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

Child Labor in Virginia. NCLC Pamphlet No. 171

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Pamphlet by Alexander Jeffrey McKelway, Secretary for the Southern States, National Child Labor Committee. With photographs by Lewis W. Hine, staff…

At the Prohibition Ball: novelty song

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Musical score for voice and piano. Illustrated title page in blue, orange, and white; ballroom scene with clock showing midnight, ghostly figure…

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

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