A former science teacher, Tom Levitt was a Member of the British Parliament from 1997 to 2010, representing the Labour Party of Tony Blair. Since then, he has worked with businesses, large and small, to promote a more responsible and sustainable economy; he now teaches Sustainability at the University of West London’s Business School. On visiting New York’s Tenement Museum in 2013 Tom learned of the Triangle Factory Fire and Frances Perkins’ subsequent role in campaigning for justice. In 2019 he toured New York state and Maine to research Miss Perkins’ story. His biography of her The Courage to Meddle: The Belief of Frances Perkins (2020), explores her record from an outsider’s perspective and asks how her policies are faring in today’s global economy. He explores her webs of connections and the wider impact of America’s first female cabinet member.

This event will take place in the Undercroft Room at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 11 Glidden Street, Newcastle, ME 04553