Biden to Establish National Monument for Frances Perkins

Frances Perkins: A⁢ Legacy Honored

President Joe‌ Biden recently designated the Frances Perkins homestead in Newcastle, ‌Maine, as a new national monument. This action honors the legacy of Frances ⁤Perkins, a pioneering⁢ figure in ‌American history and⁤ a champion for social justice, economic security, and labor rights. Perkins shattered glass ceilings when, in 1933, she became the first woman appointed to a presidential cabinet. As President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Labor ‌Secretary, she played a pivotal ‌role ‍in shaping the New ‌Deal, a series of programs and reforms enacted to address the Great ‌Depression.⁢ Her dedication to improving‌ the lives of working Americans ⁤led⁤ to the creation of landmark legislation, including the Social Security Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the National Labor Relations Act. “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,” stated 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.” The Frances Perkins National Monument will be managed by the National Park Service, ensuring that Perkins’s life and work are preserved and shared with future generations. this designation comes as President Biden aims to solidify ​his legacy as a champion for labor and women’s rights,with just weeks remaining in⁢ his presidency. It also coincides with secretary Haaland’s declaration of five new national historic landmarks recognizing women’s history across the United States.

Reflecting on Frances Perkins: An ⁣Enduring Legacy

Today we’re joined by historian‍ Dr. Sarah Miller to discuss the recent designation of the Frances‌ Perkins homestead as a ⁢national monument. Dr. Miller, ‌welcome to ⁢Archyde.‌









Thank you for having me.









Let’s start with the basics. ‌ Who was ‍Frances ⁣Perkins, and why is her legacy crucial enough to warrant this honor?









Frances Perkins was a truly⁤ remarkable woman. She was the‌ frist female cabinet member in U.S. history, serving as Secretary of Labor under President ⁣Franklin ‌Delano Roosevelt. During her ⁢tenure,she played a pivotal role in shaping the New ⁢Deal,a series of programs ⁢and reforms designed to address the Great Depression. Perkins was a tireless advocate for​ working people, and her efforts led to the creation of landmark ⁢legislation like Social Security, the Fair Labor⁣ Standards Act, and the National‌ Labor relations Act.These programs ⁤continue to​ profoundly impact the lives of Americans today.‌ ‍ [ [1](https://abcnews.go.com/US/biden-establish-frances-perkins-national-monument-maine/story?id=116818613) ]









It’s clear that Perkins had a significant impact on American society. Can ⁢you elaborate⁤ on some of her key achievements and their lasting effects?









Certainly. Perkins’s ⁢commitment to social justice and ⁤economic security for all Americans is evident in her work. The Social ‌Security Act, for example, established⁢ a safety ‌net for elderly and disabled Americans, providing them with financial support when they needed it most. The Fair Labor Standards Act‌ set minimum ⁤wage and overtime pay standards, ensuring fairer working conditions for millions. ⁢ And the ​National Labor Relations Act guaranteed the right of workers ⁢to form unions and collectively bargain for better wages and working ‌conditions. These achievements fundamentally reshaped the relationship between workers ⁢and employers, and they continue to be⁢ cornerstones​ of American ⁣labor‍ law.











some argue that these⁣ initiatives created a sense​ of entitlement ⁤and ‌dependency on government assistance. What are your thoughts on​ this ​perspective?









That’s a complex ‌issue⁣ with​ a long history of debate. It’s​ important to‍ remember the context in ⁣wich these programs were created. The Great ​Depression was a time of⁣ immense hardship and suffering⁣ for millions of Americans. Perkins’s vision‍ was not to create a culture of ⁢dependency,‍ but ⁤rather to provide a safety net for those who ​had fallen through the cracks of the economic⁢ system.‌ The goal was‌ to empower individuals and families, providing them with the support ​they ​needed to regain their footing and contribute to society.









Do you think⁣ Perkins’s story still holds relevance ⁣today,‌ notably as we grapple with issues like income inequality and the changing nature of work?









Absolutely.‍ Perkins’s commitment ‍to ⁢social justice and economic fairness remains incredibly ‌relevant in today’s world. As we face ‌growing income inequality, ‍a​ changing job ​market, and the rise⁣ of precarious ​work, her legacy reminds us of the need to create systems‍ that ‍support everyone, not just those at the top. We must continue to advocate for policies that promote economic security,worker’s rights,and a ‌more just and equitable society.









Dr. miller, thank you​ for sharing your insights on Frances Perkins’s ​remarkable life and legacy. Her⁢ story is a powerful ​reminder that one person ‌can make ​a profound difference.











Thank you for having me.

## Interview with Dr. Sarah Miller: Unveiling the Legacy of Frances Perkins



**Host:** Today we’re joined by historian Dr. Sarah Miller to discuss the recent designation of the Frances Perkins homestead as a national monument. Dr. Miller, welcome to Archyde.



**Dr. Miller:** Thank you for having me.



**Host:** Let’s start with the basics. Who was Frances Perkins, and why is her legacy crucial enough to warrant this honor?



**Dr. Miller:** Frances Perkins was a truly remarkable woman. She was the first female cabinet member in U.S. history, serving as Secretary of Labor under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in shaping the New Deal, a series of programs and reforms designed to address the Great Depression. Perkins was a tireless advocate for working people,and her efforts led to the creation of landmark legislation like social Security,the Fair Labor Standards Act,and the National Labor Relations act.These programs continue to profoundly impact the lives of Americans today. [1](https://abcnews.go.com/US/biden-establish-frances-perkins-national-monument-maine/story?id=116818613)



**Host:**



It’s clear that Perkins had a meaningful impact on American society. Can you elaborate on some of her key achievements and their lasting effects?



**Dr. Miller:**



absolutely. One of Perkins’s most significant achievements was the creation of Social Security. Before Social Security, elderly Americans faced widespread poverty and insecurity. Perkins fought tirelessly to establish this safety net, ensuring millions of Americans would have financial support in their retirement.



The Fair Labor Standards Act is another landmark achievement. It established the minimum wage, overtime pay, and restrictions on child labor, dramatically improving the lives of workers across the country.



The National Labor Relations Act, also known as the Wagner Act, empowered workers to form unions and bargain collectively with their employers. This legislation gave workers a voice in their workplaces and helped to ensure fairer labor practices.



**Host:** These are indeed remarkable achievements. How has Perkins’s work shaped the social and economic landscape of America?



**Dr. Miller:** Perkins’s work fundamentally reshaped the relationship between government, business, and citizens. Her emphasis on social safety nets and worker rights helped to create a more just and equitable society. Her legacy continues to inspire advocates for social and economic justice today. The designation of her homestead as a national monument is a fitting tribute to her enduring legacy and a reminder of the power of one person to make a difference in the world.



**Host:**



Thank you,Dr. Miller, for shedding light on the extraordinary life and achievements of frances Perkins.



**Dr. Miller:**



It was my pleasure.