Frances Perkins Center

08/26/2026

Frances Perkins was guided by the hope that all Americans could prosper with fair pay, workplace safety, and financial security in old age. As Labor Secretary under FDR, she was responsible for New Deal legislation like the Social Security Act and Fair Labor Standards Act that we benefit from today.

Whether you are headed to Roosevelt Campobello International Park with a stop at West Quoddy Head Light, exploring Acadia National Park or traveling inland to , the Frances Perkins National Monument is conveniently located 1.5 miles off coastal Rt. 1 in scenic Newcastle, ME.

Come learn more about Frances Perkins, be inspired by her life and legacy, and enjoy the serene 57-acre Perkins family homestead with a 1.3-mile loop trail to the Damariscotta River.

Open 9-3, Wednesdays-Sundays, through October 11

08/18/2026

Even before you step inside, Twelve Maine Women: Portraits of Change gives you a reason to stop and look. The faces filling the gallery windows at 16 State have been catching the attention of people passing by, and the exhibition becomes even more compelling once you walk through the door.

Visit during regular gallery hours:

Wednesdays, 10 AM to 2 PM
Fridays, 3 to 6 PM
Saturdays, 10 AM to 2 PM

Because 16 State is also home to the Heart of Ellsworth office, you may find the gallery open at other times, too. If you are walking by and the lights are on, there is a good chance the door is unlocked. Come in and take a look.

The exhibition continues through September 25, with two more opportunities to experience its stories together. Join us September 15 for The New Deal at Work, followed, followed by Voices & Visions, an art making and song gathering for all ages, on September 19.

Find event details and learn more about the exhibition:
www.makerspaceat16state.org/in-the-gallery/twelve-maine-women-portraits-of-change

08/14/2026

91 years ago, on August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law—a historic capstone in the career of Frances Perkins, Secretary of Labor for FDR and chief architect of the legislation. When monthly benefit payments began in 1940, they reached just 222,000 beneficiaries. Today, in 2026, over 75 million Americans rely on Social Security payments. Thank you Frances Perkins for steadfast leadership and innovative ideas that continues to improve the lives of all Americans.

08/05/2026

⭐️Join us Tuesday Aug 11th at 5:30 PM ⭐️ for this special evening starting with a viewing of the summer exhibit, Twelve Maine Women: Portraits of Change by Robert Shetterly, (Heart of Ellsworth Gallery, 16 State St, Ellsworth) followed by a panel discussion next door at the Ellsworth Public Library.

What does it mean to lead, protect, and advocate in Maine today? These dynamic presenters will explore the trailblazing leaders who are shaping the state’s social, political, and cultural landscape. Drawing inspiration from the enduring legacy of Frances Perkins and the diverse, powerful generations of Maine women who have championed progress, our speakers will explore the intersections of policy, environmental stewardship, Indigenous sovereignty, and community organizing.

🎟️ Tickets are available from American's Who Tell the Truth in advance or at the door. See Learn More below ⬇️

Panelists:

🎙️ Amanda Hatch, Executive Director of the Frances Perkins Center

🎙️ Maulian Dana Bryant, Executive Director of the Wabanaki Alliance

🎙️Chloe Maxmin, Environmental activist & co-owner of Begin Again Farm in Warren, ME

Moderated by: Darren Ranco, Chair of Native American Programs and Coordinator of Native American Research at the University of Maine

07/30/2026

We had a fantastic evening hosting Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce After Hours. Thank you to everyone who came and made the evening a success 🎉

07/29/2026

🎨 Join us for Twelve Maine Women: Portraits of Change ✨

Some stories deserve more than a single evening.

This August and September, Americans Who Tell the Truth is partnering with the Frances Perkins Center and Heart of Ellsworth to present Twelve Maine Women: Portraits of Change—a series of events celebrating twelve extraordinary women whose courage, leadership, and vision have helped shape Maine's history and inspire its future.

Whether you're joining us for the public opening, an engaging panel discussion, a fascinating historical talk, or our all-ages community event, you'll have the opportunity to explore the stories behind these remarkable portraits and the lasting impact of the women they honor.

📅 Event Series:
• Public Opening: Thursday, August 6, 5–8 PM
• Panel Discussion: Thursday, August 11, 5:30–8 PM
• Historic Talk: Thursday, September 15, 6:30–8 PM
• All Ages Event: Saturday, September 19, 10 AM–12 PM

These portraits remind us that history isn't just something we inherit—it's something people create through courage, compassion, and a commitment to making the world more just.

We hope you'll join us as we celebrate these twelve incredible Maine women and the legacies they continue to inspire.

✨ More details and registration information are available on our events page. We can't wait to see you there!

Because courage is contagious.

07/28/2026

👉Volunteers Needed - Come be part of welcoming visitors to the newest National Park Service site in . 🙌

The Frances Perkins National Monument and its philanthropic partner, the Frances Perkins Center, need volunteers from ✨August through October 11, Wednesdays-Sundays 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.✨ to welcome visitors, answer questions about the site, and help monitor indoor and outdoor areas.

Weekend shifts are a priority (with some weekdays available) with options for partial or full-day commitments. 🗓️

More info and to apply, click "Learn More" below ⬇️

↪️ Share if you know someone who might be interested!

07/27/2026

We are excited to co-host this Americans Who Tell the Truth exhibit and programs with Heart of Ellsworth at the Makerspace at 16 State in Ellsworth.

Go to ➡️ https://americanswhotellthetruth.org/events/twelve-maine-women-portraits-of-change/ for event details.

🗓️ August 6: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Opening Reception, FREE and open to the public.

📌 Heart of Ellsworth gallery hours:
–Wednesdays: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
–Fridays: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
–Saturdays: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The exhibit includes portraits of Frances Perkins; Samantha Smith; Heather Cox Richardson; Sherri Mitchell, Weh’na Ha’mu Kwasset; Deqa Dhalac; and Margaret Chase Smith.

07/26/2026