Artifacts

"Battling Mary" Norton represented her Jersey City, New Jersey district for 12 terms, defending the interests of her blue collar constituency. Norton’s career was marked by her chairmanship of four committees, most notably the Committee on Labor, during which she accomplished greatest legislative achievement. The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 established the 40 hour work week, outlawed child labor, and set a minimum wage of 25 cents an hour. Dedicated to improving the lives of the working class, Norton said, "I’m prouder of getting that bill through the House than anything else I’ve done in my life."
Oil on canvas, Elaine Hartley, 1935, Collection of the U.S. House of Representatives




















































