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

You've got it...USE IT! [Richmond Crusade for Voters flyer]

VCU_M 306 Box2 f8 Crusade for Voters_Youve got it use it flyer rsz.jpg

Richmond Crusade for Voters flyer. A hand brings down a heavy hammer that says VOTE, and breaks a chain. Text:  you've got it...USE IT! Votes mean…

Oration: True Americanism

Brandeis_TrueAmericanism_01 cover rsz.jpg

Pamphlet of speech delivered by Louis Brandeis at Fanueil Hall, Boston on July 5, 1915 in which he addresses the ideals and traditions he views as…

“Open-air” classroom at Moore Street School, 1113 W. Moore Street, Richmond, Va.

Valentine_Open Air Classroom 1916_I_Cook1657 rsz.jpg

In the early-20th century, Europe and the U.S. saw the rise of “open air” schools intended to create healthy environments to combat tuberculosis using…