Grace Abbott: Protecting America’s Children

Description

Grace Abbott’s Grand Island upbringing influenced her advocacy for education and social justice as director of Chicago’s Immigrant Protective League. Writing and speaking for social reform–from women’s suffrage to world peace–Abbott became a leader in the struggle for federal child labor legislation. As Chief of the U.S. Children’s Bureau, Abbott shaped public assistance programs, especially to protect children and mothers. The presentation, done in costume, conveys the continuing relevance of Abbott’s work by exploring her efforts for the exploited. Lewis adapts each program to meet the interests of the sponsoring groups.