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

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:…

American Federation of Labor Song

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Illustrated title page in blue, white and black with the seal of the American Federation of Labor and 4 small scenes of a printer, machinist,…

Equal Suffrage League of Richmond, Va., February, 1915

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Equal Suffrage League of Richmond, Va. in front of Washington Monument, Capitol Square, Richmond. The members of the ESL were promoting the suffrage…