On Monday, President Joe Biden is set to sign a proclamation that will create a new national monument dedicated to Frances Perkins, a pioneering figure in American labor history. This monument will honor Perkins’ monumental contributions as the first woman to serve in a U.S. presidential Cabinet and her tireless efforts in shaping the labor policies of the New Deal. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Labor Department in Washington, D.C., and Biden will make the official announcement during his visit. The location of the monument will be in Perkins' hometown of Newcastle, Maine, a place deeply intertwined with her legacy.
Frances Perkins' story is one of immense impact, resilience, and trailblazing. As Labor Secretary under President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to 1945, she was at the forefront of some of the most transformative policies in American history. Perkins played a key role in crafting the New Deal, which aimed to rescue the nation from the depths of the Great Depression and provide lasting protections for American workers. Among her most significant accomplishments were her contributions to the Social Security Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the National Labor Relations Act. These pieces of legislation laid the foundation for the American labor movement, securing workers' rights to organize and engage in collective bargaining—fundamental protections that continue to shape the labor landscape to this day.
In a statement released by the White House, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland reflected on Perkins’ legacy, emphasizing her critical role in improving working conditions for all Americans. "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," Haaland explained. "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." Her leadership in the Cabinet was not only groundbreaking for women but also set a powerful precedent for the advancement of labor rights in the U.S.
The new monument will be established on the Perkins family homestead in Newcastle, where she spent much of her childhood. This location holds personal significance, as it’s where she was laid to rest after her passing in 1965. With the National Park Service managing the site, this monument will serve as a place of reflection, education, and inspiration for future generations, ensuring that Frances Perkins’ remarkable legacy continues to resonate in the years to come.
President Biden’s decision to create this monument is part of his broader effort to recognize and honor the contributions of women and labor leaders throughout American history. In the final months of his presidency, Biden has made it a priority to celebrate those who have fought for equality, justice, and workers' rights. This proclamation not only underscores his commitment to advancing labor and women’s rights but also serves as a tribute to the foundational role these movements have played in shaping the nation’s progress.
Joining President Biden at the ceremony will be a number of prominent figures, including Secretary Haaland, Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su, and other Cabinet members. The event will also highlight the presence of labor and women's rights advocates, further emphasizing the significance of Perkins' contributions to both causes. This moment of recognition is particularly poignant, as it takes place just a few weeks before Biden’s presidency comes to a close.
This proclamation is not an isolated event but part of a larger movement to preserve and celebrate America's history through its national monuments and landmarks. Haaland, who visited the Frances Perkins homestead in August, has been at the forefront of efforts to ensure that women's contributions to American society are properly recognized. During her visit, she engaged with community leaders to discuss how best to commemorate Perkins’ legacy. Haaland’s announcement also included the designation of five new national historic landmarks that highlight important sites in women’s history across the United States. These include the Charleston Cigar Factory in Charleston, South Carolina; the Furies Collective and the Lucy Diggs Slowe and Mary Burrill House in Washington, D.C.; Azurest South in Petersburg, Virginia; and the Peter Hurd and Henriette Wyeth House and Studios in San Patricio, New Mexico. Each of these sites tells a unique and vital story about the women who shaped the nation’s culture and history.
As we look ahead, the creation of this national monument to Frances Perkins is not just a recognition of her achievements, but a call to action to continue building on the progress she helped secure. The policies she championed during the New Deal laid the groundwork for the modern American labor movement, ensuring that millions of workers could enjoy fair wages, job security, and access to social safety nets like Social Security. Her commitment to creating a fairer society continues to inspire those who advocate for the rights of working people.
In celebrating Perkins' accomplishments, we also honor the countless women who have contributed to the advancement of society, often in the face of significant adversity. This national monument is a testament to their hard work, determination, and unyielding belief in the power of positive change. Just as Perkins paved the way for future generations of women leaders, this monument will stand as a beacon for all who seek to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
In conclusion, President Biden’s signing of the proclamation establishing the Frances Perkins National Monument is a significant moment in American history, one that honors a woman who helped reshape the nation's labor policies and champion workers' rights. It is a reminder that the fight for social and economic justice is ongoing, and it calls on all of us to continue the work that Perkins began. As the monument is established in her hometown of Newcastle, Maine, it will stand as a lasting tribute to a woman whose impact will never be forgotten.
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