DAMARISCOTTA — Barbara “Barb” Burt, longtime Democratic political activist, is scheduled to be honored by the Lincoln County Democratic Committee with the biennial Frances Perkins Award at a virtual celebration from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 1.

“Barb’s brilliant leadership, her careful cultivation of an enthusiastic volunteer base, and her innovative strategies surrounding person-to-person outreach during LCDC’s campaign efforts in 2018 and 2020 are what put Democrats over the top in races across our county,” said Chris Johnson, chair of the committee, in a news release from the committee. “We are thrilled to recognize Barb’s many significant contributions, bringing people together to advance the Democratic cause and especially our successes over the past four years.”

The biennial award recognizes a Lincoln County Democrat whose actions exemplify the continuing legacy of Frances Perkins, the first woman in U.S. history to serve as a secretary on a president’s cabinet. Perkins’ parents hailed from Lincoln County, and she spent her childhood summers on her grandmother’s farm in Newcastle.

Appointed by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Secretary of Labor Perkins was the lead advocate of the New Deal for Social Security, the 40-hour work week, workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance, as well as for laws regulating child labor.

Burt most recently worked as the executive producer of “Maine Challenge,” a bi-weekly 30-minute video program hosted by Betsy Sweet that illuminates issues and causes of interest to Maine people and is shown on community TV stations across Maine.

She was the first executive director for Newcastle’s Frances Perkins Center, not associated with LCDC’s Frances Perkins Award. In that capacity, she worked closely with its board to establish funding and develop a strategic vision that not only celebrates Perkins but carries on her mission of social justice and economic security through programming and outreach.

Burt also served as vice president and director of the Election Reform Program, at the voter advocacy organization Common Cause, and as online communications director for U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree’s successful 2008 campaign.

Reservations are now open and donations in honor of Burt, for those who are unable to attend the event, can be made at lincolncountydemocrats.com/fpa. Full details can be found at lincolncountydemocrats.com/award. Questions should be directed to Bates at 207-644-8776 or via email at info@lincolncountydemocrats.com.

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