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

James L. Farmer, Jr.

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James Farmer, founder of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). Sign behind him reads, “END SEGREGATION ACROSS THE NATION."

Police resistance, Passaic Textile Strike, 1926

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Martin Winkler of Garfield, New Jersey is arrested for resistance, after which he received a 10 day prison sentence.This event took place during the…

It's the Smart Little Feller Who Stocked Up His Cellar That's Getting the Beautiful Girls

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Musical score for voice and piano Illustrated title page: black/white/orange; drawing of a man in a wine cellar surrounded by womenComplete score…