If you missed Lawrence O'Donnell's wonderful feature on Frances Perkins, you can watch the video here...

Did you know Frances Perkins?

Or did a friend or someone in your family know her? Filmmaker Mick Caouette ("Hubert H. Humphrey: The Art of the Possible") has begun production of a full-length PBS documentary on the life of Frances Perkins and seeks individuals who knew Frances Perkins and may have had personal contacts with her to interview. You may contact Mick directly at: southhillfilms@gmail.com or 612-206-1195.

We'd like to hear from you too! Please sign our guestbook and mention in the comments how you knew Secretary Perkins.

First woman to serve in a presidential cabinet, U.S. secretary of labor for Franklin Delano Roosevelt (and still the longest-sitting secretary of labor in U.S. history), Cornell University guest professor of industrial and labor relations, social worker, factory inspector, New York State commissioner of labor -- a pioneering woman in and ahead of her time, champion of the New Deal, close friend and advisor to FDR.

The Perkins family homestead on the Damariscotta River in Coastal Maine held a very special place in Frances Perkins's heart. She viewed it as a place of contemplation and refuge. With the advent of the Center, we are bringing her philosophy and the causes she fought for back to The Brick House, as it is known. The Center will provide a place for students, scholars, and policy makers to research and write about subjects related to and inspired by Perkins's dedication to improving the lives of working men and women.