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

James L. Farmer, Jr.

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James Farmer, founder of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). Sign behind him reads, “END SEGREGATION ACROSS THE NATION."

Oration: True Americanism

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Pamphlet of speech delivered by Louis Brandeis at Fanueil Hall, Boston on July 5, 1915 in which he addresses the ideals and traditions he views as…

Dig In! [editorial cartoon by Fred O. Seibel]

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Editorial cartoon in support of the Salvation Army Home Service Fund by Fred O. Seibel, published in The Knickerbocker Press, May 1919. Mounted and…