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

July First. "Oh, where's the beer of yester year?" [editorial cartoon by J. F. Bronstrup]

VCU_Cartoon Magazine v16 1919 p54 Bronstrup Jakes Place rsz.jpg

Editorial cartoon by J. F. Bronstrup shows a saloon owner smoking a cigar outside his recently converted bar. The establishment window now advertises…

Little Wanderers’ Advocate.

Simmons_UMHLW_Little Wanderers Advocate cover rsz.jpg

The first 16 pages of this item describe the origin, mission statement, constitution, and founding board members of the Union Mission and Home for…

This Little Book Contains Every Reason Why Women Should Not Vote

VCU M 9 Box 48 This Little Book Contains Every Reason Why Women Should Not Vote cover rsz.jpg

Small booklet consisting of blank pages.