President Joe Biden officially signed a proclamation on December 16, 2023, to establish the Frances Perkins National Monument in Newcastle, Maine, honoring the historic contributions of the first woman named to the Cabinet and the longest-serving Secretary of Labor.
Perkins, who served under President Franklin D. Roosevelt for 12 years, is widely credited with her instrumental role as the driving force behind the New Deal, which transformed labor rights and social welfare programs across the United States.
During her tenure, Perkins championed landmark legislation including the Social Security Act, which provided financial assistance to the elderly and unemployed; the Fair Labor Standards Act, establishing minimum wage and overtime pay; and initiatives prohibiting child labor. Under her leadership, the National Labor Relations Act was also created, ensuring the rights of workers to organize and bargain collectively.
The proclamation's signing marks another milestone for the Biden-Harris administration, which has prioritized the advancement of women’s rights and the labor movement. Biden has consistently aimed to position himself as the most pro-union president in American history, underpinned by his visible solidarity with labor movements, including his participation on picket lines.
The announcement was made during Biden's visit to the Labor Department. "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, underscoring Perkins's tenacity and remarkable achievements.
Following Biden's proclamation, the Frances Perkins family homestead, known as the “Brick House,” designated as a National Historic Landmark, will serve as the centerpiece of the new monument. The homestead, spanning 57 acres along the Damariscotta River, has been described as not just a living space but as the lifelong source of inspiration for Perkins.
The historic site allows visitors to experience the same scenic paths and wooded trails Perkins cherished, continuing her legacy of advocating for labor rights and women’s empowerment. The White House described her contributions to labor laws and social welfare as foundational, helping evolve the role women played not just within government but throughout American society.
Reflecting on Perkins' nuanced identity, some researchers suggest she might have been the first LGBTQ+ Cabinet secretary, with biographical details hinting at romantic connections with her roommate, Mary Harriman Rumsey. Such aspects of her life add depth to her historical narrative, reinforcing the importance of diverse contributions to American history.
Biden’s proclamation arrives as part of broader efforts to highlight women's roles throughout the history of the United States. Alongside the establishment of the Frances Perkins National Monument, Haaland announced the upcoming designation of five additional monuments nationwide aimed at increasing the representation of women’s history within America’s historic sites.
The establishment of the Frances Perkins National Monument not only honors Perkins’s multifaceted legacy but also symbolizes the continued fight for labor rights and gender equality. The move to dedicate such a site affirms the narrative of women making significant strides toward equality and recognition within all realms of society.
Perkins, who passed away in 1965, has become emblematic of progress for women. Her burial site rests within Newcastle, adding emotional significance to the monument's location and heightening local and national interest.
With the monumental recognition of Frances Perkins, the Biden administration seeks to reframe her contributions within the larger story of American history, ensuring her name is remembered not just as the first female Cabinet secretary but as a formidable advocate for the rights of workers and women, setting the stage for future dialogue on labor and equity.
