Explore the history of American social reform and social services 

The Social Welfare History Image Portal brings together photographs, pamphlets, artifacts and documents chronicling the history of the nation's response to human need. This history includes the work of volunteer organizations, reform movements, social workers, and government legislation and systems.

Featured Items

Burnt Cork and Crime

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Pamphlet published by the Commission on Interracial Cooperation, an organization which opposed lynching and promoted interracial dialogue and…

Report of the Legislative Commission For the Blind, 1920-21 [Commonwealth of Virginia]

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A report made to the Governor and Members of the General Assembly of Virginia by the first Commission for the Blind.The report's Appendix includes:…

Interracial Conference of Church Women, Eagles Mere, Pa., September 21-22, 1926

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Group portrait of attendees at the Interracial Conference of Church Women, Eagles Mere, Pa., September 21-22, 1926. The conference was held by the…