President Joe Biden has designated the Frances Perkins National Monument in Newcastle, Maine as the 433rd addition to the National Park System. The signing ceremony took place at the Department of Labor with Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, and leaders from labor and women’s rights communities in attendance. This designation aligns with efforts under President Biden's Executive Order to enhance recognition of women's history in national parks and historic landmarks.
The monument honors Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in a Presidential Cabinet. Appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, she served as Secretary of Labor from 1933 to 1945. During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in advancing workers' rights and labor standards, including safety regulations, minimum wage laws, paid overtime, Social Security benefits, and child labor laws.
Secretary Haaland expressed gratitude for this initiative: “Frances Perkins was an incredible trailblazer. I am grateful to President Biden for taking this step to ensure that current and future generations will learn about her body of work.”
Perkins' early career involved advocacy roles within New York state government before joining Roosevelt's Cabinet. Her contributions were significant during the Great Depression through initiatives like public works programs that employed millions.
National Park Service Director Chuck Sams emphasized Perkins' impact: “American workers are truly indebted to Frances Perkins.” He acknowledged the partnership with the Frances Perkins Center in preserving her legacy.
Additionally, Secretary Haaland announced five new National Historic Landmarks focused on women's history across various states. These include sites such as The Charleston Cigar Factory in South Carolina and Azurest South in Virginia.
In line with promoting women's historical contributions, two reports have been released detailing strategies for federal agencies like the National Park Service to enhance recognition efforts.
Under the Biden-Harris administration, substantial investments have been made towards infrastructure and preservation projects commemorating women’s achievements nationwide. Recent grants support projects like rehabilitating structures within historically significant districts.
The centerpiece of this new monument is the Brick House on a 57-acre property along the Damariscotta River. Owned by Tomlin Perkins Coggeshall until its purchase by the Frances Perkins Center in 2020, part of it has now been donated for creating this national monument while maintaining collaborative visitor services with NPS.
This marks another site established under President Biden's leadership following others like Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument across Illinois and Mississippi among others throughout different states celebrating diverse histories integral to America's fabric today.
