NEWCASTLE, Maine – The Frances Perkins Center, in partnership with the National Park Service, will host its inaugural Family Day at the Frances Perkins National Monument, offering an afternoon of free, educational activities designed to introduce children and families to the life and legacy of Frances Perkins. The event will take place on Saturday, July 11 from 2-5 p.m. at the Frances Perkins National Monument (478 River Road in Newcastle, Maine). Free off-site parking and shuttle service from Reny’s Distribution Center on Route 1 (731 U.S. Route 1) will run for the duration of the event.
Family Day will feature activities for a range of ages, including book readings, a scavenger hunt, crafts, games, coloring activities and a raffle. The event is intended to provide opportunities for families to learn about Perkins, the first woman to serve in a Cabinet position (Secretary of Labor under all 12 years of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency) who played a key role in shaping many workplace protections and social programs that remain in place today. Visitors can explore the self-guided exhibit in the 1837 restored barn and get their National Park Service passports stamped at the Welcome Center. A park ranger is expected to be onsite to deliver programs.
The event will also welcome two authors whose books highlight Perkins’ contributions to American history. Ruth Monsell, author of “Frances Perkins, Champion of American Workers,” and Jennifer Merz, author of “Steadfast: Frances Perkins, Champion of Workers’ Rights,” will participate in the afternoon’s activities. Copies of both books will be available for purchase.
“Many history books fail to acknowledge Perkins’ incredible legacy in our society, from establishing a minimum wage to being the force behind Social Security. Family Day helps us bridge that gap in awareness by connecting with both children and adults to explore Frances Perkins’ ongoing impact together through hands-on activities and storytelling,” said Kate Webber, curator at the Frances Perkins Center. “We are pleased to partner with the National Park Service to introduce new audiences to Frances Perkins and her enduring impact on American life.”
Additional information is available at FrancesPerkinsCenter.org.
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