Labor Arts: The Labor Hall of Fame

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)
Cesar Chavez’ plaid shirt is there, along with Walter Reuther's tyrolean hat, Sam Gompers' gavel and Lane Kirkland's harmonica. You can see this and other labor memorabilia at the Labor Hall of Fame, founded in 1988 "to honor posthumously those Americans whose distinctive contributions to the field of labor have enhanced the quality of life of America's workers." Located inside the North Plaza (3rd and C Street) of the DOL's Frances Perkins Building on 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W, the Hall of Fame includes portraits of all the inductees - painted by Dana Van Horn and Donald Gates - as well as memorabilia like Knights of Labor leader Terrence V. Powderly's compass and Mother Jones' battered leather purse, which she gave to a woman "whose husband was killed by company gunmen during the Paint and Cabin Creek mine strike of 1912-13" (this section of the Hall of Fame is on the second floor of the DOL, outside the Wirtz Labor Library). Though the exhibit is officially open during government working hours, heightened security can affect access; it can be helpful to call the AFGE 12 union office - 202-693-6430 - or the Wirtz Labor Library - 202-693-6600 - to have someone help get you in.
- report/photos by Chris Garlock