A premiere showing of the recently completed documentary, “Highlights of the Life and Legacy of Frances Perkins,” will begin at 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, at Skidompha Library’s Porter Theater at 184 Main St., Damariscotta. A panel of experts with Q&A and reception will follow, according to a news release from the Frances Perkins Center in Newcastle.

The 2018 Mount Holyoke College intern Allison Kelley with two of the six Frances Perkins Center traveling exhibit panels. Photo courtesy of the Frances Perkins Center

The center has partnered with the Newcastle Historical Society and the Damariscotta Historical Society to offer this event. In addition to the 30-minute documentary and Q&A, the Frances Perkins Center’s new six-panel traveling exhibit will be on display.

According to the release, Frances Perkins was the first woman to serve in a U.S. Cabinet, a key advisor to Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and a lifelong advocate for social justice and economic security. She is responsible for initiating groundbreaking New Deal programs including Social Security, the 40-hour workweek, unemployment insurance, worker’s compensation, and the minimum wage. The mission of the Frances Perkins Center is to share her history with organizations around the state and nation-wide.

This educational opportunity was made possible with the support of the Maine Humanities Council, Maine Community Foundation, Newman’s Own Foundation, Historic New England, and Katharine J. Watson. Because of their generosity, the center is able to share this documentary and traveling exhibit, at no fee, with the goal of providing students of all ages a chance to learn about Perkins.

Schools or organizations interested in more information can email the center at info@francesperkinscenter.org or call 563-3374.

To attend the May 1 event, RSVP at francesperkinscenter.org, email info@francesperkinscenter.org or call 563-3374.