Frances Perkins has been described as one of America’s most influential women of the first half
of the 20th century. Yet her story is only beginning to emerge from history’s dusty archives.
The portrayal will honor the 90th anniversary year of the signing of the Social Security Act
(August 14, 1935). Frances Perkins was the architect of Social Security and present as FDR
signed the Act.
Soak up stories from this Mass. woman who defied her Victorian upbringing to become the
country’s first female cabinet secretary (FDR’s Sec. of Labor). Frances Perkins was a driving
force behind laws that include the minimum wage, 40-hr. workweek, Social Security, and more.
Learn about the pivotal New York factory fire and her years of relentless campaigning to enact
laws to assure abused workers safety, sanitation, and justice.
Discover her secrets to building alliances and staring down political bullies to make government
a champion for retirees, working people, and children.
Janet Parnes of Historical Portrayals by Lady J, Millis will portray Miss Perkins.
Open to all, the performance is part of the Library’s One Book One Community program.
This is Part 1 of a 2-Part series. In Part 2 Miss Perkins addresses the 12 years she spent in the
FDR administration. Part 2 will take place at the Bridgewater Public Library on October 20 at 6
pm. Details to come.