Frances Perkins papers

Collection

Identifier: MS-049

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The first collection was given by Perkins in 1945, shortly after she resigned from the cabinet. The gift came in response to a request from College president Dorothy Schaffter who was seeking to build an American's Women's Collection and is comprised mostly of committee reports.

Dates

Creation: 1928 - 1955

Creator

Perkins, Frances, 1880-1965 (Person)
MacCormack, Daniel W., 1880-1937 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

About Frances Perkins

Frances Perkins (1880-1965) was Franklin Roosevelt's Secretary of Labor for the duration of his presidency, serving as the first female member of the U.S. Cabinet. She was directly involved with crafting many of the most significant policies of the New Deal, including the Public Works Administration, the National Industrial Recovery Act, the Social Security Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Extent

6 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The collection consists of reports and documents retained by Frances Perkins at state and federal agencies.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in five series: Series I - Addresses of Daniel MacCormack, Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service from 1933-1934; Series II - Letters of Congratulations to Frances Perkins on her appointments; Series III - Correspondence and Memorandum; Series IV - Manuscrip materials; and Series V - Official Committee Reports.

Related Materials

Related collections include historian George Martin's collection for the research for his biography, Madam Secretary: Frances Perkins (MS068 George Martin collection of Frances Perkin). Also other collections of Frances Perkins papers are held by Columbia University, Mount Holyoke College, and Cornell University.