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

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

VCU_M 23 Box 2 f knickerbocker press May 1919 no 741 Salvation Army Home Service fund rsz.jpg

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

We Fight For Democracy, 1918 [Uncle Sam, Columbia, and Democracy]

VCU_M 9 Box 239 We Fight for Democracy 1918 rsz.jpg

Studio portrait of costumed figures before a sign saying "We Fight For Democracy." This photograph was taken during World War I.  Ralph Harvie Wormley…

Pogo Primer for Parents (TV Division)

PN 6728_P57 K4175 1961_Pogo Primer for Parents cover rsz.jpg

Children's Bureau educational publication designed to help parents supervise their children's television experiences. The booklet encourages parents…