on American society. During her 12 years as Roosevelt’s labor secretary, she helped create safeguards for the national economy following the Great Depression and established workers’ rights to organize and collectively bargain.Biden’s visit to the Labor Department on Monday will mark the signing of the proclamation establishing the monument. He will be joined by Haaland, acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, and other Cabinet members, as well as prominent labor and women’s rights leaders.This proclamation comes as Biden seeks to solidify his legacy as a champion of women’s and labor rights, with just over five weeks remaining in his presidency.
Haaland’s visit to the frances Perkins homestead in August, where she met with community leaders, underscored the significance of preserving this historic site.In addition to honoring Perkins,Haaland also announced five new national historic landmarks recognizing women’s history:
The Charleston Cigar Factory in Charleston,South Carolina
the Furies Collective in Washington,D.C.
The Lucy Diggs Slowe and Mary Burrill House in Washington, D.C.
Azurest South in Petersburg, Virginia
* The Peter Hurd and Henriette Wyeth House and Studios in San Patricio, New Mexico
These designations highlight the governance’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating the contributions of women throughout American history.
Interview with Dr. Susan Malloy on the Frances Perkins National Monument
NewsDirectory3: Dr. Malloy, thank you for joining us today. President Biden’s announcement of a national monument honoring Frances Perkins has sparked a lot of conversation. can you shed some light on why this designation is so meaningful?
Dr. Malloy: Frances Perkins was a pioneering figure in American history,not just for women but for all workers. As the first female cabinet member, she wielded her position to champion workers’ rights and fundamentally change the landscape of labor relations in this country.
NewsDirectory3: Perkins is credited with playing a key role in shaping the New Deal.What were some of her most impactful contributions during that era?
Dr. Malloy: Absolutely. perkins was instrumental in the passage of landmark legislation, including the Social Security Act and the Fair Labor Standards act. These acts provided a safety net for millions of Americans, establishing minimum wage, overtime pay, and unemployment insurance. Her work during the Great Depression helped stabilize the economy and protect workers from exploitation.
NewsDirectory3: Beyond legislation, what else made Perkins such a formidable advocate?
dr. Malloy: Perkins was a fierce negotiator and a tireless advocate for social justice. She believed that everyone deserved fair treatment and a decent standard of living. she understood the struggles of ordinary working people and fought passionately to improve their lives.
NewsDirectory3: The monument will be located on Perkins’ family homestead in Newcastle, Maine. What can visitors expect to learn and experience there?
Dr. Malloy: The homestead will become a place where people can learn about Perkins’ remarkable life and legacy. It will offer a glimpse into her personal life, her upbringing, and the influences that shaped her views. Hopefully, it will inspire future generations to carry on her work in championing workers’ rights and social justice.
NewsDirectory3: This designation comes at a time when many are re-examining the contributions of women throughout history. how does Perkins’ story fit into this broader narrative?
dr. Malloy: Perkins’ story is a powerful reminder of the vital role women have played in shaping our nation. She shattered glass ceilings, overcame adversity, and became a true force for change. her legacy serves as an inspiration to women today who are working to make a difference in their communities and around the world.