Last week, America celebrated the 90th anniversary of Social Security. Here at the Frances Perkins National Monument, we welcomed a record-setting number of visitors - many came to pay homage to Frances Perkins and give thanks for her part in creating the most popular and successful social insurance program in U.S. history.

A big thank you to everyone who visited the monument last week and to those who sent us articles, social posts, and newsletters from August 14th including the accolades below from past Frances Perkins Center honorees Heather Cox Richardson, Robert Reich, and Kathryn Anne Edwards.

We are looking forward to September 7th when we commemorate the 90th anniversary of Social Security by honoring James Roosevelt Jr. and Maine Women's Lobby for their commitment to preserving this vital social safety net. We will be joined by special guest U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree and hope you will join us!

Learn more and purchase tickets HERE

Heather Cox Richardson

2021 FPC Honoree - Intelligence and Courage Award

Letter from an American 8.14.2025

With the Social Security Act, Perkins helped to write into our laws a longstanding political impulse in America that stood in dramatic contrast to the 1920s philosophy of rugged individualism. She recognized that the ideas of community values and pooling resources to keep the economic playing field level and take care of everyone are at least as deeply seated in our political philosophy as the idea of every man for himself."

Heather Cox Richardson, is an author and historian with over 2.6 million subscribers to her newsletter Letters from an American about the history behind today's politics.

Robert Reich

2018 FPC Honoree - Intelligence and Courage Award

Watch this episode of Coffee Klatch with Robert Reich as he celebrates 90 years of social security by sharing why Frances Perkins is one of his personal heroes.

Robert Reich is a professor, lawyer, author, and served as U.S. Secretary of Labor (1993-1997). Pictured in 2018 with Sarah Peskin, Frances Perkins Center Board Chair Emerita receiving his honoree award.

Kathryn Anne Edwards

2012 FPC Honoree - Open Door Award

Kathryn Anne Edwards, PhD economist, opinion writer, public speaker, podcast host, influencer, and freelance economic policy consultant gives a shout out to Frances Perkins on the 90th anniversary of social security and shares her memory of visiting Maine to receive her award as the Open Door Honoree at the Frances Perkins Center for her commitment to economic security.

Event Reminder: Sunday 9/7, 4:00 - 6:00 PM

2025 Honorees

James Roosevelt, Jr. and Maine Women's Lobby

Purchase Tickets by 8/29

Proceeds from this event support the Frances Perkins Center mission and programs.

Watch MSNBC Interview

James Roosevelt, Jr., former Associate Commissioner for the Office of Retirement Policy within the Social Security Administration will be recognized for his work to strengthen and preserve social security programs. Throughout his career, Jim has worked across sectors to protect the most vulnerable Americans, tirelessly carrying forward the legacy and work of his grandfather, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

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Maine Women’s Lobby, a public policy advocacy organization that works to convene organizations to meet shared policy goals, build feminist leaders, and advocate for an expanded and inclusive social safety net for Mainers. Their work was pivotal in securing Paid Family Medical Leave in Maine, a program that builds on New Deal-era economic and social reforms to support even more caregivers and Maine workers.

Thank you to our generous event sponsors

THE ROOSEVELT

WARM SPRINGS

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