A national park has been established in honor of Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet secretary and a major force behind the New Deal. Her contributions to social justice and labor rights are honored at Maine’s Frances Perkins National Monument.
The United States has made history by formally designating the Maine homestead of Frances Perkins as the Frances Perkins National Monument.
President Joe Biden made the announcement of this honor on Monday, paying respect to the life of a lady whose unwavering efforts influenced contemporary American social and labor regulations.
A key player during the New Deal era, Perkins was the first female cabinet secretary of the United States. She advocated for workers’ rights, helped construct Social Security, and established important programs including child labor laws, the minimum wage, and unemployment insurance while serving as President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Labor Secretary.
Her commitment to enhancing the quality of life for regular Americans continues to have an impact today.
Perkins, who was raised in Massachusetts, found refuge in her family’s 57-acre homestead in Newcastle, Maine, where she spent her summers.
The Frances Perkins Center bought the property in 2020 and has been working with the National Park Conservation Association to get it designated as a national park. The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors can explore the serene grounds year-round, with seasonal access to the historic buildings starting in the summer. The new national monument is part of a broader initiative to honor women’s contributions to American history.
For those interested in learning more about Perkins’ groundbreaking legacy, the park offers educational programs and self-guided tours in the summer months.
