President Joe Biden is set to sign a proclamation on Monday establishing a national monument in honor of Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in a presidential Cabinet. Perkins, who served as Labor Secretary during the FDR era, played a pivotal role in shaping policies of the New Deal and implementing safeguards in the national economy post the Great Depression.
The monument will be located in Newcastle, Maine, where Perkins had deep roots and was laid to rest after her passing in 1965. The site, which will be managed by the National Park Service, will be established on her family homestead.
During her tenure as labor secretary, Perkins was instrumental in the formulation of key legislations such as the Social Security Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the National Labor Relations Act, which granted workers the right to organize and engage in collective bargaining.
Interior Secretary Deb Haaland praised Perkins for her dedication to improving working conditions for all individuals, highlighting her tireless efforts in achieving her goals and setting a standard of excellence for public service.
The proclamation signing ceremony at the Labor Department is expected to be attended by various Cabinet members, labor leaders, and advocates for women's rights. President Biden will use the occasion to pay tribute to Perkins' legacy and reflect on his administration's achievements in advancing labor rights over the past four years.
In a related announcement, Haaland revealed the designation of five new national historic landmarks celebrating women's history, including sites in Charleston, South Carolina; Washington, D.C.; Petersburg, Virginia; and San Patricio, New Mexico.
