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

Southern White Women on Lynching and Mob Violence [pamphlet]

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From front cover: "Excerpts from pronouncements of different Woman's State Committees on Race Relations"Statements from Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia,…

Protect our American Youth by Prohibiting the Liquor Traffic

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Woman's Christian Temperance Union placard. A stick handle was once attached to this sign.

Virginia School for the Blind, Charlottesville, Virginia

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"The intent and purpose of this leaflet is to acquaint its readers with the immediate importance of the Virginia General Assembly making an…