Perkins Homestead facts for kids
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Perkins Homestead
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National Park Service photo of the 1837 Brick House, 2012
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 478 River Rd., Newcastle, Maine |
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| Area | 57 acres (23 ha) |
| Built | 1837 |
| NRHP reference No. | 14000919 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | August 25, 2014 |
| Designated NHL | August 25, 2014 |
The Perkins Homestead, also known as the Brick House, is a very old and important home located in Newcastle, Maine. This 57-acre (23 ha) property is famous because it was the beloved home of Frances Perkins. She was an amazing woman who made history as the first woman to be part of the U.S. Cabinet. This means she was one of the President's top advisors! Frances Perkins spent many years here, both as a child and later as an adult. She always thought of this place as her true home. The homestead was recognized as a special historic place in 2009 and later became a National Historic Landmark in 2014.
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The Perkins Homestead: A Historic Home
What is the Perkins Homestead?
The Perkins Homestead covers 57 acres (23 ha) of land in Newcastle, Maine. It stretches from River Road down to the Damariscotta River. The main part of the property has several buildings. These include the beautiful brick house built in 1837.
The house is connected to a barn by several additions. There's also a small outbuilding nearby. This building has been used for many things, like a chicken house or an art studio. The property also has old stone walls and paths. These lead to fields near the river.
Who Was Frances Perkins?
Frances Perkins (1880–1965) was an incredibly important person in American history. She was born in 1880 and spent many summers at this homestead with her grandmother. Later in life, it became her main home. She and her family are buried in the family cemetery on the property.
Early Life and Important Work
Frances Perkins went to Mount Holyoke College. After college, she worked as a social worker in New York City. In 1911, a terrible event happened: the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. This fire killed 146 workers.
Frances Perkins became a leader in asking for better fire safety rules. Her work helped bring about important changes. She cared deeply about the safety and rights of workers.
Becoming a Cabinet Member
In 1932, President Franklin D. Roosevelt chose Frances Perkins for a very important job. She became the Secretary of Labor. This was during a tough time called the Great Depression. Many people had lost their jobs.
As Secretary of Labor, Frances Perkins helped create many new laws. These laws changed how workers were treated. She helped make the 40-hour work week common. She also worked to stop child labor. Plus, she helped create programs for unemployment and worker compensation. These programs still help people today.
Her Legacy and the Homestead
Frances Perkins spent her summers at the Maine homestead. She inherited it with her sister in 1927. She lived there and took care of it until she passed away in 1965.
The property was first listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. This was because of its historical importance. In 2014, it became a National Historic Landmark. This special title honors its connection to Frances Perkins.
Visiting the Homestead Today
The Perkins Homestead is still owned by the Perkins family. Sometimes, it is open for public tours. These tours are organized by the Frances Perkins Center. This center is based in Damariscotta, Maine. They help people learn about Frances Perkins and her amazing work.
