Who is Frances Perkins?

Who is Frances Perkins?

Author: Liam Heffernan July 15, 2025 Duration: 39:09
America: The Story of the USA
HistoryCultureNewsPoliticsSocietySociety & Culture

This week, we are shining a light on one of the most influential women in 20th century America. She was the first woman to serve in a cabinet position in the US government, and her efforts to support Jewish refugees during the holocaust has carved a unique legacy in human history. So in this episode I want to find out more about her life, her work and her legacy, as I ask… who is Frances Perkins?

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Special guest for this episode:

  • Rebecca Brenner Graham, a postdoctoral research associate at Brown University, and the author of Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins’s Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany.

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Highlights from this episode:

  • In this episode, we uncover the life of Frances Perkins, the first female cabinet member in the US, and her groundbreaking achievements.
  • We dive into how Perkins supported Jewish refugees during the Holocaust and made significant contributions to labor laws.
  • The podcast explores Perkins' early life, her struggles for employment, and her eventual rise to prominence in American politics.
  • There's a focus on the historical context of Perkins' work, shedding light on the socio-political climate of the time.
  • Listeners learn about the legacy of Frances Perkins, particularly her role in shaping American labor policies during the Great Depression.
  • The conversation highlights the challenges Perkins faced as a woman in a male-dominated political landscape and how she navigated those obstacles.

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Additional Resources:

Dear Miss Perkins: A Story of Frances Perkins's Efforts to Aid Refugees from Nazi Germany by Rebecca Brenner Graham

Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938: Maximum Struggle for a Minimum Wage | U.S. Department of Labor

How the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire transformed labor laws and protected workers’ health | PBS News

Social Security History

Amazon.com: The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon

Amazon.com: Madam Secretary Frances Perkins by George Martin

The Woman Behind


Hosted by Liam Heffernan, America: The Story of the USA is a deep and ongoing conversation about the forces that have shaped the nation. This isn't just a history lesson; it's an exploration of how the past directly informs today's headlines and cultural shifts. Each episode brings together a remarkable range of voices, from Nobel laureates and acclaimed historians to veteran journalists, to dissect pivotal moments and current events with nuance and depth. You'll hear discussions that connect the dots between a centuries-old political decision and a modern social movement, or examine a breaking news story through the lens of long-standing cultural patterns. The aim is to provide a richer, more connected understanding of the American experience in all its complexity. By weaving together threads from history, politics, society, and culture, this podcast offers a comprehensive and thoughtful narrative. For those who want to look beyond the soundbites and understand the deeper currents running through the United States, this series serves as an essential and engaging resource. Tune in for a consistently insightful analysis that treats the American story as the living, evolving saga that it truly is.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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