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

Father Forgive them for they know not what they do / Educate Don't Segregate [1963 Farmville, Va. protests]

VCU_Rev Goodwin Douglas Clara Gibson Main St Farmville July 1963 rsz.jpg

Protesters in front of Prince Edward County Courthouse, Main St., Farmville, Va., July 1963.The Rev. Goodwin Douglas, pastor of Beulah AME, with…

Anti-Suffrage Arguments. DANGER! [anti-suffrage broadside]

VCU_M9 B233 Anti suffrage arguments Danger socialism rsz2.jpg

A single-sided handbill published by the Virginia Association Opposed to Woman's Suffrage. The handbill argues that woman suffrage will lead to…

Suffrage Rally, May 1, 1915, Richmond, Va. [photographs]

VCU_M 9 Box 239 ESL of Va suffrage rally Capitol Square near the Washington Monumnent May 1 1915 rsz.jpg

These photographs document a suffrage rally held on the south portico of the Virginia Capitol on May 1, 1915. Dr. E. N. Calisch, rabbi of Congregation…