On Friday May 8, the Franklin Senior Center will host the performance Meet the Unsung Heroine Behind the New Deal. Frances Perkins was the first woman to serve in the US Cabinet and the architect of Social Security, Unemployment Insurance and a host of other worker protections and benefits. Miss Perkins will share stories from her years as FDR’s Secretary of Labor during the tumultuous years of the Depression/New Deal, and World War 11.

She will reveal the trials, triumphs, and trip-ups that characterize her 12 years in FDR’s Cabinet. Guests will gain insights into topics that include the list of demands she presented to FDR before accepting the appointment; the Depression; her largely unknown role in architecting the New Deal, including creating and implementing the minimum wage, and 40-hr workweek; reasons World War 11 nearly demolished her career; attempt to impeach her; WW 11 immigration issues; bedeviling family troubles; and relentless gender prejudice.

Janet Parnes of Historical Portrayals by Lady J, Millis will portray Frances Perkins.

This free event will take place 1-2pm at the Franklin Senior Center 10 Daniel McCahill Street

Franklin, MA on Friday, May 8.

Registration is encouraged. Register by calling the Senior Center at 508-520-4945.